*Once water boils, place vegetables on the steaming rack. Most vegetables only need one to three minutes. Once the vegetables take on a vibrant change of color, remove them immediately. If you are not sure, use a fork or knife to see if they are done.

*Serve immediately. Steamed vegetables taste best when eaten while they are still hot. They tend to turn mushy if they are left to sit for a while.

Steaming vegetables is only part of the fun. You can create impressive, delicious dishes with a few tricks:

1. You can infuse the vegetables with a touch of flavor by adding herbs, spices and seasonings to the water while steaming. This method of flavoring the vegetables will add some zing, without drowning the natural flavor of the vegetables themselves. Toss sprigs of herbs like cilantro, thyme, lemon grass. Consider garlic, slices of lemon, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, vinegar. Get creative.

2. Use light seasonings. Sometimes the best of flavors are brought out by the simplest of seasonings. Season steamed vegetables with butter, salt or pepper. Or use olive oil and finely chopped fresh herbs. Sprinkle veggies with grated cheese or seasoning rub like Knox's Cracked Pepper dry rub. Try steamed edamame with a dash of kosher salt - so good, even the most finicky eater will eat them.