Hidden Uses for Microwaves

Almost every household has a microwave. You probably use yours at least once a day. It's handy, quick, and saves time you would have otherwise spent preheating your oven and cuts down on long meal preparations when you want a quick snack. Here are some basic Microwave Hints that may make some of your cooking tasks and hobbies a bit more efficient.

You can soften a stick of butter or margarine in one minute when microwaved at 20% power.

To melt crystallized honey, heat it uncovered on high for 30-45 seconds. For larger jars, repeat.

If you need to toast coconut, spread ½ cup coconut in a pie plate and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds after 2 minutes. Keep an eye on your coconut, as it doesn't take long to brown.

You can melt marshmallow cream in your microwave. Half of a 7-ounce jar will melt in 35-40 seconds on high. Be sure to stir to blend.

Left-over custard can be heated in the microwave and used as cake frosting.

You shouldn't salt foods on the surface because it dehydrates and toughens food. Salt your food after you remove it from the oven unless the recipe says to use salt in the concoction.

Bake cakes in your microwave. Add a dash of medium, finely chopped walnuts evenly onto the bottom and side of a ring pan or bundt cake pan to the appearance and taste. Next, pour in your batter and microwave according to the recipe.

Another cake baking tip; Use a round dish instead of a square one to eliminate overcooked corners when baking cakes.

Are you a stamp collector? Want to save neat stamps from letters you receive from the postman but you're afraid to tear them? Use your microwave! Place a few drops of water on a stamp to remove it. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds. Voila! You now have a new stamp for your collection.

Nuts can sometimes be hard to shell. If you place 2 cups in a 1-quart casserole dish with 1 cup of water, it will be easier. Cook for 4-5 minutes and the nutmeats will slip out whole after cracking the shell.

You can freshen up old potato chips, crackers, and even cereals with your microwave. Put a plateful in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Let them cool for 1 minute to make them crispy.

Make your own dry bread crumbs by cutting six slices of bread into ½ inch cubes. Place them in the microwave in a 3-quart casserole for 6-7 minutes, or until they are dry, stirring after 3 minutes. Crush them in a blender.

Scald milk by cooking 1 cup for 2 to 2 ½ minutes, stirring once each minute.

Heat your hot packs and fingertip towels in the microwave for about 25 seconds.

Sometimes Jello sets up too hard but can softened by heating on a low power setting for a very short time.

Need to thaw some frozen whipped cream? Set your microwave on defrost and a 4 ½ ounce carton will thaw in about 1 minute. It should be slightly firm in the center but it will blend well when stirred. Of course, try not to over thaw.

To soften cream cheese (8-ounce packages), microwave at 30% power for 2 to 2 ½ minutes. Three ounce packages will thaw in 1 ½ to 2 minutes.

A ½ pound of chocolate can be melted in a glass bowl or measuring cup. Place it uncovered in the microwave and heat at 50% power for 3-4 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.

Hard ice cream can be softened at 30% power. One pint will soften in 15-30 seconds, one quart in 30-45 seconds, and ½ gallon in 45-60 seconds.

Hardened brown sugar can be softened with 1 cup of hot water. Place it on high for 1 ½ to 2 minutes for ½ pound or 2-3 minutes for 1 pound.

Get more use out of your microwave with these helpful tips today!