<p>Tonight I cooked pasta in it again. And I used the steamer basket to defrost some frozen meatballs at the same time. </p>
<p>I used the recipe in #33, but I added one can of Italian-style diced cut tomatoes as well. It was pretty good…and so easy.</p>
<p>I just got a rice cooker from Freecycle. I’ve always been curious to try one and now is my chance.</p>
<p>It is a Black and Decker Rice Cooker Plus. Sadly, I can’t find a model number anywhere on it so I’m having difficulty finding the correct instruction booklet online. My best guess is that it is either the RC400 or the RC500. Each has slightly different directions so I will have to experiment.</p>
<p>But once I figure it out, I can’t wait to try some of these recipes. We like rice over here, so I’m excited.</p>
<p>*I can’t find a model number anywhere on it so I’m having difficulty finding the correct instruction booklet online. My best guess is that it is either the RC400 or the RC500. Each has slightly different directions so I will have to experiment.</p>
<p>But once I figure it out, I can’t wait to try some of these recipes. We like rice over here, so I’m excited. *</p>
<p>Did it come with a measuring cup? If so, that’s to measure the rice only. You use a standard measure for liquids. </p>
<p>What’s the difference in directions? Usually these directions are pretty standard like 3 cups rice using the rice measure to 3 1/4 cups water using the standard measure. </p>
<p>Or sometimes there are lines on the inside of the bowl and you fill water to a certain line (say #4). I think you add the 4 cups of rice first, and then fill with water to the desired line. </p>
<p>If your rice cooker didn’t come with the rice measuring cup, be aware that it’s a 5 1/2 oz measure (so just under 3/4 cup) and is used to measure rice only. So, when it calls for 2 cups of rice, you’re really only using just under 1 1/2 cups. </p>
<p>Edited to add…this manual is for the RC400 and the RC500 Rice Cooker
[Black</a> & Decker User and Care Guide Rice Cooker RC400/RC500 | ManualsOnline.com](<a href=“Black & Decker Rice Cooker RC400/RC500 User Guide | ManualsOnline.com”>Black & Decker Rice Cooker RC400/RC500 User Guide | ManualsOnline.com)</p>
<p>This manual is for a different B&D cooker, but it has recipes so it might be of use:
[Black</a> & Decker 16-Cup Multi-Use Rice Cooker Use and Care Book | ManualsOnline.com](<a href=“Black & Decker Rice Cooker RC446 need manual | ManualsOnline.com”>Black & Decker Rice Cooker RC446 need manual | ManualsOnline.com)</p>
<p>If I get out shopping this weekend, I’ve told myself to look over rice cookers. I saw one at Costco yesterday and it seemed like a good price ($29.99) but it also was LARGE. I think I would want something smaller. </p>
<p>Question: if I get say a 5 cup rice cooker can I still choose to make less rice than that??? I can see my youngest D who loves rice using it on her own when she wants some rice.</p>
<p>Yes…</p>
<p>Even with the larger ones (like the 10 cup) you can make a small amount of rice.</p>
<p>The one at Costco is actually a good size. I think it comes with a steamer basket. </p>
<p>If you’re going to ever use if for cooking things other than just plain rice, then having a bigger one is better. When I cooked pasta in mine yesterday, there’s no way it would have fit in a smaller cooker.</p>
<p>The one at Costco (it’s white - can’t remember the brand - lots of buttons on the front) was nice enough looking, but yikes seemed too big for me to want to store someplace! </p>
<p>I do see the point of making a meal in one though and needing the size.</p>
<p>Mom2CollegeKids</p>
<p>I found that same guide also, but on the Black &Decker site. I noticed that the chart at the bottom of the page is a bit different for the 400 & the 500. Why, oh why, do they not put the model number on the item???</p>
<p>I do have the rice scoop. I had no idea that a rice cooker uses a different cup measurement. I think my nervousness comes from be completely unfamiliar with this appliance. I have rice on my Costco shopping list for today!</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Don’t worry…if the first try doesn’t work out, you’ve only wasted a few pennies. :)</p>
<p>first just try:</p>
<p>spray bowl with Pam
put 2 cups of rice in (using the rice measure)
put in 2 1/4 cups of water (using standard measure)
some salt</p>
<p>turn on and see how that does.</p>
<p>Stupid question: can you use only long cooking rice in a cooker or can you also use “minute” type rice??? Different settings for brown or wild vs. white???</p>
<p>Is it important to use Pam? Could I use my Misto instead and use olive oil?
