Everyone who owns a toaster oven would agree that it is a convenient way to cook foods while saving energy. But did you know that you can use it for things other than toasting breads and baking foods? Here are some unique ways you can use your Black & Decker toaster oven that will keep you creative in your kitchen.
#1 Toast more than bread.
Sure you have toasted breads and snacks in your toaster oven, but you can also toast meal ingredients quickly too. Some things that need a little roast to get their flavors going include nuts and spices. There’s no need to crank that big conventional oven or take out that sauce pan for something so simple and small of a job. Instead, place your nuts or spices in a single layer on your baking sheet and place in a 350 degree oven. Roast for 10 minutes, making sure to turn over the nuts and spices so that they do not burn. You will save time, energy and most of all, still get an evenly toasted ingredient.
#2 Dehydrate foods.
With all of the raw and healthy foods trends going on, there’s no need to give in and buy expensive dehydrated products. You can make them in your toaster oven. Dehydrated foods have been “cooked” at very low temperatures to remove water. The foods shrink and take on very different textures. Vegetables often crisp up and replace addictive chips and other crunchy snacks. Fruits, on the other hand, tend to turn chewy which mimics chewy junk foods like candy and cookies. To dehydrate foods, cut them in thin slices, lay on your baking sheet and set the temperature for the lowest it can go. Prop the oven door open to let condensation escape, and cook for a few hours, or until the foods are fully dehydrated.
#3 Keep plates warm.
If you’ve ever cooked something to perfection and placed it on cold plates, you’d notice that your delicious food turns cold by the time its set on the table. Warming your plates up before serving food eliminates this problem. But there’s no need to turn on your conventional oven if you’re cooking for just one or two people. Turn your toaster oven on bake and let the plate warm up for a few minutes. Be careful when you take the plate out and serve food. The plates will be very hot and will require you to wear oven mitts.
PDF