Thanks so much for the helpful advice!  Especially about the salt

Thank you all for the encouraging responses -- and for the helpful websites!  I have managed to get a copy of the instruction manual today.... but not before I scorched the bottom of my TMX bowl whilst trying to steam some chicken, by this I learn 
My dog did enjoy the drippings from my marinade as I put the Varoma tray on the kitchen counter, only for it to drip out and onto the floor... oh well!  The chicken was again so moist and delicious!  Oh, and the steamed veggies were oh so very good )
BTW, got the bowl cleaned with a little elbow grease (will not make that mistake again!!).
Thanks Again!

I just brought a second hand Thermomix 21 from my dear friend who is returning to the US - unfortunately, the packers packed the instruction manual, spatula and butterfly attachment.... that didn't stop me!  Found a recipe for Thermomix stir fried prawns, my daughter and I proceeded to follow the instructions to the letter ..... all went well until we looked, turn the machine upside down, researched the internet all to find the reverse button.... Ah!  there isn't one!  Into the frying pan the prawns went!  Oh well, live and learn --  different recipes for the 21 and 31 ;0)
My girlfriend did promise to send the bits that were packed -- but we did make a lovely red pepper soup and chicken rissoto this evening.