A roaster oven often cooks foods in less time than a conventional oven. Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Roasting is a dry-heat cooking method that utilizes the natural juices in meats such as poultry, beef, pork and ham. Electric roaster ovens make the most of this feature by cooking foods through the even distribution of heat and liquids. Because the covered roaster traps and recycles moisture from the food as it cooks, no additional water or other liquids are needed unless called for in a recipe.

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Roasting, Not Steaming

Adding water to the bottom of the roaster oven before cooking defeats the purpose of the unit, as its function is to roast, not steam, the food. Additional moisture may prevent the skin on a turkey, goose or large chicken from browning and crisping, and any natural flavors present in the meat juices may be reduced through dilution. During cooking, juices released by the bird or roast drip to the bottom of the cooking pan and are recycled as they travel up and around during the evaporation process.

Roaster Oven Basics

Roasting ovens generally come as 18- or 22-quart units that can accommodate up to a 20-pound turkey or a large beef or pork roast or ham. The high-domed lid on most models provides extra space at the top for oddly shaped cuts of meat, and some units include a removable rack that keeps the meat off the bottom. The temperature range for most roaster ovens is roughly 150 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and the heating elements on most units is built into the outer walls so that heat comes at the meat from the sides and not just the bottom.

Step by Step

All roaster ovens are accompanied by a detailed owner's manual that provides all the information necessary to the proper usage and maintenance of the unit. This includes recipes designed specifically for the oven, and following them assures the best results. Unless otherwise specified, preheat the roaster oven to the temperature required by the recipe, and add the poultry or roast and any seasonings and fats, such as salt, pepper, butter or oil as instructed in the recipe, and no other liquids. Place the lid on the roaster and cook for the required time. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to be sure the roast or turkey has reached a safe internal temperature. For beef, pork and ham, look for a reading of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and a temperature of at least 165 F for turkey and chicken.

Exception to the Rule

All electric roasting ovens work for many other types of cooking, including baking cakes and casseroles, making soups and steaming foods. Steaming foods such as vegetables requires the addition of water and the use of a separate steaming unit, such as a metal basket or large colander. In this case, follow the directions as to the amount of water needed before steaming the foods. And as with all other roaster oven uses, remove the cooked foods carefully using the rack, or wear oven mitts to remove hot steamed foods.

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If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what would happen if you made apple cider donuts and gooey apple cookies a daily occurrence, too? Okay, maybe you wouldn't be healthier, but you'd definitely be happier. Tart, juicy apples are the star of each of these sweet and decadent treats. Frankly, we deserve a reward for narrowing the list to just 12 recipes. (Hint: crunchy apple caramel turnovers make an excellent reward.)

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Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

There's something virtuous about eating mini versions of decadent desserts, isn't there? These miniature caramel apple cheesecakes are rich and sweet, and because they're made in individual cupcake liners, it's easy to scale the recipe up or down. They're also easy to eat in just a few bites, making them great party food — assuming you're willing to share, that is.

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Instant Pot Apple Butter

Is there anything the Instant Pot can't do? Okay, sure, it won't do your taxes or walk your dog, but this handy kitchen accessory can do a lot — including transforming a batch of apples into this creamy, sticky apple butter. Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, homemade apple butter is perfect on toast or right from the spoon. It's also vegan and dairy-free.

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Caramel Apple Monkey Bread

Your parents told you not to play with your food. But if they tasted this caramel apple monkey bread, they'd understand the need to reach in and dig out chunks with your bare fingers. Made with wedges of tender dough and fresh apple, this version of monkey bread is almost dangerously decadent. Not that you'll be complaining when you're going back for sevenths.

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Apple Cider Caramel Turnovers

Turnovers are one of those desserts that you can easily convince yourself are appropriate for breakfast, too. They're also deceptively simple to make, when you use store-bought puff pastry. That's one of the best parts of this version of apple cider caramel turnovers. The hardest part? Putting the caramel apple filling into the turnovers instead of directly into your mouth.

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Apple Cider Donuts

Some foods just seem like too much trouble to make yourself at home. If you're like many people, you'd probably put donuts on that list. Sure, making homemade apple cider donuts isn't an everyday occurrence — but wouldn't life be better if it was? This recipe produces a baked version that's light enough to eat, guilt-free, every day.

