and for the basil, just a few picks of the fresh leaves. the only thing we can do is try! it comes with a timer mode which lets you easily set your cooking time. why go through all the trouble to pass laws making it illegal to harm a monster? lately, it has gone all quiet, glad if there is comment once a month?? hopefully this will get fixed soon. there are so many ways that all of us use our time that takes away more than it gives. or maybe this is a what about bob? 