Today’s ovens come packed with advanced features designed to make cooking easier and more versatile. But even if you’re just working with basic functions, there are plenty of creative ways to make the most out of your oven. Here are some fun and unexpected things you can do:
- Dehydrate Fruits and Veggies
Transform your oven into a dehydrator by setting it to a low temperature (around 140-170°F or 60-75°C) and leaving the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Slice fruits like apples, strawberries, or even herbs, and dry them out over several hours for healthy, homemade snacks. - Make Your Own Yogurt
Use your oven’s "keep warm" function (100-110°F or 37-43°C) to incubate yogurt. After heating the milk and mixing in the starter culture, place it in the oven for 8-12 hours to ferment. If your oven doesn’t have a "keep warm" function, simply preheat it to the lowest temperature, then turn it off an hour before adding the yogurt. Place the yogurt inside, close the door, and leave the oven light on to maintain warmth during fermentation. - Proof Dough
You can proof bread dough in your oven by using either the proof setting or just the oven light. The gentle warmth helps your dough rise faster. Simply place the dough in the oven with the light on, and let it rise until doubled in size. - Slow Cooking
Turn your oven into a slow cooker by setting it to a low temperature (around 200°F or 93°C). Use it to cook stews, braises, or even pulled pork over several hours for melt-in-your-mouth results without needing a dedicated slow cooker. - Toast Nuts and Spices
Toasting nuts or spices in the oven ensures even roasting and enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, shaking the tray occasionally. This method is more hands-off than stovetop toasting and gives a consistent result.
With these simple techniques, you can unlock even more potential from your oven. Whether you’re making snacks, experimenting with homemade yogurt, or creating deeper flavors with toasted spices, your oven is a versatile tool that goes beyond traditional baking.
KAM COMMENTS:
You don’t have to be a gourmet cook to make the most of your kitchen appliances. Pick one thing to try and see what happens. For me, toasting nuts in the oven has been a game changer. It takes all the guess work out of knowing when they’re done, and no more burnt nuts. Toasted nuts have much more flavor and stay crisper in your foods.