Steamer Insert

This is one of the latest gadget I have in my kitchen. I decided that even though microwaving veggies is very very convenient and quick, it might be healthier to cook the veggies myself. A very healthy method would be steaming.

I have not seen this in Asia (or maybe I am too ignorant then?). I saw how a friend used this to steam veggies and fruits for her child and it was rather handy and useful.

When folded up, this steam insert looked like the above photo. When you want to use it, open it up (see photos below), place your veggies on it and then place the entire insert into your saucepan and steam! There are 3 'legs' at the base of the insert so that it can be standing above the water in the saucepan. This is designed in a way to fit all sizes of saucepan.

Half unfolded

Fully unfolded and ready to use

I bought this from harbourtown, from 1 of the 2 kitchenware stores for A$9.95 (Cuisina). I reckon this price is not too bad, considering the other store was selling it for A$13 and probably more at other retail stores. This is more versatile and space friendly compared with steamer inserts with lids.

Thermal Magic Cooker

This is the thermal magic cooker that was recently added to my kitchen, compliments from SN who gave it to me as a gift to thank me for helping her buy silicon bakeware from Oz. This is such a good gift and I am loving it.

I have used this to make stews, rice porridge and soups. This is perfect when I need to cut down on time and just cook for 15 mins (not including prep time) and then leave it in this pot to continue cooking until I am home or when I wake up in the morning. This is very energy efficient and safe to use. I'd highly recommend for anyone with a busy lifestyle (which is almost everyone) - students, mums, working singles...

This is not very well known and used in this part of the world but very common in Asia. If you have friends and family in Asia, it is best to ask them to buy for you or you can bring it back when you go back to your hometown during school holidays. Mine also comes with a smaller (I think about 1.8L) insert pot that I can use when I do not have much quantity to cook. I have once used it to cook rice porridge for 2 persons - me and my niece.

Read these 2 articles about how it works and why it is soooo good -
Another Kitchen Must-Have: The Thermal Cooker
Thermal Cookware – Cooking Food in its Own Heat

Convinced yet?