Steaming!

The best pot I ever got was a gift from my daughter.  It's a 3 part saucepan/steamer/double boiler made by Hamilton Beach.  The bottom section is a heavy duty, stainless steel, 3 quart saucepan.  The other two parts can be placed on top of the saucepan to make a double boiler or a steamer. 

I use the steamer the most.  It looks like the double boiler top, but with holes.  Water goes into the sauce pan and food goes into the steamer.  The lid is really tight and has an adjustable steam vent. 

I find that vegetables retain their bright color, texture and flavor when steamed.

What's your favorite kitchen tool for healthier cooking?

My favourite tool is my kitchen scale...  I use it probably more than anything else in the kitchen and it lets me be far more accurate with my calories than I ever was before.

And the microwave -- as odd as that sounds.  I do a lot of steaming in the micro with just a dash of water.  I also could not cook my corn on the cob without the micro now.

did you know that you can put corn on the cob -- completely intact (with husk and silk) -- into the microwave for about 3:00 (flip over at 1:30), and then when you take it out (CAREFUL very hot), the husk and the silk come off all together with barely any stickage?  I recommend holding the corn with a pot holder and peeling the husk/silk with another (yes, that hot).  This works best with fresh corn (but you can soak them in a little water for about 5 mins, if the corn in more than a few days picked)

I have a steamer basket that I use in a regular saucepan -- it works pretty well.  I get very nicely steamed broccoli - beautiful bright green broc - from it.  I have to just use the regular lid for the saucepan, so when the basket is propped in there, it's not as tight a fit, but it still seems to work ok.

I've been using the microwave to steam stuff too - been using those steamer bags.  It's pretty effective, but for some reason not as nice and consistent as the steamer basket.

I did not know that about corn on the cob -- now I'm going to have to try that!

I have an electric steamer that I love.  I haven't used it lately....which reminds me I should dig it out.

I have one of those, also -- I keep meaning to try it with my tilapia.  Hmmm -- maybe today

I tried those steamer bags of frozen vegetables and was surprised at the great quality.  I have tried broccoli, and several mixtures.  My favorite had carrots, snap peas, and water chestnuts.  I got the store brand for $1.99 a bag, which is 4 servings, but it only lasts me 3 meals because I eat a larger serving.

Have you tried them yet?

I agree about using the microwave.  I cook my corn the same way as coach_k.  I also use a scale; actually, I have 2 - one for smaller things and one for larger things that don't rest easily on the small scale.

My bamboo steamer!
Was only a couple of dollars too lol.
It does kind of give off a flavour though, so it helps to line the bottom with baking paper or tinfoil or a plate or something.

Yeh! Love the microwave. I'm glad to see coach k's experience is the same as mine with the cornsilk, Whatta difference. I use paper towels, but sometimes they aren't enough insulation.

Mother used a stainless steamer inside a saucepan, but the microwave does a great job for me, and no extra equipment. My daughter left a rice cooker with us, but I just use a saucepan to cook rice. I can put it in the dishwasher, and I doubt if the rice cooker will go into a dishwasher.

I used to use my food processor to make all kinds of raw salads like cole slaw and tuna salad (canned tuna, not raw), but it seems like so much trouble to clean!

The "devil" appliance is the mixer that wants to be filled with cream to whip, or batter for cakes, dough for cookies, filling for pie...wicked mixer!