I love to use the crock pot as well.  This is the perfect time of year for one.  Yesterday was a perfect day to use it, but I just didn't get around to it.  The next rainy day, I am going to make up some soup. Here's what I do. I just get whatever vegetables and herbs that look good and that are on sale, and throw them in.   Add a dash or two of olive oil and a good amount of stock or broth and let it go all day on low.  I'm a vegetarian, by the way.