MAIN Home Life Cooking Microwave

In a time crunch, there's nothing like the help of a microwave oven - and even better, it's a low-energy, low-heat, and a low-cost way to cook. To get the most mileage from this valued invention, here are a few tips for even more efficiency:

• Soften Brown Sugar: Place sugar bag, plus 1 cup of water in the microwave and set time for one minute on high heat.
  
  
• Toast Coconut. Cook on high for 3 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds. To toast nuts: Use 1 teaspoon of butter for every 1/2 cup of nuts. Cook on high for 2 to 5 minutes. Stir every 30 seconds.
  
  
• Bake a Cake: You can actually use a cake mix in the microwave now. Just follow package instructions, says Duncan Hines: pour mixture into a round, silicon bundt pan, and bake on high for 8 to 10 minutes. At duncanhines.ca they also suggest lining the bundt pan with a thin layer of frosting (no more than 1/3 can). The frosting helps the cake slip out more easily, and leaves a mouth-watering glaze on the cake. Microwave baking is so easy to do, teenagers and college students are now making warm and delicious snack cake after school.
  
  
• Soft Scrambled Eggs. To prevent eggs from gluing to the microwave pan, dampen both sides of parchment paper and mould it to the dish. Add eggs, milk, and seasonings. Whisk and zap.
  
  
• Low-Cal Sautéed Vegetables. Just chop onions and veggies, place in a safe container, add 1 tbsp water, and cook on high for 1 to 2 minutes until soft. This is a great way to cook quickly with no added fat.
  
  
• Defrost Meat and Eat: After defrosting meat, cook it immediately. Microwave thawing may partially cook meat and bacteria may grow if the food isn't thoroughly cooked right away.