Dec 31, 2020

How To Cook Christmas Dinner Without A Range!

Hi All!  You may know I've been without a stove/range for months. If not take a look at my search in the post Looking For A Stove What A Job!  I searched high and low for the perfect one and have come to the conclusion there is no such thing.  So not to sound like I'm complaining but I've been without one for almost 3 months now.  Let me tell you that can be challenging for anyone.  It pays to be adventurous and creative!  Today I share the things that have helped me make it through these months.  

Believe it or not, if you give yourself about twice as long to cook a meal it can be done.  Hey, it's a win that it can be done at all. 

I love Prime Rib, don't you?

This roast was not as big as our usual but you have to make allowances



I love the seasoning and crust on these things!








The Panasonic Microwave Oven With Air Fryer Flash Xpress Broiler, Inverter 1000 Watt  


This little number has cooked enough since October 8th to amaze me.  We purchased this from Amazon. 

In the Seventies, my hubby bought me something similar to this and for that time it was super cool and very expensive. I truly enjoyed it and I've come to rely on this one since not having a range.  

I had to cut the size of my Prime Rib but this has been a year of changing things right?  I've cooked half a ham (several in fact) in this tiny oven.  As a matter of fact, it has handled most baking, and broiling jobs done in the household.  Catie has made several upside-down pineapple cakes and they were super good!

We have air-fried some chicken wings, chicken tenders, and waffle fries.  They were good.  We have yet to use the microwave on this oven.  I'll have to update you later on that one.



Coconut Dump Cake

Speaking of cakes I made this one in the tiny oven.  Granted I had to do each layer separately and it took some time to bake them.  I let them all cool before frosting them.  Well as luck would have it I cracked one layer in half.  So the three-layer cake turned into a dump cake. (I got that idea from Carly who made me the most delicious birthday cake but it fell apart so she made a dump cake of it). 

Cakes do break but what you do with them that is the trick.  Hide a small crack frost like it is glue if possible.  If not put in a Triffle dish or bowl and add special things to make it delicious!  



Date Nut Balls

I made these in the oven as well.  Oops, I forgot another item that is worth its weight in gold is shown below:


Black & Decker Double Burner Portable Buffet Range


Okay, I didn't mean to tell a fib they call this thing a range.  You get the point though right?  Try cooking on these tiny stove eyes with a large 4-quart pot or a frying pan of any size and you'll quickly adapt to the changes you must make to prepare a meal. I did make our delicious Creamed Potatoes on it and they were delicious!

 
I have been cooking like Barney Fife and thank goodness for it!
I really don't know what I would have done without the little elements






Chocolate Covered Strawberries

I used the microwave to melt the chocolate wafers.  It does really well.  Our over-the-range microwave made by Sears at the time has outlasted all of our large appliances in this household.  It has been a lifesaver for sure.  I've made rice, grits, and steamed vegetables of all kinds.  It is amazing what can be done in a microwave. 





These carrots were steamed in the microwave and then finished in the electric frying pan.  They were very delicious as usual!  It may take a few more dishes, pots, pans, and time to cook the recipes but it can be done!

This cooking without a stove has led me to use small appliances more than I ever would have if it had not broken!  I am sure that I'll be using these items more often even when my stove arrives.

PRODUCTS THAT MADE COOKING BEARABLE WITHOUT A RANGE


Panasonic Microwave Oven 4 in 1: with Air Fryer Flash Xpress Broiler, Inverter NN-CD87KS

Proctor Silex 38526 Electric Skillet 

Presto 06857 Electric Fold Away Skillet 

Black & Decker Double-Burner Portable Buffet Range

Charcoal and Gas Grills 


Pioneer Woman  6 Qt. Instant Pot
My Pioneer Woman Instant Pot has been a Godsend as well!  I've used the saute feature many times just to cook and of course the pressure many times.  It is great for one-pot meals!  I've made chicken bog, many types of soups, cooked collards, turnips, and mustard greens. Oh, it has been invaluable to me and I'm glad that we've had it.  It was a birthday present to me over a year ago and until the situation I'd only used it once or twice!

In Closing:

Things may happen at the most inopportune times but there are ways to work around them to change a way of doing things and get the job done!

I have never shopped for a large appliance online but I think you'll agree this has been the most unusual year!


Guess What?  Tomorrow my stove/range is to be delivered
It has been back-ordered a few times  We will see! Wish me luck better yet please whisper a prayer that it will be here soon.

While you're at it please pray for a few of my family members some have COVID and some others are not well,  Hopefully, all will be well soon.


Until later when I share our Very Simple Childlike Christmas Decorations

Stay safe!

2 comments:

  1. That roast is absolutely perfect! I'm going to look up your recipe...did you use the convection option on the small oven??
    I understand...shortage of appliances is something I didn't expect from the pandemic. I've been looking for a new refrigerator and they told me they would be in stock by July! Here's a story you may like...I was looking for a new double oven after our old one stopped working. While I did get a double oven, it's not what I expected...and I love it! Here's the link...https://windymeadowsfarm.blogspot.com/search?q=mae
    Thanks for sharing your recipe and good luck on the oven search! Mary, Farmgirl #7193

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Thank you! It's not my recipe but it's a great one. Years ago I found this in Southern Living Magazine. Yes I used the convection oven in the Panasonic. I hope your new refrigerator will come sooner. It is quite a search.
      By the way I love your stove and would one day like one just like it! Thanks for sharing!

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