Several nights ago, I was making pizza with my friend John, who may or may not read this blog. He blew my mind by pointing out that in a gas stove, the broiler does not come from the top of the oven, like it does in the electric-coil oven. I'd had this problem before - turn the oven up to broil, throw in the food, and nothing happens! Cue the revelation.
You know that little slot below the oven, the place where you keep your cookie sheet and whatever other pans you can shove in? THAT IS THE BROILER! Think it through; it makes perfect sense. In a gas oven, the flame comes from the bottom. In order to broil the TOP of stuff, you have to get under that flame. Pull out that funny compartment, shove in some hot dogs or nachos or pizza or whatever, and presto. Browned and delicious.
Although I was amazed and grateful for the added functionality of my kitchen, I did not immediately think this blog-worthy. I assumed everyone knew about the broiler-slot, and that I'd just missed the memo. HOWEVER. The very next day, I went out to Lisa's place in Davis for a night before JesusDay potluck meal. There was stuffing, potato dumplings, goat cheese and home made bread, scalloped potatoes with roasted peppers, some kind of spicy chicken, yes there was all this and more. My contribution was bacon-wrapped and feta-stuffed dates. Delicious, but requiring broiling. After they'd baked for ten minutes or so, I pulled them out, opened the bottom slot, and said, "I'm just going to finish these off in the broiler." The crowd gasped. BROILER???? THAT IS THE BROILER? YOU MEAN ALL THIS TIME I'VE BEEN BROILING IN THE TOASTER OVEN FOR NO REASON AT ALL??????????????????? Joy and amazement all around, a real Christmas miracle.
Now you know. If you have a gas oven, the broiler is on the bottom. Merry Christmas!
Comments (6)
hey there I just wanted to comment your blog and say that I really enjoyed reading your blog post here. It was very informative and I also digg the way you write! Keep it up and I'll be back to read more soon mate
Posted by Backlinks | July 23, 2010 8:33 PM
Posted on July 23, 2010 20:33
Great site!!!
Posted by Mauro Daloia | July 28, 2010 5:28 AM
Posted on July 28, 2010 05:28
Muy buenas cosas.
Posted by Zack Cucinella | July 28, 2010 5:49 AM
Posted on July 28, 2010 05:49
Hi i just thought I should leave a comment as i really admire your site its so interesting, keep it up!
Posted by Jude Reap | August 21, 2010 5:08 PM
Posted on August 21, 2010 17:08
I am really loving this blog accept I'm have an issue with making the RSS feed to display in the new Google Chrome. Can anyone help? Thank you!
Posted by castle improvements inc | September 3, 2010 12:31 AM
Posted on September 3, 2010 00:31
Sounds like an awesome recipe, would like to make it sometime.
Posted by Eugene Cantrell | September 9, 2010 9:18 PM
Posted on September 9, 2010 21:18