My rice cooker is teflon lined.</p>
<p>Sure you can use olive oil or any oil. I just use Pam cuz it’s easy. lol</p>
<p>*can you use only long cooking rice in a cooker or can you also use “minute” type rice??? Different settings for brown or wild vs. white??? *</p>
<p>No, you don’t use Minute rice in it. </p>
<p>Brown rice takes longer so it often has its own setting. </p>
<p>Wild rice takes longer and uses more water. Go to the second link on post 43. Then go to page 7 (page 7 of the book, not the 7th page of the PDF) and it tells you about the different types of rice, cooking times, etc.</p>
<p>I made rice in it tonight. I think I’m hooked.
Next I think I’ll try the recipe that was posted on page 1 of this thread.
Lucky for me, rice is on sale next week at my local grocery store!</p>
<p>Roger Ebert has written a cookbook for the rice cooker.</p>
<p>Here is a blog entry of his from 2008 where he apparently first started discussing the topic:
[The</a> pot and how to use it - Roger Ebert’s Journal](<a href=“http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2008/11/the_pot_and_how_to_use_it.html]The”>http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2008/11/the_pot_and_how_to_use_it.html)
A 2010 article about the book [The</a> theory and practice of The Pot :: rogerebert.com :: People](<a href=“http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100629/PEOPLE/100629974]The”>http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100629/PEOPLE/100629974) , which is titled “The Pot and How to Use It: The Mystery and Romance of the Rice Cooker”</p>
<p>I saw only one rice cooker at my Costco today and it was for 20 cups of rice! I need to get rid of something before I can add another appliance. I have a hard time justifying it because it is pretty easy to make with my Pampered Chef microwave rice maker. I’m just a sucker for one pot meals.</p>
<p>IMHO, only the smallest rice cookers do a good job of cooking one rice cooker measuring cup (about 3/4 c.) rice. Also, rice cookers don’t do the very best at cooking the very maximum amount they are made for. I think it is a matter of steam or something. Thus, many Asians have a couple of rice cookers, one for everyday meals and another for crowds. We passed on a Costco rice cooker despite the enticing price because it was way too big for our family.</p>
<p>And, and, the more expensive fuzzy logic rice cookers make brown rice TASTE GOOD. Yes. I promise. Pinky swear.</p>
<p>I am going to try the un-fried rice recipe tonight! Sounds delicious.</p>
<p>We are trying to eat healthier here. I bought my rice cooker to make quinoa in, as I could never get it right on the stove. The grains come out fluffy and not at all mushy. I am willing to spend the money on red and black quinoa now that I can’t ruin it.</p>
<p>I have read that you can make millet and oatmeal in the cooker as well.</p>
<p>IMHO, only the smallest rice cookers do a good job of cooking one rice cooker measuring cup (about 3/4 c.) rice</p>
<p>I’ve never tried to cook that little in my Costco purchased Aroma 10 cup. The least I’ve ever done was 2 measuring cups ( 1 1/2 cup ).</p>
<p>mom2ck,</p>
<p>Tried you Tomato Risotto Rice recipe last night that you posted in post #5. It was delicious! I added some chopped red peppers and broccoli, since I didn’t have any zucchini or squash, etc. as an additional add-in, but that worked well. Next I’m trying your Mexican Rice recipe…</p>
<p>Ordered a fuzzzzy logic rice cooker from Amazon yesterday, a bento box and a book about bentos. The box and the book I’m giving away as Christmas presents. I think my sister will love them!</p>