Today was a sad day in the AuburnChick home.
I pulled out my crock pot to make this recipe.
After mixing two bottles of beer with 28oz of ketchup, I lifted the porcelain insert and prepared to carry it to the outer, metal heating element.
To my dismay, I heard a loud pop and watched as ketchup decorated my counter and floor.
What in the world?
Taking a closer look, I saw this…
The bowl looks intact until you view it from this angle…
The bottom fell out…neat as can be (minus the ketchup mixture).
Ever the dedicated blogger, I called out to Rooster, begging him to grab the camera.
Then, I called out to the Mr. He took one look at the mess and said, “Never did we have stuff like this happen to us until you started blogging. Time for you to stop.”
Um, not on your life.
Anyhoo…
Clean-up was no fun, but I figured out that I could open the dishwasher, fit a bowl under the cabinet edge, and scrape the ketchup into the bowl…
As I put the pot into the trash, I sang a funeral dirge…
Dum, dum, da dum, dum, da dum, da dum, da dum.
Mr. Crock Pot, I first met you when you first made an appearance…either at my wedding or my first Christmas as a married woman.
You served many purposes over the years…
- Meal preparer
- Baby bottle warmer-upper
- Hot compress preparer (when Chicky had a staph infection and needed sterile compresses round-the-clock)
People tried to tell me I needed to replace you as you were an antique, but I stuck to my guns in my determination to keep you to the end. Considering that I am addicted to technology, this is saying a lot!
Replacing you will be difficult as the bar has been set high.
I told the Mr. that I would ask for another one for my birthday, but he said that he will buy me one sooner as I have come to rely heavily on my cooking friend. In his words, “I’m sure we can find something inexpensive.”
To which I replied, “Well, actually I’d like one with a timer…all the bells and whistles.”
To which he rolled his eyes and smiled. We have, after all, been married a long time. He knows me well. I’ll wear out favorite items, but when it’s time to throw them out, I’m definitely going to get the latest and greatest.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: cooking, Rival Crock Pot |
AuburnChick's Adventures 
Oh my!! Is this the same crockpot that you used for the chicken yesterday? What in the world made it break like that? I hope that when you get a new one… that you get the BEST!!
It sure is, Kelly! Can you believe it?
When I washed it last night, I noticed a hairline crack in the outer part, but the crack didn’t look like it went all the way through, so I didn’t give it much thought. Should have inspected it more closely, though! I wasted a bottle and a half of ketchup! Grrr.
When I get my new one, I’m going to try my BEST to be somewhat practical, given my $$ situation right now. (giggle)
Wasted a bottle and a half of ketchup?! What about the beer?!!
Ha! Such a sad thing, to lose such a household helper. We have a Hamilton Beach I think, with a lid that clamps down for travel. Love it.
The beer went down the drain with the ketchup since they were already mixed together. Ugh. What a waste!
As far as your lid clamp on your crock pot…now THAT is a feature that I MUST have as well!!! I’ve been reading crock pot reviews, and the Hamilton pots seem to be the way to go!
Thanks for this little tidbit!
Did you by any chance have the crock plugged in and getting hot and then put in the cold insert? (I’m sure you wouldn’t do that) lol
Hi Ellie! I see your computer is behaving! I actually did not have my crock pot plugged in when it broke. I always figure there’s no point in wasting electricity before I’m actually ready to start cooking. I think the thing just wore out!
I’m so sorry for your loss!!! I too have an “antique” avacado crock pot from the 70’s. My husband received it from a friend “used” back when he was a bachelor. I’ve been using it for almost 26 years now. I love it, but I don’t want to replace it – works perfectly. Must keep my fingers crossed (and be careful of it)when I use it from now on.
I had a similar pop happen, not with the crockpot but my pizza stone. It was the first time I used it in a long time so I had washed it and put it in the oven for preheating. Heard the pop sound and found it in several pieces. Not letting it dry out before using it again was a no-no.
Good luck with your new crock pot….you have to get another one 🙂