Ideas for Cooking in Your Microwave

 Some people cringe when they think of cooking in the microwave. However, it is perfectly safe; you just need to use the right tools.

 First, make sure you use cookware that is microwave safe. Plastic containers that are not microwave safe should not be used to cook in your microwave because they release chemicals into your food. Tupperware has a great line of microwave cookware and reheatable containers that are safe to use in your microwave.

 I don’t recommend you use glass or glass-type to cook in the microwave simply because they get hot and you can burn yourself if you don’t remember to use potholders. Actually, a good test of whether a container is microwave safe is whether it is hot to the touch after about twenty minutes in the microwave.

 Another thing to remember about cooking in the microwave is there are two types of microwave containers. One type is cookware that you can actually cook something in the microwave. The other type is microwave reheatable, meaning you can reheat food in your microwave with them. If something says it is microwave reheatable I make it a point not to put it in the microwave for more then twenty minutes.

 Here are some ideas and recipes for the microwave. I use Tupperware’s Oval Micro Cooker for these recipes. If you have quality microwave cookware, go ahead and try these recipes in them. I must be honest with you though, I have yet to find microwave cooker that is as good as the ones made by Tupperware.

 Corn on the cob

Remove husks and put into oval microwave cooker with collar and cover. Cook on high in microwave for 2 minutes per ear. (Do not add any water) Let stand to finish cooking.

 For example 5 ears is 10 minutes, stand for 2 minutes.

 Rotisserie Chicken

Clean and wash chicken. Place in oval microwave cooker with collar and sprinkle with Southwest Chipotle seasoning or a similar type seasoning. Cook for 7 ˝ minutes per pound on high in the microwave. Let stand 20% additional cooking time.

 For example if you have a 4 pound chicken that is 30 minutes cooking time and 6 minutes standing time.

 Taco Dip

In base of microwave cooker spread 8 oz. softened cream cheese, then one can Hormel chili without beans, then 8 oz. shredded cheese. Cover and cook on high for 5 minutes. Dip with tortilla chips.

 All fresh Vegetables:

There is no need to add any water to fresh vegetables. Just place in microwave cooker and cook on high for 6 minutes per pound.

 Cauliflower is really good this way then during the standing time sprinkle shredded cheese on cauliflower and cover and the

cheese will melt around the cauliflower. NO need to make a cheese sauce.

 All your vegetables will be superior when cooked 6 min. per pound.

 Garlic Infused Shrimp

˝ cup white wine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. Garlic Seasoning

1 lb. shrimp, peeled and de-veined

8 oz. thin spaghetti, cooker

 In Base of microwave cooker, place wine and garlic, in shallow colander, place shrimp seasoned with seasoning. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes until shrimp turns pink. Toss shrimp and hot spaghetti in white wine mixture. Serve immediately.

Party Arti Dip:

1 (14 Oz) can artichoke hearts, drained

2 green onions, chopped

˝ cup low-fat mayonnaise

˝ cup grated parmesan cheese

 Combine ingredients in food processor until chopped. Place into base of oval microwave cooker. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes until hot. Serve with tortilla chips or bagel chips.

 Ground Beef or Turkey

Put in base of oval microwave cooker with rack. Cook for 5 min. per pound. Crumble with spatula a couple of times.

 Apple Crisp

1 pkg Archway Oatmeal Cookies

16oz can apple pie filling

Caramel, whipped topping or ice cream

 Place 4 Archway Oatmeal Cookies on bottom of container. Take an extra cookie and break apart to fill-in around “holes”. Open and pour can of pie filling on top of cookies. Take 2 cookies and crumble and sprinkle over top. Microwave on high 3 – 4 minutes until filling is warm. Remove and top with ice cream or whipped topping or caramel.

 (can substitute with chocolate cookies and cherry pie filling)

 Basic Microwave cooking tips

I recommend purchasing a kitchen scale if you do not already have one. Most foods cook till done at 6 minutes per pound.

 Exceptions are:

 Fish/seafood: 3 min. per pound

Whole chicken or turkey: 7 ˝ minutes per pound

Chicken pieces like breast or wings: 6 minutes per pound rule.

Ground meat: 6 minutes per pound.

 Standing time after cooking is normally 20% additional time. For example if something cooks for 10 minutes then standing time is 2 minutes.

Disclaimer

I cannot personally try all the recipes and tips that have been submitted to me. Please let me know if you find errors in any of them. I do not endorse or recommend any recipes, tips, products or services listed in our ezines or on our web pages. You use them and their contents at your own risk and discretion. If you do not agree to these terms, please don't continue to use them. If you do, it means you agree to these terms.