Thread: Steam My Brains Out

On Jun 18, 4:15*am, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> * *I have a question that seems stupid. *But my belief is that there
> is no such thing as a stupid question. *So here it is. *I've been
> buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
> mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. *Now when I go to
> the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
> medium. *A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
> selling them. *I had a feeling that might happen because I always
> thought they were over-priced anyway. *Usually I steam 3 half breasts
> at a time. *Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
> one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? *How
> about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
> holes in the lid to let the steam out? *I'd appreciate some answers on
> this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
> pavement.

If you cook meat in a microwave, then your suicide would improve the
average quality of food. My answer is, kill yourself.
>
> Tommy Joe

--Bryan

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
<[email protected]> wrote:

> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
>is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. Now when I go to
>the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
>medium. A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
>selling them. I had a feeling that might happen because I always
>thought they were over-priced anyway. Usually I steam 3 half breasts
>at a time. Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
>one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? How
>about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
>holes in the lid to let the steam out? I'd appreciate some answers on
>this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
>pavement.
>
>Tommy Joe


Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
microwave. I'd advise against it.

On Jun 18, 2:15*am, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> * *I have a question that seems stupid. *But my belief is that there
> is no such thing as a stupid question. *So here it is. *I've been
> buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
> mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. *Now when I go to
> the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
> medium. *A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
> selling them. *I had a feeling that might happen because I always
> thought they were over-priced anyway. *Usually I steam 3 half breasts
> at a time. *Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
> one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? *How
> about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
> holes in the lid to let the steam out? *I'd appreciate some answers on
> this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
> pavement.
>
> Tommy Joe

Not sure if you are nuking or baking, but I make foil packets to pop
in the oven...

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:21:11 -0700 (PDT), Merryb <[email protected]>
wrote:

>On Jun 18, 2:15*am, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> * *I have a question that seems stupid. *But my belief is that there
>> is no such thing as a stupid question. *So here it is. *I've been
>> buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>> mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. *Now when I go to
>> the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
>> medium. *A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
>> selling them. *I had a feeling that might happen because I always
>> thought they were over-priced anyway. *Usually I steam 3 half breasts
>> at a time. *Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
>> one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? *How
>> about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
>> holes in the lid to let the steam out? *I'd appreciate some answers on
>> this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
>> pavement.
>>
>> Tommy Joe
>
>Not sure if you are nuking or baking, but I make foil packets to pop
>in the oven...


She stated above that she's buying over-priced microwave steamer bags,
whatcha think?

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:25:58 -0700 (PDT), Bobo Bonobo® wrote:

> On Jun 18, 4:15*am, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> * *I have a question that seems stupid. *But my belief is that there
>> is no such thing as a stupid question. *So here it is. *I've been
>> buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>> mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. *Now when I go to
>> the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
>> medium. *A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
>> selling them. *I had a feeling that might happen because I always
>> thought they were over-priced anyway. *Usually I steam 3 half breasts
>> at a time. *Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
>> one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? *How
>> about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
>> holes in the lid to let the steam out? *I'd appreciate some answers on
>> this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
>> pavement.
>
> If you cook meat in a microwave, then your suicide would improve the
> average quality of food. My answer is, kill yourself.
>>

bobo, if it troubles you that much maybe you should eliminate the
middleman.

blake

Tommy Joe wrote:
>
> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
> is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
> buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
> mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. Now when I go to
> the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
> medium. A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
> selling them. I had a feeling that might happen because I always
> thought they were over-priced anyway. Usually I steam 3 half breasts
> at a time. Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
> one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? How
> about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
> holes in the lid to let the steam out? I'd appreciate some answers on
> this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
> pavement.
>
> Tommy Joe

Perhaps an option would be to get a dedicated steamer for the microwave
oven? As was mentioned already, many plastic containers are not
appropriate to use to heat/cook foods in the microwave oven because
toxins can leach into the foods. Those cheap plastic containers are
definitely not recommended for microwave use for this very reason! If
you steam often, then "investing" in a microwave steamer from a
reputable company (e.g., Corning, Anchor, etc.) might be a good option.

Sky, who does not use the MW oven for cooking

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice!!

">Stu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
>>is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
>>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken.
(much snippage)
>>
>>Tommy Joe
>
>
> Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
> There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
> are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
> These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
> microwave. I'd advise against it.


Where exactly is "up here"? You really need to be specific since we have no
clue where you are.

