Master of the Microwave

There are two kinds of people in the world: people that couldn't live without their microwave and people who think microwaves are horrible robots from the future that are going to kill us. You think I'm being dramatic but have you ever talked to someone who "doesn't use those things"? It's hard to hear them from so high up on their pedestals, but if you can make out what they're saying, they think the way they cook (i.e. microwave-free) is better than yours.

Guess what? Microwaves are fine. They're safe. And while I love a good pot of chili cooked with love and care on the stove, I also love a nice reheated bowl of it (via microwave) the next day. I follow the mantra of "everything in moderation" - use the microwave for some things, use more "traditional" methods for others.

Wondering how that breaks down? Here's my list of things that are much better done in the microwave:

  • Reheating leftovers. The best part of leftovers is that the cooking is done and you don't have to slave over the stove for yet another meal. Nuke your chili, lasagna (perhaps with some extra sauce thrown in to soften it up), mac n cheese, etc. and call it a night.
  • Toast nuts. Toasted almond slices or pine nuts can add great taste to salads and pasta. But who wants to heat up the oven and wait forever while they toast when the rest of your meal is going to be done so much sooner? Simply spread the nuts out on a plate and microwave on high 1 minute at a time 3 or 4 times. Lightly toss the nuts each time.
  • Bake potatoes. Wash your potatoes and don't dry. Poke a few holes in each pototo with a fork, place on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave about 10-12 minutes until soft.
  • Soften butter or cream cheese. I'm envious of people that know 3 hours in advance they'll be making a recipe that calls for softened butter or cream cheese. I usually realize it mid-way through my recipe. Easy solution: microwave desired amount 20 seconds at a time until it's soft. For cream cheese, cut it into chunks first.
  • Disinfect sponges. Rinse sponge and heat in microwave (still wet) for 1-2 minutes. Voila! Germs are gone and you've extended the life of your sponge, which isn't just being thrifty, it's great for the planet!

Ready to get microwaving? Try our Risotto Microwavo and see for yourself the great recipes that can come from the microwave!

Have an opinion? Enter the great microwave debate and share in the comments why you love or hate the microwave!

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3 comments:

The Husband said...

I definitely use the microwave in my cooking, especially with potatoes. One good trick I was taught to do is to nuke a potato for about 3 minutes before you make hash browns. It cuts down on cooking time and they tend to stick less and brown better.

Vicki said...

Great tip! I do something similar with frozen veggies - I usually microwave them first to get them nice and hot really quickly, then quickly saute them in a pan with olive oil and garlic salt. You get the taste of being in a pan without it taking as long. Win-win!

Dinnerware Set said...

Always looking for these kinds of great content and information over the internet. Really very appreciating. Keep it up Thanks

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