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Apple Pie Crumb Cake

Apple season always brings tough questions. Are you more craving apple pie, or apple cake? With this recipe for apple pie crumb cake, the only decision you have to make is whether to top it with ice cream or whipped cream. (There's no wrong choice.)

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Apple Cider Cake

There's truly no wrong time of day for apple cake. In the morning, it's breakfast; in the afternoon, it's a fruit-filled snack; at night, it's dessert. This version of apple cider cake is super easy to whip up. It also freezes well, making it the perfect way to use up fresh apples and enjoy them long past autumn.

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Homemade Apple Crisp

There's something about taking the first bite of warm apple crisp that always makes your toes curl with happiness. It's like coziness and autumn in a bowl. When you're looking to capture that feeling, this classic apple crisp recipe delivers.

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Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cookies

Life is hard; you deserve cookies. When those cookies contain chunks of fresh fruit and fiber-rich oats, it's delightfully easy to justify eating them every day. This recipe for spiced apple oatmeal cookies also includes buttermilk, giving the finished product just a touch of tang. On their own, they're delicious — when you finish them with brown butter glaze, they're really something special.

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Blooming Flower Apple Pie

Are you in the market for an apple recipe that looks impressively artful but is deceptively quick and easy to make? Of course you are! These blooming flower apple pies deliver in every way. They're Insta-ready, and because they use frozen puff pastry, assembling them is surprisingly simple. The addition of strawberry jam gives them a rosy tint and an extra dose of sweetness.

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Oatmeal Apple Crisp

Apple crisp seems simple enough, right? Start with fresh apples, add some spices and top the whole thing with a crumbly oatmeal mixture. But finding the recipe that tastes just right to your palate takes some experimenting. If your loved ones question you for trying yet another recipe for oatmeal apple crisp, "I'm performing a scientific experiment," is a better excuse than, "Because I want more apple crisp."

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Campfire Skillet Apple Cobbler

Can adults earn scouting badges for cooking dessert over a campfire? If not, this skillet apple cobbler recipe is its own reward. Don't worry, we're not suggesting you lug canisters of flour and sugar into the wilderness. This recipe calls for the apples and the cobbler topping to be prepared at home and transported in plastic bags to the campsite. Dump everything in the skillet and you'll have hot, fresh, slightly smoky apple cobbler in 20 minutes.

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When she's not writing hit singles or performing for sold-out crowds in major cities around the world, there's a good chance superstar Taylor Swift is at home baking up a batch of sweet treats for her squad. If you share a love for homemade baked goods like Taylor, here are 9 cookie recipes to try on your next T. Swizzle-inspired girls' night in.

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Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies will leave their mark in your heart and in your mouth. This egg-free recipe is simple to follow and a blast to make.

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Snickerdoodle Cookies

Craving a sweet treat but don't have much time? This recipe for soft snickerdoodle cookies is exactly what you need. Just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes later, your taste buds will be thanking you.

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Peanut Butter Cookies

If you want to keep it simple, these peanut butter cookies are the way to go. Not a huge fan of peanut butter? No problem. You can easily substitute in almond butter, hazelnut butter or other options to fit your personal taste.

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Thin Mint Cookies

With this need-to-try recipe for homemade thin mint cookies, you'll no longer have to wait for Girl Scout cookie season to arrive. You'll be able to satisfy your chocolate and mint cravings all year long.

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S\’mores Cookies

Transform a fireside favorite into a bite sized treat with these s'mores cookies. Ooey-gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, crunchy graham crackers–this recipe is every bit of classic s'more deliciousness packed in a convenient cookie.

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Shortbread Cookies

These shortbread cookies are nothing short of exquisite. They are extremely easy to make and are the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee or tea.

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Blueberries and Cream Cookies

Get a fruity fix with these delicate blueberries and cream cookies. The soft and juicy blueberries will give your cookies the perfect burst of flavor.

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Vegan Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting

This recipe for homemade sugar cookies with buttercream frosting are any vegan's sweet dream come true. Top them off with sprinkles and you'll have an instant vegan-friendly party favorite.

