35 Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy (or Lazy) Vegetarians - Part 2

22. Overnight Oats

A popular recipe with the healthy living crowd, overnight oats are extremely adaptable to your tastes and available ingredients. Steel-cut or rolled oats work best because they are heartier and able to withstand longer cook times. Otherwise, pour in water or milk and add dried fruit to the mix. Let cook on low overnight while you sleep, so it's ready in the morning. (See also: 11 Ways to Eat Oats)

23. Sourdough Bread

Remember when I mentioned I purged my bread baker? Not to worry, you can slow cook it. This sourdough bread recipe comes complete with instructions for baking in the crock pot. I have yet to try this method, but the author — who was skeptical at first — discovered that the pot does indeed reach optimal bread baking temperatures. When I think about it, it's probably somewhat similar to the action of a Dutch oven, which is my favorite bread baking tool.

24. Cornbread

No, really. You can make pretty much anything in a slow cooker. Just mix together your favorite recipe, here's mine, and toss it in the cooker for between 1 and 3 hours (on high — just keep checking and check the center with a toothpick for done-ness). Alternatively, I've read you can buy a box of cornbread mix and use that instead. Either way, make sure to spray the inside of the pot liberally with cooking oil.

25. Bread Pudding

I've actually never made bread pudding anywhere but in my slow cooker, so I may be biased. This easy bread pudding recipe works great with challah or any other loaf you have around the house. For extra flair, toss in dried fruit or bananas, chocolate or spices. Really, it's up to you and it's an all-around crowd pleasing recipe.

26. Soy Yogurt

Yogurt is one of those grocery items I treat as, well, a treat at the store because the price is somewhat over my limit for individual goods. Making soy yogurt is much more economical and can be done in your slow cooker of all places. You will need a half cup of store-bought to use as an initial starter, but from then on — just save what you've made for each subsequent batch. I'm curious to see if this method might also work with almond or coconut milks.

27. Rehydrate Beans

This one isn't so much a recipe as it is a cooking method. Rehydrating dry beans in the slow cooker can help save you money and avoid the nasty BPA found in many canned goods. Just rinse beans, toss in the pot, and cover with water and salt. Cook up to 8 hours, depending on your intended use, stirring halfway through.

28. Mulled Cider

Simmering a large batch of mulled cider is a smart use of the crock pot. The enticing aroma of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves warms up the house on a chilly day. The drink infuses with the flavors in just a couple hours, making this recipe great for entertaining guests.

29. Applesauce

Slow cooker applesauce is a childhood favorite of mine. My mother would simmer the apples for hours and the sweet, spiced smell would fill the house. Just when I thought I couldn't stand the temptation anymore, my mom would crush the softened apples until smooth and it would be ready to eat. One of my favorite recipes uses maple syrup in place of sugar as a sweetener.

30. Stuffed Apples

If applesauce isn't your style, consider coring and stuffing apples with a spiced walnut mixture. Most cookers can accommodate 6 apples at a time, making a healthy, no-fuss dessert. I've been known to eat leftovers for breakfast, too.

31. Beer-Cheese Fondue

This party favorite is easily made in the slow cooker, so no dedicated fondue pot is required. Simply combine cheese of your choice (I love swiss and cheddar), grainy mustard, cornstarch, beer, salt, and pepper and cook anywhere between 2 and 4 hours. Serve with crusty bread, veggies, or anything else you like dipping in melted cheese.

32. Strawberry Jam

Convenience meets from-scratch! Slow cooker strawberry jam contains few ingredients (strawberries, sugar, fruit pectin, and lemon juice) and comes together in a matter of hours. Store jam in your refrigerator for a couple months or freeze for up to one year. (See also: How to Preserve In-Season Foods for Off-Season Treats)

33. Cheesecake

Another novel dessert recipe for the slow cooker, cheesecake can be dressed up in a multitude of ways. Try this plain cheesecake and top with fresh berries or this Nutella crunch cheesecake is just what you're looking for.

34. Chocolate Cake

When I initially came across crock pot chocolate cake, my mind was blown. I had never thought to use my trusty cooker in this way. Vegans might want to try out one of my favorite recipes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, which uses baking powder in place of eggs for lift. A scoop of ice cream on the side is optional, but highly recommended.

35. Hot Cocoa

There are many ways to make this favorite winter beverage in the crock pot. Try an Aztec variety spiced up with some cinnamon and chipotle seasoning. Or maybe some bittersweet cocoa or even peanut butter hot chocolate for extra indulgence. Much better than mixing together from a packet!