Microwave Day #2!

A few more things you can do in a microwave you may not know yet...

REMINDERS: always use “microwave safe” cookware; before heating liquids (without any solid ingredient inside), make sure you know the risks of “superheating liquids in MW”; if any items catch fire inside a MW, switch it off and keep its door closed; do not run an empty MW; and be aware that IS NOT SAFE TO USE:
• Cold storage containers, such as margarine tubs, cottage cheese, yogurt cartons etc.
• Brown paper bags and newspapers.
• Foam-insulated cups, bowls, plates or trays.
• Aluminum foil (some specific situations are safe but it is better not to take risks).
• Food cooked in any container or packaging that has warped or melted during heating.
• Any metallic object, such as metal pans, china with metallic paint or trim, Chinese take-out containers with metal handles, metal twist-ties on package wrapping etc.

Make homemade popcorn

Place 1/2 cup popcorn kernels in a large microwave-safe bowl with 1tbsp olive or canola oil. Cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high (power level 10) until the majority of the kernels have popped, 3 to 5 minutes.

Make apple sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 pound peeled and diced apples with 1/4 cup water, 2tsp sugar, and 1/8tsp cinnamon. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until the apples are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher.

Toast pine nuts and sliced almonds

Spread nuts on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1 minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 4 to 5 minutes.

Warm tortillas

Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 40 seconds to 1 minute.

Toast bread crumbs and coconut

Spread them out on a plate and heat in microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Keep in mind that they will continue to toast for about a minute after removal.

Get more juice from citrus fruits

A lemon or lime taken straight from the refrigerator is harder to juice than one left at room temperature or warmed slightly. To get the most juice, microwave citrus fruits for 20 seconds before squeezing.

Roasting garlic

Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2tbsp of good olive oil. Spoon 2tbsp of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook in microwave at medium power for 7 minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.