We just moved into a house with electric convection; I pug in a gas cooktop because I prefer gas. If we could have afforded it I would have gotton one of those all gas ovens with gas convection. Gas to me just seems more like cooking, plus you can still cook if the electricity goes out, like...
Generally I don't like cucumbers or zucchini, for the same reason, the slimy wet texture. But I have had cucumbers and zucchini that I liked, don't know what the secret is!
I love tomatos, but not in salad, except for the grape kind.
Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but make sure to get extra firm tofu for stir fry.
I tried baking tofu once. It worked but was not as crispy. Maybe broiling?