Don't have the patience for all that froufrou Valentine's Day stuff? Then keep the tail-end of your weekend low-key with a slow cooker supper that pays an ever-so-subtle homage to the Lunar New Year.

Start with a generous cut of budget-friendly pork shoulder and some Winter root vegetables, and simmer it for several hours in a stock spiced with cinnamon, anise, ginger, and garlic. Serve the comforting end product over noodles or rice when you read more.