I had no idea my post was in kitchen talk. Thanks so much for the ideas. Not sure I'm going to stay here much longer. These may come in handy as theres a housing shortage in the area and the first renters get the kitchen. The crock pot, and hot plate ideas are stellar.

Meetow I dream of my own kitchen and learning Vietnamese cooking. The backyard is full of the greens she puts in the food. I'm sure they would feed me every meal, they are the kindest people I've ever met. I have no idea what's in the food. And there's the embarressment of not using chopsticks and having to reach into the communal bowls with my hands. Thanks for your chicken recipe. I think I would feel comfortable cooking when her kitchen closes about 8pm.

I live in a Vietnamese area, there are restaurants all over but people complain their not authentic. My landlord has only been in the US 5 years. The kitchen and the yard are always full.