What to Use in Place of Small Micro Cooker?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around finding alternatives to the Small Micro Cooker for preparing a specific hot chocolate recipe. Participants share their thoughts on using the Classic Batter Bowl and other methods for making the recipe, especially when scaling up the ingredients.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as Tracy, expresses the need to find a substitute for the Small Micro Cooker while preparing a hot chocolate recipe for a brunch.
  • Another participant suggests that the Classic Batter Bowl could work but advises testing it first and adjusting the cooking time when tripling the recipe.
  • One participant notes that the Batter Bowl has a capacity limitation and may require making the recipe in two batches if tripling the ingredients.
  • Another participant agrees that the Batter Bowl should work but emphasizes the importance of not sealing the lid tightly during microwaving to avoid warping.
  • One participant mentions the potential for mess and suggests using a paper towel while microwaving.
  • Another participant shares their intention to try the recipe, noting their usual preference for powdered hot chocolate mix.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the Classic Batter Bowl could be a suitable alternative, but there is no consensus on the best method for adjusting the cooking time or handling the lid during microwaving.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and considerations regarding recipe preparation without specific equipment, highlighting the challenges of scaling recipes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for alternative cooking methods or those interested in adapting recipes without specific tools may find this discussion relevant.

T
tracyt
Messages
29
I am going to do the following recipe at an upcoming brunch, but I don't have the small micro cooker. I will probably need to at least triple the recipe to have enough also. I'm trying to keep my costs down and really don't want to have to buy it. Has anyone done this recipe in the microwave with something different? Would the Classic Batter Bowl work? Anything else?

Thanks,
Tracy

*****************************************

Extra-Special Hot Chocolate
3 cups milk
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3 tablespoons powdered chocolate drink mix
Miniature marshmallows (optional)

1. Combine milk and chocolate morsels in Small Micro-Cooker®. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes; whisk until thoroughly blended using Stainless Steel Whisk. Add powdered drink mix; whisk until combined.
2. Microwave on HIGH 2-2 1/2 minutes or until hot. Pour into mugs; top each serving with miniature marshmallows, if desired. Serve hot.

Yield: 4 servings
 
I would think the Batter Bowl would work ok for this, but you may want to test this out at home first. If you're tripling you'll have to adjust the cook time but I would probably micro for 2-3 minutes, stir, and repeat 2 more times. Just to be sure that the chocolate melts evenly.
 
tracyt said:
I am going to do the following recipe at an upcoming brunch, but I don't have the small micro cooker. I will probably need to at least triple the recipe to have enough also. I'm trying to keep my costs down and really don't want to have to buy it. Has anyone done this recipe in the microwave with something different? Would the Classic Batter Bowl work? Anything else?

Thanks,
Tracy

*****************************************

Extra-Special Hot Chocolate
3 cups milk
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
3 tablespoons powdered chocolate drink mix
Miniature marshmallows (optional)

1. Combine milk and chocolate morsels in Small Micro-Cooker®. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes; whisk until thoroughly blended using Stainless Steel Whisk. Add powdered drink mix; whisk until combined.
2. Microwave on HIGH 2-2 1/2 minutes or until hot. Pour into mugs; top each serving with miniature marshmallows, if desired. Serve hot.

Yield: 4 servings
Click to expand...

If you are going to triple this recipe, it won't fit in the Batter Bowl. the Batter Bowl is only 8 cups.
 
The Batter Bowl should work, but as Ginger pointed out, you'll need to make it in 2 batches. Use the lid, but be sure it just rests on top and isn't "sealed" closed. If you secure the lid and microwave, it will warp the lid.

Try a practice run at home so you can adjust accordingly.

Have a great show!
 
The micro cookers are smaller than the batter bowl, so you'd need 2 batches anyway.

You MAY want to put a paper towel over it as you microwave and point out that if you'd had the micro cooker you wouldn't have to worry about making a mess ...
 
I agree with everyone else... I haven't tried it but thanks for posting the recipe, I will be trying this out, my son just loves hot chocolate, I usually just use the powdered kind that you mix with hot water but I'll give this a try for a special treat!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of a small micro cooker for steaming vegetables?

You can use a microwave-safe bowl covered with a microwave-safe plate or plastic wrap. Just add a small amount of water to the bowl, place the vegetables inside, cover, and microwave until tender.

Is there a substitute for the small micro cooker when cooking rice?

A microwave-safe pot with a lid can be used as an alternative. Combine the rice and water in the pot, cover it, and microwave according to the rice package instructions.

Can I use a glass dish in place of the small micro cooker?

Yes, a glass dish that is microwave-safe can be used. Ensure it has a lid or cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap to trap steam while cooking.

What about using a silicone steamer instead of a small micro cooker?

A silicone steamer is a great alternative! It can be used in the microwave just like the small micro cooker and is perfect for steaming vegetables, fish, and more.

Are there any stovetop alternatives to the small micro cooker?

Yes, you can use a small saucepan with a lid or a steamer basket placed over boiling water on the stovetop. This method works well for steaming and cooking various foods.

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