Thank you all for letting me know what that "thing" was
"nother Dumb question tho - do you open it enough to just place it OVER the water and put a lid on to trap the steam?

Must admit, I thought I knew what a lot of things were in the kitchen, but THAT I had never seen!

Thanks also for the lovely comments. I know I don't post pics often, and videos - Ha, I forget my camera can do those, so I do appreciate all your lovely feedback.

Cheers
Michelle