Ready and waiting By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen

Four mouth-watering, no-fuss meals from slow cooker to table. Does it get any better?

Convenient, versatile (and now so stylish), slow cookers are the perfect way to enjoy a hot family meal that is ready when you are. Here are four recipes to get you through the busy winter months, taking you from weeknight dinners to casual entertaining. There are also directions for small slow cookers as well as stovetop versions for those who haven't yet joined the slow-cooker revolution.

Adapt to the slow cooker
It's easy to adapt favourite braised recipes for the slow cooker if you keep a few basics in mind.

• Because root vegetables often take longer to cook than meat, cut them into peices no longer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) and place them under meat or poultry, where it is hotter.
• Liquid doesn't evaporate from the slow cooker as in oven or stove-top braising. Most slow-cooker recipes require about half the liquid. Stir in thickening agents near the end.
• The flavour of dried herbs and spices dilute in the slow cooker. Try increasing them by half or sprinkling with more at the end.
• Green peppers turn bitter when cooked for a long time so add them near the end.

Size matters • Slow cookers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so choose one that best suits your needs.
• For 4 to 8 servings, choose 20- to 24-cup (5 to 6 L) slow cooker.
• For 2 to 4 servings, choose 10- to 16-cup (2.5 to 4 L) slow cooker.
• For small ammounts, such as dips, sauces and appetizers, choose 2-cup (500 mL) and 6-cup (1.5 L) slow cookers.