Microve Ovens

[society]

I've recently discovered the wonders of a microwave. I've had one for several years but was never interested in using it until recently. I now find it to be a convenient and very essential appliance for cooking, baking and even making porridge; I use it more often than my hob. And my microwave even has a section for making toast!

I know folks who only use theirs for heating up left-overs. How often do you use your microwave? Do you only use it for heating up foods? Or do you cook in it also?

[Connemmara]

If you dont have one now - next time buy a combination microwave oven which has the benefits of conventional cooking just like you would on your cooker. They are brilliant and can get one for a such a small price. The cheapest make is just as good as the dearest.

[society]

Thanks for that tip, I will do that, Connemmara. You know what, I'm not sure if my own does conventional cooking too. I've no idea where the brochure that came with it is. And it's too big and heavy to move for me to check the writing on the back. Oh well... it works great and I love it!

[Jack_Knoff]

I made a cup of coffee in mine 5 minutes ago , beautiful

[Androcles]

There are tons of things you can cook in your microwave. How about the fastest tomato pasta sauce ever:
Ingredients:
A large tomato
Two spring onions
Clove of garlic
Squeeze of tomato puree
Salt
Pepper
Teaspoon of best olive oil
2 to 3 leaves of basil
Half glass of white wine or water
Directions:
Chop tomato, spring onions and garlic. Tear up basil leaves. Mix all these in a cup with the tomato puree, olive oil and white wine. Season. Microwave for two minutes. Pour over pasta.

or Hi Speed Spanish Omelette

1 large or 2 medium spring onions, or a small shallot, peeled and finely chopped
1 small clove of garlic (optional)
2 cold cooked small new potatoes
1 rasher back bacon, trimmed of fat and cut into pieces
0.5 to 1 ozs grated cheese (Emmenthal, Gruyere,Parmesan or Cheddar
2 sliced mushrooms
1 large or 2 small eggs

Directions:
Chop up the onions and garlic, if used. Microwave for 1 minute on high, in an open microwaveable pot, with the lid off.. Add the potates sliced into thin slices, or cubes, the bacon and mushrooms. Microwave for 2 - 3 minutes on high, open. When done, sprinkle on the cheese, salt and pepper to taste. brake the egg (s) over the mixture and scramble with a fork. Put the lid on and microwave for 2 - 2.5 minutes on full. Turn out onto a plate or onto a piece of toast. Serve with tomato and sprig of parsley or watercress. Only one cooking pot to wash up!

Then there's sponges etc......

[Buenchico]

I use my microwave for all sorts of things (including warming the heat pad for my aching joints!).

I find that microwaving is by far the best way to cook firm-textured fish, such as salmon or trout. (The trick is not to overcook it. A 'serves one' size trout just needs a few slits in its skin and no more than about 2 minutes in a 700W microwave).

I also love using my microwave oven for making sauces. For some reason I seem to be able to get greater control over the consistency of the roux than when using a saucepan, and I find it easier to time the completion of the sauce to exactly match the moment when the pasta (or whatever) is ready.

You might find these links useful:
http://www.microwavea...ation.org.uk/recipes/

http://allrecipes.co....icrowave-recipes.aspx

Chris

[society]

I've just baked macaroni and cheese in the microwave and cannot believe how fantastic it came out.

[sara3]

I'm with Chris.. mine has mostly been used for a heat pad for my poor poor back :o)