Put Your Microwave To Work For Dinner

If spending an hour or two in a hot kitchen is not your idea of how to end a day, you might want to consider preparing dinner in your microwave. People sometimes forget that their microwaves are useful for far more than just warming up leftovers. They can be used to prepare meals in much less time than an oven and do not add heat to the kitchen. Since you can often use the same bowls for serving that you use for cooking, microwaves can also save clean up time.

Your countertop microwave should be clean before you begin the meal. Leftovers or foods placed inside uncovered may splatter, and the sides and roof may be peppered with tiny food bits. When you cook the next item, steam may loosen them and they can fall onto what you are trying to cook. Take a minute to clear them away and to make sure the carousel is also clean. This will reduce cooked on food that is difficult to remove.

Consider making your meat dish in the microwave. You can often prepare and serve in the same dish, which eliminates the need to clean a pan. One quick meal idea is to cook a meat loaf in a microwavable bundt cake pan. It will cook faster than in a loaf pan and will also be more decorative. The time required will depend on how thick your mixture is and the wattage of your microwave.

Cook canned or frozen vegetables in the same bowl you will use for serving. Several manufacturers make a very hard bowl out of plastic that is designed specifically for microwave use. Most also have lids, so after dinner you just cover leftovers and place in the refrigerator. All you have to do is pour the contents of the can into the bowl, add any desired seasonings, cover, and heat.

Baked potatoes are a special treat and are very easy to prepare in a microwave. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then poke holes all around them with a fork or knife. Place on a microwave safe cake pan or plate and cook until soft. Cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes, how many you cook at one time, and the power of your microwave. In general, you can bake them in about fifteen or twenty minutes.

You can make instant potatoes in a microwave and eliminate the need to clean a pan. Use a microwavable bowl with a handle. Add milk, water, margarine, salt and pepper according to the measurements provided on the box. Microwave until hot and carefully remove the bowl. Place it on a trivet and stir in the potato flakes. Blend well, either by hand or with an electric hand mixer. Once the bowl has cooled sufficiently, it can go directly to the table.

Always be very cautious when removing foods from a microwave. Use a mitt or a pot holder and protect hands and face. Many ingredients can pop or splatter even after removal from the microwave. Use a lid to help shield you and your microwave and remove it very carefully to avoid being scalded by steam.

Posted on July 1st, 2010 by authorgen
Filed under: Time Management