Kitchen Antics

  I have a confession to make. I hate my crock-pot. So many women I know worship that stinking appliance, but I just can't. A friend of mine forced me to take one of hers a couple months ago because it "would save my life at dinner time". I've tried several different recipes, and while the turn it on and leave it angle appealed to me, I can't get behind the mushy quality of the food. Nothing is overcooked, it's just too soft. The meats fall apart too much and the veggies are goo. It's just not a great meal. There is no reason to have to eat like this when I can monitor a pot on the stove for half the time and twice the texture. Am I alone with my anti-crock feelings?