It is amazing how many people own a crock pot but are not sure how to use it. The Crock Pot is stored away in the cupboard, attic or basement instead of being utilized as the great piece of kitchen cookery it really is! If you are one of those people who is not sure how to use your crock pot, here are a few easy tips to get you started:

• When using a crock pot the meat always goes on top and the vegetables go on the bottom. Remember that vegetables cook slower than the meat. If you cook the other way around, the meat may not be cooked thoroughly and the vegetables can be tough -- even after hours of cooking.

• Avoid lifting the lid after you have added all the ingredients. Just one quick lift of the lid can set the cooking time back by half an hour! It also lets steam escape and this can cause food to get drier than it should be.

• Do NOT add a lot of liquid. The very nature of crock pot cooking allows for the food to get cooked with the steam that is generated. In fact, you will be surprised to find that when your meal is done, there will be almost twice as much liquid in the pot than before you started. The exception to this is if you keep your crock pot on and you are gone for 8 or more hours. Add an extra half cup of liquid in that case.

• Depending on your crock pot recipe, you can leave your crock pot on low for several hours without worrying about burned food. This makes it possible to put dinner on in the morning, go off to work and come home to a delicious meal. Who really feels like cooking after they have been working all day, anyway?

• Once you have all the ingredients in the Crock Pot, you don’t have to do another thing! Just let it simmer until it is done.

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

1. Cut up your vegetables. (Usually carrots, celery and potatoes). Put them in your Crock Pot.

2. Cut up your piece of beef or get out your pre-cut stew meat and add it to the Crock Pot.

3. Add 2 to 3 cups of water and a couple of bouillon cubes or use beef broth in place of water.

4. Sift one tablespoon of flour all over the top.

5. Place the lid on the Crock Pot and turn it on.

6. Let simmer on low heat for five or more hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.

7. Add salt, pepper and seasonings to taste.

8. Stir and serve.

Yes, it really is that easy. The best thing about this recipe is the taste. Hours of simmering brings a homemade flavor to the recipe that belies the simplicity of the cooking. This is true for just about any crock pot recipes you use whether they are vegetable crock pot recipes, port crock pot recipes or beef crock pot recipes.