Microwave Tips – Part 2

This is part 2 of Microwave Tips.  Today we will learn how to use the microwave to warm fruit, heat muffins, toast nuts and more.  Don’t forget to check out Part 1 in my last post…So today we we have everything from fruit to water that we are going to use the microwave to melt, soften, heat or toast.  Are you ready?  Please make sure that you are using all microwave safe plates, bowls, utensils, etc…

• To thaw frozen fruit (a 16 ounce bag), put in a glass bowl and microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) for 3 to 5 minutes.  Stirring or rearranging twice during cooking.
• Does you honey have some crystals forming, don’t toss it away, instead remove the lid and microwave uncovered on HIGH (100% power) for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes. Make sure you stir every 20 to 30 seconds or until crystals dissolve
• Soften ice cream in the original container (remove any foil) on LOW (10% power).  A 1/2 gallon will soften in 2 to 3 minutes and you will want to let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.
• To heat 1 to 4 small or medium muffins or rolls, place on a plate or napkin and microwave on HIGH 5 to 10 seconds for each muffin or roll.
• To heat 1 to 4 Large to Jumbo muffins or rolls, place on a plate or napkin and microwave on HIGH for 10 to 20 seconds for each muffin or roll
• You can toast chopped nuts by microwaving on HIGH 1/4 to 1/2 cup nuts, uncovered with 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil for each 1/4 cup nuts.  Microwave for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 minutes. Stir ever 30 seconds until light brown.  For 1/2 to 1 cup of nuts, you will want to microwave on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes, following the other steps above.
• To bring your popcorn, pretzels, and potato chips back to a crispier time, put snacks in a paper towel lined basket and microwave on HIGH. 2 cups for 20 to 40 seconds and 4 cups for 40 to 60 seconds.
• Hot pancakes and cold syrup?  No way.  Put syrup in measuring cup and microwave uncovered on HIGH.  1/2 cup for 30 to 45 seconds and 1 cup for 45 to 60 seconds.  Stir every 30 seconds.
• To boil water in the microwave (which not only saves you time, but money because it takes a lot less energy to use the microwave than it does to use the stove to heat water.)…Put 1 cup of water in a measuring cup and microwave on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes.  Stirring half way through to avoid over heating.

So there you have it…different ways the microwave can save you time and money.