Got 3 of various sizes (only 2 of us). I have actually thought about trying bread then decided against it as I have a bread maker which goes once every now and then. I love bread, but only when I want it. Bit like chocolate. Unfortunately bread takes longer to cook, whereas chocolate is open cupboard and drool!
Cakes, I have put in a deep enamel bowl, or a loaf tin, then on a pastry cutter and then use water in the pot to steam. This works for slow cooker and cast iron on mf stove. One thing that has gone wrong is I forgot to account for expansion. Wrapped the pudding up beautifully in the bowl, greaseproof paper, string etc (pudding itself only 3/4 filled the bowl and in my eye, I gave plenty of loose paper), put on top of fire and leave to "cook". Couple of hours later, mum on phone "rattling, banging, lots of noise!" were some of the words! I came into the house and pudding had expanded and was trying to push a cast iron lid off its pot. Because there was a gap, the water had all boiled away so now there was a smell and the the pastry cutter was cooking onto the enamel of the pot. Mum thinking she is helping wants to put cold water straight into it and I stopped her just in time!!
I love using it to cook on. Chillis, stews, roasts (I'm too coward to try baked potatoes!), even veg, put the pan on with the water in early enough, once boiling, then shove the steamer on top!
I forgot about pastry being different. Agree, it needs time. Never mind, tomorrow will be a cooking day!