If you're pressed for time, or just want to come home from work to a nice warm meal without much fuss, the crockpot is the answer. These slow cookers are experiencing a new wave of popularity with sleek new models available at reasonable cost.

My mother passed down her old orange Rival crock potto me several years ago and although atrociously ugly, it served me well, until I in turn passed it on to a friend after I received a shiny new Cuisanart that even has a timer.

Try this easy, low-fat recipe for chicken cooked in the crock pot.

Chicken & Apples

Prep time:25 minutes
Cook time: 7 hours, 10 minutes.

Ingredients:
6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp. dried marjoram leaves
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 Granny Smith apples, cored/sliced
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Preparation:
In a small bowl, combine thawed orange juice concentrate ( do not use regular orange juice), marjoram and nutmeg. Place onions and garlic in bottom of 3-4 quart slow cooker. Dip each chicken breast into the orange mixture to coat and place in crockpot over onions. Pour any remaining orange juice mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is almost cooked. Add apples and cook 40 to 50 minutes longer on low until apples are tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl and stir into the juices in saucepan. Cover and cook on high heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is thick and bubbly , 10 to 15 minutes. Serve the sauce over the chicken and apples. Makes 6 servings.

Do you have any favorite crock pot recipes you'd like to share? Let us know at foodforum@dailygazette.net.