We've had several days of cold and overcast weather, prompting me to make comfort food. Breakfast yesterday was homemade buttermilk pancakes (the extras are frozen for future breakfasts). For tonight I have the crockpot out, currently simmering the beef for stew that I'll assemble as the afternoon progresses. This is a relatively low-power crockpot even on its "high" setting, but it's nice to not have to hover over the stove for a couple of hours.