MONROE - Slow cookers may be one of the best inventions ever. Imagine being able to take a piece of meat - an inexpensive one, at that - throw it in the slow cooker with a few other ingredients and walk away.

And that's it. Go to work and go out and have some fun. Eight hours later, come home to the aroma of supper ready to serve.

You can find a slow cooker recipe that's appropriate for any occasion. Try the French dip sandwiches for a casual get-together. It can even be made ahead and reheated. But the real beauty of a slow cooker is even a pot roast or Swiss steak is easy enough for a weeknight family supper.

FRENCH DIP

1 beef chuck roast

1 can beef broth

2 packages dry au jus mix

1 package Italian dressing mix

1/4 cup water

Combine all in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, then turn to low and cook for 7 hours. Remove roast and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice very thin. Serve sliced beef on hoagie buns. Serve with cooking juice for dipping.

MOM'S FAVORITE

2 lbs. ground beef, browned and drained of fat

4 ribs celery, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 t. sugar

1/2 t. salt

1 can cream of mushroom soup

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Serve over warm biscuits.

SWISS STEAK

2 lbs. round steak, cut 3/4 inch thick

salt and pepper

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 14 oz. can tomatoes

Salt and pepper steak. Cut in serving size pieces and place in slow cooker. Add onion and tomatoes. Cover and cook 8 to 10 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles or rice.

Creamy Swiss Steak: Substitute 1 can cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup water for tomatoes.

POT ROAST

4 to 5 lb. pot roast

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 package dry onion soup mix

1 1/4 cup water

Mix mushroom soup, water and onion soup mix in slow cooker. Place pot roast in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours.