Who has time for barbecue?

Remember when kids could just go out and play? Gone are the days when they could ride their bikes to a friend's house or go down to the schoolyard for a pick-up game of baseball or football. Our lives now are all about schedules. If the children want to play, we have to plan playdates and then try to fit them in around soccer practice, dance class, and Tae Kwon Do. If we time it just right, we can grab a few burgers or a pizza on the way home--but is fast-food really the best answer?

We've found a way to work delicious, home-cooked meals into our busy days thanks to Rival's Crock Pot BBQ Pit Countertop Slow-Roaster. Granted, when most people think of barbecue, the first thing that comes to mind is the grill, but as any purist will tell you, authentic barbecue refers to slow-cooking. You know, tender and juicy meat, packed with flavor, that just falls off the bone. With this device, it really is quite simple: place the food in the stoneware pan; slather it with your favorite sauce; turn it on. Go about your day; dinner's done.

The BBQ Pit comes with a rack for holding whole chickens or roasts; it can be inverted for slabs of ribs. The cookbook lists some fabulous glazes and recipes for favorites such as BBQ Beef and Honey Mustard Wings. It also contains instructions for side dishes and desserts that can be made in traditional slow cookers as well as accompaniments such as Blue Cheese Buttermilk Cole Slaw and 3-Bean Salad.

When we finally get home at the end of another long day, there is no greater reward than having a wonderful hot dinner waiting to be served. For more information on the BBQ Pit ($89.99), visit www.crockpot.com.

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