Won't Get Steamed At This One!
Pros:
Brings out the true taste of fresh vegetables.
Cons:
none
The Bottom Line:
Buy this. You'll wonder why you haven't owned one before.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Summer time is the best time to enjoy a variety of fresh garden vegetables. And with a number of methods of preparing them, one needn't get tired of the "same old thing". However one method of preparing fresh vegetables reigns supreme, and that is steaming them. And the Black and Decker Flavor Scenter Handy Steamer is my choice of steamers.
Steaming vegetables cooks them but doesn't allow the true flavor to "cook out" as can sometimes happen when boiling vegetables. Sauteed vegetables often add fat and calories to a diet, and that isn't always necessary. Steaming relies on water and the vegetables, and brings out the freshest flavor possible in a cooked vegetable.
A snap to use (and I'm not the least bit mechanically inclined!), this steamer requires that you fill a basin with tap water, fill a basin with washed and cut veggies, put on a lid and plug the unit in. The rest of the magic is performed by this appliance. In about thirty minutes time, the timer will ring signifying the end of the steaming cycle for your vegetables.
Steaming vegetables also allows for the texture to remain true to nature. Other means of cooking vegetables sometimes results in soggy or mushy vegetables. Veggies cooked in this Black and Decker Steamer are tender, but still a tiny bit crisp--the way any culinary expert would recommend when cooking fresh vegetables.
This steamer is also handy for preparing rice, and in this sense is very cost effective. I was purchasing Minute Rice or Success Rice, both of which cost over $2 per box, each box providing just a few servings. For about the same amount of money, I now buy a 10-lb bag of uncooked rice, which yields nearly a hundred servings. The savings is plain to see.
I have also combined my rice and veggies, which makes for a flavorful dish, and a great entree option for vegetarians. The steamer is equally as useful for steaming hotdogs and hotdog rolls.
For $30 this is a remarkable appliance. It would make a great gift for newlyweds or for a housewarming. Beyond your basic toaster or can opener, it is a small appliance with many creative uses, and one that is easy to use as well.
