Beef, turkey, or chicken stew is a perfect stick-to-your-bones meal during the cold winter and fall months. "Beef stew is really nice in the slow cooker," Laidlaw said. "That's something I grew up ...

A slow cooker and a crock pot are essentially the same thing. The Crockpot brand is a type of slow cooker – the appliance became popularized after their release in the 1970s.

All you need for this recipe are some russet potatoes, a slow cooker, and your favorite toppings. Simply wash and dry the potatoes, prick them with a fork, rub them with salt (if desired), wrap ...