I have made quite a few times, and apart from the fact it makes loads and I always forget.... I pretty much follow the recipe. I find the flavour does not have enough depth to it so I usually add my trusty stock concentrate to season it and it seems to balance the flavour a bit better. With regard to cooking on the stove top I can't see any reason why not, you would just have to be mindful of your liquid levels and ensure it does not boil dry and on a very low simmer. Sorry can't be more help, as I say its been a while!