We eat these green beans at least once a week and I haven't found anything to top them. The secret ingredient is the spice blend. I originally found this blend at Gordon Food Services in Michigan. (I have to have my mom ship it to me once a year; the 26 oz container of the spice lasts me about that long). I recently tripled the recipe and took them to work for a lunch for 20 people. Personally, I still like them better from the stove top but I would take them again in a crock pot knowing that I need to stir often so the beans on the outer edge do not get over done. (People did actually go back for seconds)