Elementary Chef

Steaming is the latest trend in all things microwave. When I hear steaming, I immediately think of broccoli and cabbage. But today’s steamed dinners comprise meats, veggies, seafood, you name it. So why steam? Because cooking with water and IN water adds no fats to your food!

McCormick has announced a new line of steamer packs. I haven’t seen these in the store yet, but I’m intrigued! Anyone out there tried this yet?

The humble microwave has emerged as the new kitchen darling — the go-to appliance for family dinners. But this familiar kitchen fixture has a new gig: serving as a “steamer” for preparing fast, fresh and flavorful meals.

“Home cooks are falling back in love with steaming — one of the quickest and healthiest ways to cook,” according to registered dietitian Liz Weiss, author of The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers. Steaming maintains more vitamins and minerals in foods than boiling or baking, and it requires no added fat. For seafood, it’s a simple and speedy way to prepare moist and flavorful fish or shrimp. Steaming also leaves more of vegetables’ natural taste, texture and color than any other cooking method.

“Families are no longer satisfied with frozen pizza, take-out or eating out of a box all the time,” Weiss said. “What many crave instead are fresh, nutritious, and easy-to-assemble home-cooked meals. Innovations in the supermarket like steamer bags, portioned seafood and pre-cut veggies help busy families create healthy meals that take minutes to make with minimal clean- up.”

McCormick has added to its successful Veggie Steamers products with a full spectrum of McCormick Steamers, which now includes McCormick Seafood Steamers and McCormick Potato Steamers. These innovative new products conveniently combine a microwave steamer bag along with a packet of seasonings. Simply combine the food with the specially-developed spice and
herb mixture in the bag, close and microwave.

The new steaming line-up includes:

— NEW McCormick Seafood Steamers
- Lemon Garlic
- Garlic Butter

— NEW McCormick Potato Steamers
- Roasted Garlic & Rosemary
- Italian Herb

— McCormick Veggie Steamers
- Garlic & Basil
- Cheddar Cheese

For more information, recipes and photography, visit http://www.mccormick.com.