Microwave Oven Hints

For those who like to use the Microwave Oven for speeding up cooking time and conserving energy, the following are just a few examples of some helpful ways a microwave oven can be used when preparing foods. These figures are based on using a 1000 Watt Microwave, if your's is different, adjust the cooking time accordingly

brown sugar: Soften hard brown sugar by placing 1 cup in a glass baking dish with a slice of bread or apple. Cover and microwave 20 - 30 seconds at high power.

butter or margarine: Soften a stick of chilled butter or margarine by microwaving for 1 minute at 20% power.
chocolate: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips or 1 oz. of baking chocolate by microwaving for 1 minute at 50% power; stir. Continue microwaving until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.

cream cheese: Soften a 3 oz. block of unwrapped cream cheese by microwaving for 2 minutes at 20% power (microwave an 8-ounce block for 3 minutes).
herbs: Dry fresh herbs by spreading 1/2 cup in a glass pie plate. Microwave for about 2 minutes at high power.
ice cream: Soften frozen ice cream by microwaving for 1 minute at 30% power.
nuts: toast chopped nuts by spreading 1/2 cup in a glass pie plate. Microwave for about 6 minutes at high power, stirring every 2 minutes until golden brown.

raisins: soften and plump raisins by adding one teaspoon water to 1 cup raisins. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 1 minute.

snack foods: freshen stale chips and pretzels by spreading 2 cups in a shallow glass baking dish. Microwave for 1 minute at high power. Let stand a few minutes before serving.

tomatoes: make tomatoes easier to peel by microwaving for 10-15 seconds at high power. Let stand 5 minutes before peeling.

yeast dough: speed rising time of yeast doughs by microwaving 3 cups of water at high power for 5 minutes or until boiling. Leave water in oven. Place yeast dough, covered with waxed paper, in microwave at 10% power until dough is double in size. A bowl of dough will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Shaped loaves or rolls will take about 6 - 8 minutes.