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Coconut Breakfast Cookies with Cacao Nibs

Who said cookies were only for dessert? With these coconut breakfast cookies, you can kick-start your day on a sweet note. To up the indulgence factor, try substituting the cacao nibs with chocolate chips or add maple syrup.

Image Credit: Ashlae Warner

Have you ever started a recipe and realized that you had forgotten to prepare a necessary ingredient? Or that you may be missing that required ingredient altogether?! These easy kitchen hacks will help remedy some of those situations with ease. You'll definitely want to save these tips for the next time you need a quick solution in the kitchen.

1. How to Soften Butter Quickly

Most baking recipes call for softened butter, not hard butter or melted butter. This fast and easy method for softening butter takes two minutes and will leave you with perfectly softened butter every single time!

Step 1: Fill a tall glass with hot water.

Let it sit in the glass for a few seconds then pour the water out.

Step 2: Place the glass over the butter.

Place the stick of butter on a plate, standing upright. Place the glass over the butter and let sit for 2 minutes. The heat that is trapped inside of the cup will quickly soften the butter without melting it.

Step 3: Remove the glass.

Once you remove the glass, use a knife or spoon to handle the butter. It will be perfectly softened, but not melted, and ready to use immediately. You can put any unused butter back in your refrigerator, and it will firm back up to its original consistency.

2. Revive Crystalized Honey

Did you know that honey never goes bad? Even if you have found that your honey has crystalized, it's still good and can easily be restored to it's original, smooth consistency.

Step 1: Pour hot water into a large bowl.

Step 2: Submerge the container of honey in the hot water.

Allow the honey to sit in the hot water for up to 10 minutes. The hot water will slowly de-crystalize the honey.

Warning

Only use this method for glass containers of honey. The hot water may melt plastic containers. If your honey is in a plastic container, transfer it to a glass jar or glass before trying this method.

Step 3: Remove the glass jar from the water and stir the honey.

If your honey still has some crystalization, simply repeat this process and your honey should be like new. Store in a cool, dark place. Never refrigerate honey.

3. Keep Marshmallows Fresh Longer

Marshmallows can become hard and sticky pretty quickly if they aren't stored properly. Once you open a bag of marshmallows, it's really hard to keep air out of the bag and keep them fresh. This method will keep your marshmallows fresh and ready to use for up to 3 months.

Step 1: Place the opened bag of marshmallows in a zip lock bag.

Step 2: Gently press the air out of the bag without smashing the marshmallows.

Press as much air out as you can without smashing the marshmallows, then zip the bag closed.

Step 3: Place the marshmallows in your freezer.

The marshmallows will freeze a bit, but not fully. To use, simply remove your desired amount of marshmallows from the bag and let them come to room temperature…usually around 30 minutes. Your marshmallows will return to their original consistency and be ready for recipes or roasting over a fire!

4. Easy Substitution for Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are a major staple in the kitchen, and running out of them can ruin your dinner plans. Now worries, there is an easy solution: use crackers instead!

Step 1: Place crackers in a food processor.

If you don't have a food processor available, you can place crackers in a resealable plastic baggie.

Step 2: Pulse until the crackers are the consistency of breadcrumbs.

If you are using a plastic baggie, seal the bag and use a rolling pin or heavy item to smash the crackers to a breadcrumb-like consistency.

Step 3: Store in an airtight container.

You can use them immediately or store in an airtight container for future use. These will keep up to 3 months.

5. Remove Onion and Garlic Smell from Skin

Onions and garlic add a ton of flavor to dishes and are said to be two of the most used food items in our kitchens. While all of their amazing flavor and smell are great for recipes, they can leave a foul odor on your skin that sometimes may not be removed with normal hand washing. This easy trick will remove the smell with ease!

Step 1: Cut a lemon in half.

Step 2: Rub the inside of the lemon all over your hands.

Lemon juice is an amazing odor neutralizer, and the lemon will help to pull out the onion or garlic odor, leaving your hands smelling fresh and clean. Once you have rubbed the lemon all over your hands, wash and rinse your hands, and discard the lemon.

These easy tips will save you in even the trickiest kitchen situations!