What if the one appliance everyone ignores could actually save you time, money, and stress after school? In our latest Mount Tahoma TV segment, we tested that idea by making a full meal using just a rice cooker. No stove. No oven. Just one button and a lot of curiosity. 

The video opens with a simple question: Can you really cook more than rice in a rice cooker? From there, we jump straight into the kitchen. We start by adding rice, water, and veggies, then layer in protein and seasoning. As the rice cooker clicks on, we explain each step and show how easy it is to make a warm, filling meal—even if you’ve never cooked before. By the end, the lid lifts to steam, and we plate a full dish that actually looks (and smells) amazing. 

“I thought it was only for rice,” Josh says in the segment, “but this is actually something I’d make at home.” That reaction says a lot. For many students at Mount Tahoma, cooking can feel expensive, hard, or intimidating. This video shows another option—one that fits real student lives. 

This story connects to our community values in a few ways. First, it’s about belonging and equity. Not everyone has access to a full kitchen, but many families own a rice cooker. Sharing simple recipes helps make cooking feel more fair and accessible. It also shows creativity and curiosity—using everyday tools in new ways. The segment was made through collaboration, with students planning, filming, and taste-testing together. 

Food is also culture. Rice cookers are common in many homes across our school’s communities, from Vietnamese and Khmer families to Samoan and Ukrainian households. Honoring those connections matters. Cooking can be a way to respect and celebrate where we come from. 

The takeaway? You don’t need fancy tools to eat well. Sometimes, all it takes is one button, a little courage to try something new, and a community willing to share ideas. That’s very Mount Tahoma. 

Read more stories from The Tower