A rice cooker is a nifty little kitchen appliance that can make the perfect bowl of rice in mere minutes. The rice turns out fluffy, light, and soft and is never mushy or undercooked. A rice cooker is definitely a staple in any kitchen, but did you know a rice cooker is good for making more than just rice? That is right. A rice cooker is more than just a one-trick pony. Prepare for your mind to be blown. Here are ten surprising foods you can prepare with a rice cooker.

Beans and rice go together like peanut butter and jelly, so it is absolutely kismet that a rice cooker can also make a batch of beans. Simply cover dried beans with water and cook until they are tender. Add herbs, seasonings, and spices then enjoy with a scoop or two of rice or as a side paired with your favorite protein.

Most rice cookers come with non-stick bowls, which means you can use them to bake up cakes and quick bread like banana bread. Pour your bread or cake batter into the rice cooker bowl and cook until a toothpick comes out clean. Cook times will vary depending on your recipe and rice cooker, but some rice cookers come with a cake setting, which makes baking so much easier.

A rice cooker for a pancake? Yep! A rice cooker can be used to make one giant pancake. How incredible is that? All you have to do is fill the rice cooker one-third to halfway with your favorite pancake batter. Stir in your favorite pancake extras like chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts, maybe all three if you are feeling fancy, then cook until the batter sets. Very carefully flip the pancake onto a plate then douse it in butter, honey, or maple syrup and there you have it. Breakfast is served.

Hosting a party during the cold weather months? Grab a rice cooker and set up an apple cider bar, a hot chocolate station, or a mulled wine bowl. Add all of your ingredients to the rice cooker with the lid open then simmer until all of your ingredients blend together beautifully. Switch the setting to “Keep warm” then close the lid so guests can help themselves throughout the party. Perfect for Christmas or the holidays.

Whether you enjoy hot cereal or a warm bowl of oatmeal, a rice cooker is the perfect kitchen tool to whip up a hot breakfast. Simply add the desired amount of cereal or oatmeal, add a little less milk or water than you would for traditional stovetop cooking, and viola. Hot breakfast made simple. Include some toppings like cacao nibs, cinnamon, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh fruit and you have a perfectly prepared breakfast - no microwave or stovetop required.

Almost all grains, like barley, polenta, and quinoa all cook nicely in a rice cooker with the same liquid ratio that you would use on a stovetop. Some other grains that are naturally tougher (think of things like brown rice or farro) will cook better in a rice cooker after an overnight soak before cooking. Add a handful of freshly chopped herbs, or nuts for a crunchy side dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

A rice cooker works well for creating more mindful desserts like fresh fruits simmered in something sweet like fruit juice, maple syrup, or wine. Pears are always a great option, but any firm fruit will do. Simple cook until tender then serve as an elegant dessert at your next dinner party or soiree.

If you are looking for a new dessert idea try using your rice cooker to make a batch of rice pudding. Combine milk and rice in your rice cooker and then add your favorite flavors like brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried dates or raisins. Cook rice until it has a porridge-like consistency that is dense and thick.

Level up your regular rice with a risotto dish. Simply sauté onions in butter in an open rice cooker then add one part risotto rice to four parts liquid. Cook for about 25 minutes using the slow setting. Finish with a mix of freshly grated cheese and herbs. Bon appéit!

If your rice cooker comes with a fitted steamer basket or rack, put it to good use and use it as a steamer for pretty much everything. Effortlessly cook and steam chicken, fish, potatoes, shrimp, tofu, and veggies. If you can steam it then you can probably use it in a rice cooker. Dinner and side dishes have never been so simple with a rice cooker.