Slow and easy

Our favorite way to make cozy winter foods is by braising-slowly cooking meats or vegetables in liquid until they're very tender. But since long cooking requires regular attention, it's not a great solution for busy cooks. Happily, slow-cookers are back in vogue, many with handy programmable features (see "Crock Talk," below). So give them another look; they make slow cooking seem downright speedy.

Spicy Shredded Beef

A little like a Mexican sloppy Joe, this juicy dish is best sandwiched in crusty French rolls and topped with shredded cabbage, red onion, sliced tomato, cilantro, and sour cream.

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

This dish is rich in nuts and spices and sweetened with currants. To make it in advance, just cook the spices and chop the vegetables the night before. Refrigerate in the crock overnight, then start it in the morning. Serve with couscous and a dollop of plain yogurt.

Braised Pork with Lemon and Sage

The traditional Italian method used for this dish makes a rather lumpy, toffee-colored sauce, but it is one of the most succulent ways to cook pork. You'll need to uncover the cooker for the last three hours, so plan ahead. Serve with polenta and a green salad.