Time: Pink Floyd sang about it; no one seems to have any of it. Lack of time puts a serious hindrance on the food making process, especially if you're trying to avoid a microwavable meal. This leads me to the best kitchen appliance I know of--the crock-pot.

A crock-pot is a way to save time and still ensure a home-cooked meal. A typical 5-quart crock-pot will run about $25 and can be purchased at any store that sells small kitchen appliances. Trust me, the price is worth it. Also check out the crock-pot website for savings.

Remember those infomercials with the slogan "set it and forget it"? Well, that is exactly what you can do with a crock-pot. You can make roasts, stews, soups, and much more. The best part is that you can add all the ingredients in the morning, set a temperature, and not have to be around all day to check on it.

One of my favorite meals is pot roast. It's simple and easy to make and there are many ways to use the leftovers. For instance, the meat from the pot roast can be used to make beef stroganoff or pulled BBQ beef, which can both be made in, you guessed it, a crock-pot.

With winter around the corner, hearty meals like beef stew will be popular. Add your potatoes, carrots, beef, and a base into a crock-pot, set it on medium and stir occasionally. If you aren't handy with seasonings, check out the spice aisle of your local grocery store for crock-pot seasoning packets.  If you need recipes, most cookbooks contain crock-pot recipes, as does the crock-pot website itself.

A crock-pot meal will feed many and is perfect for leftovers! This appliance helps you create cheaper meals that will last and will feed lots of mouthsand.

A crock-pot is the perfect addition to any college kitchen.

By Amanda Stidd

Food Editor

Major: Political Science and Online Journalism

Hometown: Madison Heights, MI

Graduation Year: 2011

"There has never been a moment in my life where I wasn't positive I wanted to be a writer. The type of writer varied throughout the years, but the general theme stayed the same. I entered the political world in high school and was introduced to a life I absolutely love. Even after a devastating loss in my first campaign (remember that DeVos guy?), I knew it was my passion. Like writing, politics is a game of words and meaning... oh, and changing the world, of course. Combine the two together and you have my personal view of the perfect job; one I'd gladly do twenty-four hours a day. I love driving long distances, am undoubtedly sarcastic, and have an odd fascination with vineyards."

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