Recipe: New uses for your rice cooker, crock pot and waffle iron

NEW USES FOR YOUR RICE COOKER,
CROCK POT AND WAFFLE IRON
Source: Real Simple Magazine; August 2005

NEW USES FOR YOUR RICE COOKER
Intended Use: Steaming sticky rice.
Bright Idea: Steam hot towels instead.

You stopped trying to make your own spicy tuna rolls long ago, but you still want sushi night to have a bit of Japanese-restaurant authenticity. Solution: Use your rice cooker to heat moist towels to offer guests before dinner. (Or, for a quick moisturizing treatment, slather your hands with lotion, then wrap them in the steamed towels until cool.)

Steamed Towels
Wet and wring out several small washcloths. Fold in thirds horizontally, then roll and place inside the steamer. Steam for 5 minutes (or until hot). Remove with tongs, and place on a tray or a plate.

Other Uses
Use the cooker to make hot cereal that's smoother and creamier than the stovetop version. It takes twice as long, but the no-stirring method frees you to attend to other things in the morning - like simultaneously packing lunches, reading the newspaper, and feeding the dog.

NEW USES FOR YOUR CROCK-POT

Crock-Pot Cake
Prepare cake-mix batter according to the package directions. Coat the bottom and sides of the pot with vegetable cooking spray, then pour in the batter. Cook on the low setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. When a tooth- pick stuck in the center of the cake comes out clean, it's done. Let the cake cool for 30 minutes or until the center is set. Serve it warm or at room temperature, spooned into bowls, drizzled with chocolate sauce, and topped with whipped cream.

Other Uses
Wrap marinated chicken or vegetables in parchment paper, and cook in the pot until done (the timing will depend on the food's size).
Use the pot to make hot beverages, such as mulled cider, and keep them hot during a party.
Serve cheese fondue from your Crock-Pot, kept on a low setting.

NEW USES FOR YOUR WAFFLE IRON

Intended Use: Preparing everyone's favorite syrup-soaked breakfast.
Bright Idea: Make grilled cheeses.

Since your kids discovered Eggos, your waffle iron hasn't seen much action. But Bob Blumer, author of Surreal Gourmet Bites (Chronicle, $17, www.amazon.com), has found the appliance's higher calling: as the perfect grilled-cheese machine. "The dimples double the amount of surface, so the sandwich has a much more satisfying crunch," he says. The iron also divides it into 4 sections - great for toddlers or snacking adults.

Grilled Cheese
1 teaspoon butter (optional)
2 slices multigrain bread
2 slices cheese
1 slice tomato (optional)
Butter the bread on 1 side (or coat the iron with vegetable cooking spray). Place 1 slice in the center of the iron, buttered-side down. Top with the cheese and tomato, if using, and cover with the remaining slice of bread, buttered-side up. Close the lid firmly and cook until golden, 2 to 4 minutes.

Other Uses
To make a calzone, roll out 2 rounds of pizza dough. Place 1 on the hot iron, top it with whatever you like, then add the second round of dough. Close the lid firmly and cook until the dough is golden, 2 to 4 minutes. Serve with a bowl of pasta sauce for dipping.