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DON’T let your slow cooker gather dust until next winter.

You can use it to make tasty meals in spring and summer too.

Traditional goulash or beef stew, in red crock pot, ready to serve. Shallow DOF. More beef images:
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You could make beef stew in your slow cookerCredit: Getty
Vegetable soup, slow-cooked in a crock pot, ready to serve.
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Vegetable soup is also a great choiceCredit: Getty

With low running costs and cheap ingredients, you’ll make savings at the same time.

COLOURFUL COOKING: Slow cookers are not just for winter warmers such as soups and casseroles.

You can make lighter foods too, like a casserole of mediterranean vegetables or red peppers stuffed with rice, onions and tomatoes and even no-fuss baked potatoes.

Clare Andrews, author of The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cookbook, says: “You are in charge of the vegetables, meat and pulses that go in so you have more control over the goodness on your plate.

READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS

“You can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge or save even more by using frozen veg, or wonky ones that sell for less. The slow cooker loves all.”

Modern multi cooker and wooden board with vegetables on white table in kitchen; Shutterstock ID 1452485291; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
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You could choose to make a lighter food with your slow cooker, as you're in charge of all vegetables that go into itCredit: Shutterstock
Woman preparing rice with vegetables in multi cooker, closeup; Shutterstock ID 1463786672; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
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Rice could be a nice choiceCredit: Shutterstock

HAPPY HOURS: A slow-cooker meal may take hours to be ready, but that means you can go off and get on with your day while it cooks.

Having food ready for your evening meal, such as peri-peri chicken or green Thai curry from Clare’s book, will also help you side-step the temptation of a pricey takeaway or convenience food.

You will also be happy with the cost of making meals.

A slow cooker uses the same amount of energy as a traditional lightbulb, so you can have it on for hours without racking up big bills.

CLEVER CUTS: Meat can stretch a family budget, but a slow cooker turns cheaper cuts into magical meals.

Clare says: “Neck of lamb, chuck steak and pork shoulder cook beautifully in a slow cooker.

“The meat doesn’t get tough and the cooker also lets it absorb the flavours from herbs and spices.”

For a slow cooker dish for every season, try pulled pork served in a floury roll or pitta bread with a coleslaw side.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
I'm a lazy mum and I make the ultimate easy but winning dinner for my kids in my slow cooker - you just shove it in and leave it
raw and uncooked Roast pork with root vegetables in a slow cooker; Shutterstock ID 1932372311; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
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A slow cooker is a great way to cut the cost of meatCredit: Shutterstock
Plates with meat and garnish prepared in multi cooker on table in kitchen. Space for text; Shutterstock ID 1452485288; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
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Here's one lovely meal you could serve upCredit: Shutterstock
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup – this healthy hearty soup is brimming with fresh vegetables, protein rich beans and tender pasta and it has such a delicious flavor! ; Shutterstock ID 2318447445; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
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This hearty soup seems fit for the good weather yet to comeCredit: Shutterstock
Slow Cooker Boeuf bourguignon with Boletus edulis mushrooms on green background.; Shutterstock ID 1815289817; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -
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You could even make posh dishes like boeuf bourguignonCredit: Shutterstock

Deal of the day

DEAL OF THE DAY</p>
<p>FOR colourful cooking, the blue and white five-pan set from Asda is sizzling, down from £60 to £37.50.</p>
<p>SAVE: £22.50
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Save £22.50 on this blue and white five-pan set from AsdaCredit: Asda

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Cheap treat

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Grab this shampoo for 99p at Superdrug while stocks lastCredit: Pantene

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What's new?

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You could also win a chocolate tasting experience.

Find out more at aldi.co.uk/Design-an-Easter-Egg.

Top swap

TOP SWAP /SHOP SWAP</p>
<p>TREAT yourself to the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, £32 at Boots, or pucker up for the Rose & Caramel lip oil at roseandcaramel.co.uk, now £8.99.</p>
<p>SAVE: £23.01
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Grab this Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil for £32 at BootsCredit: Boots
Or save £23.01 by swapping to Rose & Caramel's version instead
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Or save £23.01 by swapping to Rose & Caramel's version insteadCredit: roseandcaramel.co.uk

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SAVE: £23.01

Little helper

ENJOY the M&S rotisserie deal for two for £12 – a whole chicken and three side dishes – saving up to £12.

You can choose from four types of chicken and ten sides.

Shop & save

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<p>SAVE: £1.45
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Grab selected Belvita breakfast soft bakes at Tesco for £1.50 with a ClubcardCredit: Tesco

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SAVE: £1.45

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