Preparing dinner is one of the most time consuming chores most people face. After a long day, the last thing you may want to do is face a hot oven. Sometimes, you may forget that your microwave can do a lot more than warm leftovers. It is easy to prepare a complete meal quickly and save clean up time as well.
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.
Most meats can be prepared in any type of microwave. Often, you will be able to cook and then serve in one dish, eliminating the chore of cleaning a pan. One idea you might like to try is to put your meat loaf mix in a microwave safe bundt cake pan. This reduces the cooking time as opposed to a loaf pan, and also dresses up your food. Cooking time will vary, depending on the thickness of the mix and the power of the microwave. However, it will be substantially less than in the oven.
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 have one less pan to wash if you make instant or dehydrated mashed potatoes in the microwave. Select a microwavable bowl, using one with a handle if possible. Add margarine, milk, water, and salt and pepper to taste, following the instructions provided on the box. Microwave until hot, which is normally about the time the margarine melts. Use caution and move the bowl onto a trivet. Stir in the potato flakes and mix, either with your electric mixer or by hand. The bowl may need to cool a little before you serve it.
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.
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