And to the OP, why would you want to steam chicken? You should poach it, if
that's the end result you want... which is basically bland, nearly rubber
chicken breast halves.

Jill <---doesn't cook in plastic

On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:31:17 -0400, "jmcquown" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>">Stu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>> On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
>>>is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
>>>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>>>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken.
>(much snippage)
>>>
>>>Tommy Joe
>>
>>
>> Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
>> There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
>> are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
>> These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
>> microwave. I'd advise against it.
>
>
>Where exactly is "up here"? You really need to be specific since we have no
>clue where you are.

Jill, you know I'm in Canada, have you forgotten so quick?

>
>And to the OP, why would you want to steam chicken? You should poach it, if
>that's the end result you want... which is basically bland, nearly rubber
>chicken breast halves.
>
>Jill <---doesn't cook in plastic

Merryb wrote:
>
> Not sure if you are nuking or baking, but I make foil packets to pop
> in the oven...

But not a microwave oven, of course.

On Jun 18, 2:15*am, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> * *I have a question that seems stupid. *But my belief is that there
> is no such thing as a stupid question. *So here it is. *I've been
> buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
> mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken. *Now when I go to
> the stores I see the large size is hard to find, all they have is
> medium. *A stocker at one store told me they're getting ready to stop
> selling them. *I had a feeling that might happen because I always
> thought they were over-priced anyway. *Usually I steam 3 half breasts
> at a time. *Can't I do that in a regular plastic container like the
> one I put the steamed chicken into after it comes out of the bag? *How
> about if I buy 3 cheap ones in a set at WalMart, then poke little
> holes in the lid to let the steam out? *I'd appreciate some answers on
> this before I blow my brains out and leave them steaming on the
> pavement.
>
> Tommy Joe

Just put the chicken breasts on a plate, made out of china, or glass,
or plastic, or paper, then cover with plastic wrap or waxed paper, and
cook them in the microwave.

You don't need a special device. This also works for pieces of fish.

Susan B.

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
> If you cook meat in a microwave, then your suicide would improve the
> average quality of food. My answer is, kill yourself.
> >
> > Tommy Joe
>
> --Bryan


I swear to God, Bryan, one of the best meals I make is made almost
exclusively in the microwave. I'm proud of it. I steam the chicken.
I make brown rice on the stove. I put both in the fridge. In a large
oblong container I have a variety of fresh veggies cleaned and cored
and ready to be cut as I desire - cabbage, red bell pepper, fresno
chiles, scallions, brocoli, (I even use the stalks), etc. Then, in
separate plastic bags I have mushrooms and some cilantro. Each day I
take a bit of the rice and the chicken and toss it in a bowl with some
cut up veggies, pour some lemonjuice, olive oil, salt, pepper and
cayenne on it, mix it together and put it in the micro for 4 minutes.
The raw veggies cook down just right, and the already cooked rice and
chicken does not overcook. One of the main reasons I steam my chicken
is that my stove is very old and filthy and I'm too lazy to clean it,
and the clean job never seems to last very long anyway.

Tommy Joe

sueb wrote:

>
> Just put the chicken breasts on a plate, made out of china, or glass,
> or plastic, or paper, then cover with plastic wrap or waxed paper, and
> cook them in the microwave.
>
> You don't need a special device. This also works for pieces of fish.
>
> Susan B.


Thanks to all who responded, even those who sounded vehemently anti-
microwave. I like your suggestion best, Susan (but the others are not
ignored), because I have in fact cooked things that way in the micro,
but instead of wax paper or plastic I use paper towels. Wouldn't that
work here too? Also, for those who think steamed chicken from the
microwave has a rubbery texture, I won't deny it, but I don't make
them to be eaten whole. I put them in the fridge. When they're cold
they slice really nice, just like they came out of the oven, and I
then toss the pieces into other things I'm making. Anyway, thanks to
all, and once again, Susan, how do you feel about the paper towels
instead of wax paper or plastic?

