The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and Briscoes are selling a slow cooker for just $39.99! What better excuse to indulge in an easy to prepare but hearty stew

Crockpots have been feeding families for centuries. Simple to prepare, low maintenance and bringing out the best in low budget ingredients are just three reasons why we should all cook slow. If you don't have slow cooker, you can try these recipes by using a large pot on a low heat electric ring.

Soul-food soup

Mckenzies soup mix is just $1.50 for 500g at Countdown, and you can feed a whole family twice with just a few extra ingredients. Add one whole bag of soup mix, two chopped onions, two cups of frozen mixed vegetables and three medium potatoes, diced, to the pot with nine cups of water. Add salt and pepper to taste, and a stock cube or two teaspoons of mixed herbs. Cook on a low setting for two to four hours, adding more water if you prefer a runnier consistency. Serve with a slice of bread.

Cheesy chicken and rice

Take four boneless and skinless chicken breasts and place them in the crock pot with a chopped onion and some salt and pepper. Add one can of condensed chicken soup, and 1.5 cups of stock. Cook on low for seven hours, or high for four hours. Half an hour before the chicken is ready, cook two cups of white rice in a pot. Mix with a drained can of sweetcorn and two cups of grated cheese. Place the rice mixture evenly on four plates, place one chicken breast on top of each and then pour the sauce over liberally.

Beef stew

Place 500g minced beef into the crockpot with one chopped onion, two cloves of chopped garlic, four slice carrots, two teaspoons of rosemary and thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Add two cans of diced tomatoes and a cup of water. Cook on low for six to seven hours and then serve over mashed potato.