Goal and options: how do you know if a crock pot is on?
output answer: touch the side of the pot.

Goal and options: Clay pots
output answer: can mold molten metal

Goal and options: How to soften a hardened paintbrush to paint with?
output answer:
Place the paintbrush in a baking pan and heat some vinegar on the stove, then pour the vinegar over the paintbrush and let it sit for 10 minutes before combing away the paint with some wire