So let's tackle one of the things that often comes up with the V-ZUG or Wolf brand Combi-Steam. It certainly did for me when I first locked my beady eyes onto one. It doesn't have a grill! Hang on, what? It doesn't have a grill? No. It doesn't have a grill. But, never fear because what it does have is something that for me, is better than a traditional grill.

It has Hot Air + Steaming. In V-ZUG or Wolf Combi-Steam ovens this function is the one that is used to create that beautiful balance between browning on the outside and moisture on the inside. In other brands it is called things like Combi mode or Combination Steam. But Hot Air+Steaming is a little different. The main difference is that the technology that V-ZUG has developed, over many many years of working with Steam oven technology, automatically sets, monitors and maintains the right level of Steam in your oven. This is one of the reasons that you don’t need a grill.

When you pre-heat your V-ZUG or Wolf Combi-Steam on the Hot Air + Steaming function to 230°C and then place your food inside you can achieve a heavenly balance between golden brown toasting or grilling on the outside and moist "gooey-ness" in the middle. In fact you can achieve the browning on all sides of the food whilst retaining the moisture whereas with a traditional grill you would likely have to do some time consuming turning! You can also “grill” on multiple levels at the same time, which gives you the ability to do larger quantities when you need to.

Let's use a really simple example of how we can create a grilled effect (well actually it should be a "better than grilled effect") with the VZUG or Wolf Combi-Steam. Wait for it.....it's cheese & tomato on toast. Great for a quick breakkie, a snack, lunch or brunch or even a lazy Sunday supper with some soup, in front of the tellie.

So here's how to do it - CSQ Style....

Grilled Cheese & Tomato (or Tomato & Cheddar Melt for the foodies!)

serves 1 but can be multiplied to your hearts content

Ingredients:
2 slices good quality sourdough bread (can be still frozen even!)
4-6 slices of ripe tomato
2 handfuls of grated tasty cheese

Method:

1. Select Hot Air+Steaming function on your Combi-Steam. Set temperature to 230°C

2. Place the slices of toast onto the black enamel tray or wire rack. (You can line with baking paper if you're worried about drippy cheese but I find the "toasting" results are better on the bottom without it.)

3. Top with tomato (I season with S&P here!)and sprinkle with the cheese.

4. By this time your oven should have reached temperature (yes it's super quick and efficient!) and this will be indicated on the front temperature reading. If not wait until it gets there.

5. Working efficiently so as not to let all the heat out, slide the tray into the oven. Cook for around 6 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of "toastiness" and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

6. Remove the rack carefully and enjoy!

Try some different toppings....chicken, cheese & pineapple or pesto, salami & fetta. Try it with muffins instead of bread to make quick mini pizzas with ham, cheese & pineapple sitting atop a smear of tomato paste (which can even be popped, cooled, into kids lunch boxes!). You can even add a top to your bread to make a sandwich and cook the whole thing, browning both the top and the bottom slices in one go while melting and warming the fillings. Genius!

This technique or method is so versatile and the more you experiment the more ways you will find to add it to your repertoire.

Yours in the kitchen,

The CSQ. x