"cshenk" > wrote
>
> Yup. Got my first one in 1978. Mom had one and I could tell it had
> potential. (Mom's a lovely woman who's only failing is she's a very basic
> 'cook') So, I got one and learned to use it right. It's obviously easy to
> do soups and stews in one. Not as obvious but just as easy is a pulled
> pork or a smoked turkey leg version we do at times.

The problem is browning. For me, browning meat I am going to braise is
essential for flavor. You can't brown in a crock pot. Therefore I don't need
a crock pot. Anything a crock pot can do I can do with a pot brought to a
boil, covered and turned to a low simmer. One less pot to was every time I
braise, too. (Because I had to brown first in another pot.)