Lately, Crock–Pots have been serving up some saucy new dishes, and the stodgy old standbys are suddenly looking sexy. To wit: the sleek, digital, stainless–steel slow cooker by All-Clad (all-clad.com) and Wolfgang Puck’s seven-quart version with its extra-large capacity and removable ceramic pot (wolfgangpuck.com). Convenience aside, research links consumption of slow-cooked meals to lower rates of diabetes. There’s also taste to be accounted for, since all-day cooking imparts intense flavors. (With today’s organic and varied ingredients on offer, this ain’t Mom’s meatloaf.) To get started, head to any bookstore, where you’ll find new cookbooks crowding shelves. From cassoulet to Greek walnut cake, it’s one small step for the Crock–Pot, one giant leap for cuisine.