If you need an excuse to fire up the slow cooker, we've got a couple of good ones in this week's roundup. Plus, recession-friendly lobster and DIY designer potato chips.

• The Los Angeles Times chronicles the slow cooker's evolution into a sleek, modern machine and shares recipes for Lamb Tagine with Dried Fruit and Cuban-Style Pork Shoulder (pictured).
• Lobster? In this economy? The Houston Chronicle says yes. Prices hit record lows of $2.50 a pound of live lobster over the winter holidays, and though they've come back up a bit, lobster still cheaper than steak. Try Lobster Corn Chowder or Classic Maine Lobster Rolls.
• While we look for new flavor boosters, the Miami Herald highlights some classics – vinegar and citrus, throwing in a chemistry lesson for good measure.
• The Chicago Tribune suggests passing up the fancy potato chips in the grocery store and making your own versions at home.

Related: National Food Roundup: The Perfect Pancake

(Image: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)