Thermal cookers: have you used one?

paidinchickens

What are you going to try first MrsL ?

[Deleted User]

Stew and dumplings, Mmmmmmm!!!

Memory_Girl

Along with XXXXX and custard ............. stew and dumplings are my idea of heaven at any time :-)

MG

Memory_Girl

Had another couple of experiments - the first a lamb Scotch Broth - made with the leftover lamb gravy, broth mix and some veggies. We are having this today for lunch with a loaf of soda bread.

Ten minutes on the hob and five hours in the thermal cooking bag and the broth mix was perfectly cooked.





I also had a play with making some pilau rice (my nemesis) - but it couldn't have been easier. 1 cup of rice, 2 of water plus spices. 5 mins simmer and an hour in the thermal cooking bag




I am so glad I made mine to match my kitchen!! Because it hasn't moved from the side since I made the blessed thing :rotfl:

Now - kids want me to work out if I can make a "Syrup Steamed Pud" in it ........ I will be back if it works!!!

MG

Seakay

And here's a free pattern and method for making a thermal cookery bag:

http://newlifenewpurpose.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/diy-bag-style-heat-retention-oven-from-upcycled-materials/

paidinchickens

I love sponge pudding but so do my hips the rice looks good what spices did you use?

PiC x

Memory_Girl

The Pilau rice recipe from my friend Geetha:

Tumeric
Mustard Seeds
Dried Chilli
Cumin Seeds
Cardamon
Clove

Just had the leftovers for breakfast this morning with a soft poached egg - was lovely.

MG

caroc

I started using this type of cooking after reading a book called 'The Complete tightwad gazette'.

At the moment I just use it on saucepans for pasta, rice or vegetables.

I have a large (forever friends !) teacosy and cut a small slit along the seam.

I put the handle of the saucepan through first and then ease the teacosy on.

Teacosies are great for this and they are always around car boot sales and charity shops as people hardly use them for teapots anymore.

A few years ago I bought a brilliant Scottish tea cosy, new from a charity shop.
It was made of 2 pieces with a drawstring and was adjustable, so this fits my medium and small saucepans. This is getting rather tatty so I am going to deconstruct it and try to make another.
I think this helps my leccy consumption being lower than last year (although still costing more !)

Memory_Girl

I hear you - everything is costing more isn't it??

I have a production line going at the moment making them up - mostly for some young Mums I work with as the saving's for them are huge (well huge relative to income)

I made "Overnight porridge" - the proper stuff made with oat groats rather and rolled oats last night. Usually when I cook the groats it ends up sticking but I prefer the nuggets of oats rather than flakes.

One teacup of oats to two of water and two of milk. Brought everything to the boil for 5 minutes and snuggled it in overnight.

Sooooooo creamy this morning - an no burned pan!!!!!

Of course it was too cold to eat (had been in there 10 hours) but a quick blast in the micro and topped with more milk and sugar for the boys and its been wolfed down.

I had mine as it was with a chopped apple and yoghurt .... nice way to start the day.

Going to experiment with yoghurt today BTW - will let you know.

MG

gayleygoo

I'd love to make one of these, just threw out an old bean bag though. I knew I should have kept it for something! Also it looks fairly bulky and I don't think I've anywhere to store it.

I was wondering about the Elf 'n' Safety of it too, however a good boil at the beginning should kill most, if not all, harmful bacteria. If kept well-insulated to keep the temperature above 60 degrees, it should be fine until the end of cooking. Even if it does drop below, there shouldn't be any bacteria in it because of the boil (unless you open to peek in during the insulated cooking)

Rice could be a dangerous one. It has bacteria that can protect itself during the boil, then wake up again when the temp lowers. It should be eaten within an hour of the boil.