Tommy Joe (I was getting sick of those bags anyway)

"Me" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:31:17 -0400, "jmcquown" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>">Stu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:[email protected] ..
>>> On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
>>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
>>>>is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
>>>>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>>>>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken.
>>(much snippage)
>>>>
>>>>Tommy Joe
>>>
>>>
>>> Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
>>> There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
>>> are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
>>> These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
>>> microwave. I'd advise against it.
>>
>>
>>Where exactly is "up here"? You really need to be specific since we have
>>no
>>clue where you are.
>
> Jill, you know I'm in Canada, have you forgotten so quick?
>
Sorry, but I don't remember the specfic geographic location of everyone who
posts I'm pretty sure others are the same way unless a person has been
posting here for *years*. and hasn't changed their nickname multiple
times. Case in point, I replied to you as '>Stu' and you replied as 'Me'.
How am I supposed to keep up with that? LOL

Jill

On Jun 18, 4:31*pm, "jmcquown" <j_mcqu...@comcast.net> wrote:
> ">Stu" <m...@foodforu.ca> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]..
>
>
>
> > On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
> > <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >> * I have a question that seems stupid. *But my belief is that there
> >>is no such thing as a stupid question. *So here it is. *I've been
> >>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
> >>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken.
> (much snippage)
>
> >>Tommy Joe
>
> > Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
> > There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
> > are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
> > These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
> > microwave. I'd advise against it.
>
> Where exactly is "up here"? *You really need to be specific since we have no
> clue where you are.
>
> And to the OP, why would you want to steam chicken? *You should poach it, if
> that's the end result you want... which is basically bland, nearly rubber
> chicken breast halves.
>
> Jill <---doesn't cook in plastic

My FIL, rest his soul, used to take low-fat ground meat, put it in a
strainer, and pour boiling water over it until all the fat was gone.
Then he'd cook it.

For some people, losing the fat is their goal. Who are we to question
his taste. Heck, see Barb for her description of ruby delights<g>

Now, maybe we should offer him suggestions on how to poach that
chicken in wine or stock, or en papillot (sp) with aromatics for a
whole new taste sensation.

maxine in ri

On Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:12:04 -0400, "jmcquown" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>"Me" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>> On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:31:17 -0400, "jmcquown" <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>
>>>">Stu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>news:[email protected] ...
>>>> On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
>>>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
>>>>>is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
>>>>>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
>>>>>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken.
>>>(much snippage)
>>>>>
>>>>>Tommy Joe
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
>>>> There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
>>>> are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
>>>> These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
>>>> microwave. I'd advise against it.
>>>
>>>
>>>Where exactly is "up here"? You really need to be specific since we have
>>>no
>>>clue where you are.
>>
>> Jill, you know I'm in Canada, have you forgotten so quick?
>>
>Sorry, but I don't remember the specfic geographic location of everyone who
>posts I'm pretty sure others are the same way unless a person has been
>posting here for *years*. and hasn't changed their nickname multiple
>times. Case in point, I replied to you as '>Stu' and you replied as 'Me'.
>How am I supposed to keep up with that? LOL
>
>Jill

Sorry, damn provider is screwing with our news pointers.
I'm going to use two free nes servers until they switch over to
Microsofts servers. I'll leave it as Stu from now on.

"maxine" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
On Jun 18, 4:31 pm, "jmcquown" <j_mcqu...@comcast.net> wrote:
> ">Stu" <m...@foodforu.ca> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]..
>
>
>
> > On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:15:58 -0700 (PDT), Tommy Joe
> > <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >> I have a question that seems stupid. But my belief is that there
> >>is no such thing as a stupid question. So here it is. I've been
> >>buying those over-priced microwave steamer bags since they came out,
> >>mainly, almost exclusively, for steaming chicken.
> (much snippage)
>
> >>Tommy Joe
>
> > Some plastics are only made for storage and not for cooking.
> > There was a study up here that found that the cheap plastic containers
> > are only for storage and not even acceptable for re-heating foods.
> > These release toxins that can leach into the food when used in the
> > microwave. I'd advise against it.
>
> And to the OP, why would you want to steam chicken? You should poach it,
> if
> that's the end result you want... which is basically bland, nearly rubber
> chicken breast halves.
>
> Jill <---doesn't cook in plastic

My FIL, rest his soul, used to take low-fat ground meat, put it in a
strainer, and pour boiling water over it until all the fat was gone.
Then he'd cook it.

For some people, losing the fat is their goal. Who are we to question
his taste. Heck, see Barb for her description of ruby delights<g>

Now, maybe we should offer him suggestions on how to poach that
chicken in wine or stock, or en papillot (sp) with aromatics for a
whole new taste sensation.

maxine in ri



I have nothing against eliminating fat in ones diet. I don't eat a lot of
fatty foods; most of it I get if I eat in a restaurant where I can't control
the ingredients. I don't dine out frequently. I trim meats and even
chicken of excess fat before I cook it, regardless of the cooking method.
Poaching is a fairly simple process, simmering in water, broth, add a little
wine if desired. Add herbs, spices and (absolutely) vegetables to add
flavour.

