As we head into the summer months, my beloved slow cooker switches into high gear. See, I try and avoid using the oven if at all possible, so the slow cooker gets a lot of use. We all know you can save money and feed many by serving garden vegetables. One way I save is by having veggie night once a week. And sometimes the slow cooker helps me out.

All I do is rinse and slice vegetables, toss them in the slow cooker with just a tablespoon or two of olive oil and a touch of seasoning.

Now, I make a bunch of vegetables to feed my family. You notice the slow cooker is filled with veggies. We usually have some left over we can eat as a side with a meal later in the week. You might even want to freeze slow cooked veggies in meal-size portions.

• Our typical veggie plate simple supper  – served with a side of bread, usually biscuits, and maybe some macaroni and cheese.
• You may want to start your slow cooker vegetable career by simply making baked potatoes in your slow cooker and serving up a potato bar with all the toppings.
• You might like my Slow Cooker Love here at $5 Dinners.