A Slow-Cooker Dish A Day: December

Bacon, garlic, and red wine imbue humble chuck roast with robust character and rich beef-bourguignon flavor as the meat transforms in the slow cooker. Serve sliced or in chunks over Creamy Mushroom Grits.

When you have a house full of holiday guests who'd enjoy a wholesome, hearty breakfast at their own pace, the slow cooker can come to your rescue. Get it going first thing, and let folks serve themselves when they're ready to eat.

This soup is simple, savory and extremely soothing on a cold winter night. To serve twelve to sixteen, make two batches of soup instead of doubling the recipe.

Make this cake when you don't have oven space but want something special after dinner. If you like, serve it with vanilla ice cream instead of crème fraîche, or substitute other favorite fruit for the pears and cranberries.

The intriguing combination of lamb, saffron, sweet spices, and dried plums makes this slow-cooker meal suitable for supper club and easy entertaining.

This vegetarian soup has a mild chile flavor. If you want more heat, increase the amount of chili powder and don't seed the jalapeños.

This cider is perfect for a party because it can be cooked and served out of the same dish--your trusty slow cooker!

Cheesecake in the slow cooker? You betcha! Don't miss out on this decadent chocolate and peanut butter creation.

Topped with fresh chives and parsley, this flavorful Hungarian dish will delight your taste buds. Serve over egg noodles to help soak up the sauce.

Ginger infuses this lemony hot toddy with spiciness--the perfect antidote to chilly winter weather.

Thick as fog yet pure as rain, this soup deserves an accompaniment of homemade corn bread or biscuits.

Sauerkraut balances the sweetness of the apricot preserves and orange juice. Slow cooking tenderizes the pork and dried fruit.

We left the skins on the McIntosh apples to provide texture and color to this favorite fruit dish.

Thanks to your slow cooker, a memorable meal doesn't require hours in the kitchen on your part--just the slow cooker's.

For Asian Pot Roast, we simmer ginger and garlic in a slow cooker for a delicious twist on a traditional cold-weather pot roast.

This white bean dip gets its flavor from a combination of roasted garlic, rosemary, and kalamata olives and its smooth texture from ricotta cheese. If time allows, pick up a baguette and make your own crostini at home, or just serve with crackers.

This slow-cooker apple crisp will fill your home with a wonderful aroma and fill your belly with sweet happiness.

A holiday favorite just got easier--and frees up valuable oven space--thanks to your slow cooker. With minimum ingredients and delicous flavor, this slow-cooker ham won't disappoint.

All your favorite ingredients are featured in this easy slow-cooker version of Spaghetti Casserole.

If you're throwing a big holiday party and your stove is full, use a slow cooker to simmer up this tangy mulled wine. Set up the slow-cooker in the kitchen or on a dining table, and let guests serve themselves.

Drench tender lamb shanks in perfectly seasoned veggies and savory cannellini beans. You'll be surprised at the remarkable taste!

Salsa and chili powder add spice to this chicken stew, but probably not too much for timid tasters or kids. If you want to kick up the heat, use a hot salsa and a dash of hot sauce or ground red pepper.

Candy making has never been so easy! The slow cooker is the perfect tool to keep this candy mixture warm while you're spooning it out. Plus, the nut clusters make a sweet holiday gift.

This holiday-ready ham calls for just five ingredients (ham included!) to create a mouthwatering, flavorful main dish. As a bonus, this ham cooks in a slow-cooker, freeing up your oven for savory side dishes and dessert.

Slow cook your way to Christmas dinner with this savory turkey and dressing. Simmering for 5 hours in butter, onion, celery, and cranberries, this dish is a flavorful and tender treat for your tastebuds.

Here's a new twist on an old favorite. Serve Pumpkin Pie Pudding straight out of the slow cooker for a warm and festive fall treat.

For slow-cooked comfort, feast on Wine-Braised Oxtails. It's the perfect dish on a cold winter day.

Apple pie spice and ground ginger liven up the holiday flavor in Gingerbread Cocoa.

Serve with jasmine rice to help soak up some of the sauce. Snow peas make a great side dish for rounding out your meal.

Dazzle your guests with fragrant Holiday Gingerbread Pudding that's prepared entirely in your slow cooker.

Hoppin' John is said to bring good luck all year when eaten on New Year's Day. Make the tradition easier with this slow-cooker recipe.