A quick Google search netted me several sites, the first of which is this:

http://www.ehow.com/how_13882_poach-chicken.html

or this one:

http://lowfatcooking.about.com/od/ch...hedchicken.htm

The best advice for poached chicken is to cook only until it is heated
through (which the first site says). Poached chicken (or fish) will
continue to cook even after it's removed from the hot liquid.

Jill

On Jun 18, 8:04*pm, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
> > If you cook meat in a microwave, then your suicide would improve the
> > average quality of food. *My answer is, kill yourself.
>
> > > Tommy Joe
>
> > --Bryan
>
> * *I swear to God, Bryan, one of the best meals I make is made almost
> exclusively in the microwave. *I'm proud of it. *I steam the chicken.
> I make brown rice on the stove. *I put both in the fridge. *In a large
> oblong container I have a variety of fresh veggies cleaned and cored
> and ready to be cut as I desire - cabbage, red bell pepper, fresno
> chiles, scallions, brocoli, (I even use the stalks), etc. *Then, in
> separate plastic bags I have mushrooms and some cilantro. *Each day I
> take a bit of the rice and the chicken and toss it in a bowl with some
> cut up veggies, pour some lemonjuice, olive oil, salt, pepper and
> cayenne on it, mix it together and put it in the micro for 4 minutes.
> The raw veggies cook down just right, and the already cooked rice and
> chicken does not overcook. *One of the main reasons I steam my chicken
> is that my stove is very old and filthy and I'm too lazy to clean it,
> and the clean job never seems to last very long anyway.

That all sounds fine except the raw chicken going into the microwave.
Yuck. The very smell of meat cooked in a microwave is a turnoff. I
know this, as I microwave discarded portions of chicken so that I'm
not putting raw chicken into the garbage where natural processes
produce an even more hideous odor. Microwaves do something different
to the proteins in raw meat that regular heat cooking does not.
That's why almost no one cooks meat in a microwave. Perhaps that's
the reason they are no longer going to sell the large bags.

You could accomplish the same thing by baking the chicken covered in a
Dutch oven like this one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1552229...7619683985776/
Corning Ware cleans up very easily too. You'll save money, eat better
and won't be putting one of those bags into a landfill.

About the suicide thing. You set that up. The humor gods would have
punished me if I hadn't obliged.

>
> Tommy Joe

--Bryan

On Jun 18, 8:11*pm, Tommy Joe <trues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> sueb wrote:
>
> > Just put the chicken breasts on a plate, made out of china, or glass,
> > or plastic, or paper, then cover with plastic wrap or waxed paper, and
> > cook them in the microwave.
>
> > You don't need a special device. *This also works for pieces of fish.
>
> > Susan B.
>
> * *Thanks to all who responded, even those who sounded vehemently anti-
> microwave. *I like your suggestion best, Susan

Her suggestion was the *worst* one. It still involved cooking raw
chicken in a microwave.
>
> Tommy Joe *(I was getting sick of those bags anyway)

--Bryan

Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>
>
> > Thanks to all who responded, even those who sounded vehemently anti-
> > microwave. I like your suggestion best, Susan
>
> Her suggestion was the *worst* one. It still involved cooking raw
> chicken in a microwave.
> >
> > Tommy Joe (I was getting sick of those bags anyway)



You need a little poverty in your life, Bryan. I've stayed in a
few places with the bath down the hall and no kitchen. But we had a
microwave. We'd go out and shoplift a few steaks and make them in the
microwave. Of course they're better broiled or fried or grilled, I
know that - but when you're hungry and a bit inventive it's surprising
how good you can make some things taste. I agree that meat is not
best out of a microwave. However, when it comes to steaming the
chicken, I do that only to put the chicken in the fridge and use it
cold in salads and so forth. It's pretty good in pasta salad, and
it's easy to make. I appreciate all comments on the matter, thanks to
all who answered. Is there a way a person can stick their head in a
microwave (just to see what happens), and make it work without closing
the door? I suppose a person could carve a hole in the door, then
stick their head into the hole with the door shut and their neck
pressed tight against all sides of it to block out air or anything
that might intefere with the dizzying rays of brain-frying brilliance
that bounce off the inner walls of the microwave.

Tommy Joe