The school year is just around the corner and that means busy nights filled with homework and activities make getting dinner ready a little more hectic. If you haven't already embraced the idea of using a slow cooker, it's time to hop on that trending train. The slow cooker is a lifesaver for busy families, who don't want or can't afford, to eat out all the time).

If you want to amp up your slow cooking skills, check out one of these fantastic books you can use for yourself or give away as a gift!

1. Skinnytaste Fast and Slow: Knockout Quick-fix and Slow Cooker Recipes
This book, by Gina Homolka, features more than 80 dishes you can fix in under 30 minutes plus 60 slow cooker recipes. This is a great option for someone who wants a bit of flexibility in the kitchen. You'll find recipes for dishes like Chicken and Dumpling Soup, Peach Strawberry Crumble and Korean-Style Beef Tacos. Customers love that this recipe book is diet friendly. Get the book here.

2. Slow Cooker Revolution
This book by America's Test Kitchen features more than 200 recipes. This book features plenty of helpful tips (like heating your onions and garlic in the microwave for a few minutes before tossing them in the slow cooker) in addition to the tasty recipes. Readers love that they learn something while they cook. Snag this book here.

3. Fix-it and Forget-it Big Cookbook
If you're looking for a book stuffed full of recipes, this one should do! Crammed with 1400 recipes, compiled by Phyllis Good, this book is a great option for any home kitchen. Recipes range from simple to a little more complicated but work for any busy home cook. Customers really love that the book stays flat open so you can read the recipe while you cook! Get this book here.

4. Taste of Home Slow Cooker: 431 Hot & Hearty Classics
This popular choice by Taste of Home includes 431 recipes ranging from Cincinnati Chili (worth the price of the book alone!) to Shrimp Marinara and Chicago-Style Beef Sandwiches. Plus, there's a special chapter full of "lighter" recipes for the health-conscious cook. Customers love how easy the recipes are. Gobble up this recipe book here.

5. The Complete Slow Cooking for Two: A Perfectly Portioned Slow Cooker Cookbook
If it's just the two of you, cooking a giant pot of food can feel like a waste. This book provides smaller recipes so you can still have the convenience of slow cooking, without making too much. You'll find a bundle of recipes from Jambalaya and Gnocchi to Chocolate-Cherry Lava Cake. Customers love how easy it is to make smaller meals while they're both gone for the day. Scoop up this book here.

6. The Clean Eating Slow Cooker
If you thought that clean eating couldn't be done in a slow cooker... think again. This book, by Linda Larsen, contains 130 recipes that are healthy for your waist line and your timeline. This cookbook also includes a guide for clean eating, even when you aren't using a slow cooker, and tips for people with different dietary needs (allergies, gluten-free and vegan). Snap up this recipe book here.

7. The Italian Slow Cooker
Indulge in your favorite Italian recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. This book from Michele Scicolone lets you recreate some of the yummiest Italian dishes with just a few minutes of preparation. You'll find dessert, pasta, sauce, and risotto (among others) in the recipe book. Customers love that even though there is some prep work involved, the dishes are restaurant quality. Grab this yummy cookbook here.

8. Mexican Slow Cooker Cookbook
Get on your dancing shoes and prepare to Cha-cha your way through these tasty Mexican recipes. This book includes 55 different Mexican dishes for your slow cooker from author Deborah Schneider. Try dishes like Zesty Shredded Beef, Tortilla Soup, and Mole Negro. Customers love the authenticity of these dishes but note that many recipes require a bit more attention. Grab this recipe book here.

9. American Heart Association Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook
Whether you have special dietary needs or you simply want healthier options for nights you are super busy, this book from the American Heart Association is a solid option. With 200 recipes like Braised Curry-Rubbed Chicken and Artichoke-stuffed Bell Peppers, you'll be surprised at the flavors you get from the heart-healthy dishes. Check out this book here.

10. Everything Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Cookbook
Eating a gluten-free diet can be a bit tricky. But, this handy book from Carrie S. Forbes offers solutions for busy cooks on a special diet. Dive into meals like Breakfast Risotto, Pineapple Teriyaki Drumsticks, Bacon Corn Chowder and Curried Coconut Chicken. Customer's love the helpful tips for getting the best results without wheat derivatives. Get this book here.

Don't forget to share these book ideas with your slow-cooking friends on Facebook and help every save a little time this year!

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