Microwave Tips

We all rush around from time to time, and the microwave can be a great tool to help speed things along.  The following tips will show you how to use your microwave to save time and make your life a little easier…Make sure you are using microwave safe bowls, plates, utensils, etc. for any and all of these ideas.

1. Cook bacon fast by placing the bacon on a plate with a couple paper towels on it.  Put your 1 to 8 slices of bacon on your plate and place another paper towel over bacon.  Microwave on HIGH (100%) power, 35 – 45 second for each piece. Depending on how crispy you like your bacaon.
2. Got hard brown sugar?  Put 1 to 3 cups in a bowl, cover with a damp paper towel and then plastic wrap.  Microwave on HIGH 1 minute – let stand 2 minutes to soften.  May have to repeat.
3. To melt 1 to 8 Tablespoons of butter, put unwrapped amount in bowl or measuring cup and cover with paper towel, microwave on HIGH for 30 to 50 seconds (to just soften – 10 to 20 seconds).  for 1/2 to 1 cup of butter, unwrap, put in bowl, cover with paper towel and microwave on HIGH for 60 to 75 seconds (to soften – 15 to 30 seconds).
4. To melt caramel pieces (14 ounce bag) – unwrap, put all in large mixing bowl or glass measuring cup, pour in 2 to 4 Tablespoons of milk or water (leave uncovered).  Microwave on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once or twice.  Start with 2 Tablespoons of milk/water and if it still seems a little thick add the other in the last 30 seconds of microwaving.
5. To melt unsweetened or sweetened baking chocolate – unwrap 1 to 3 ounces and put in a bowl.  Microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes.
6. To melt 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips, put chips in bowl and microwave uncovered at MEDIUM power for 2 to 3 minutes
7. Toasting coconut?  Spread 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of coconut in a glass pie plate and microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.  For 1 cup follow all instructions above but microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.  For all, you will want to stir every 30 seconds.
8. To soften cream cheese, remove amount needed from wrapper, put in bowl and microwave on MEDIUM, uncovered.  3 ounces for 45 to 60 seconds – 8 ounce package for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes – 8 ounce tub for 45 to 60 seconds
9. To soften dried fruit you will want to put 1/4 to 1/2 in a 2 cup measuring cup and add 1/2 teaspoon water for each 1/2 cup of fruit.  Cover with plastic wrap, but leave at least a 1/4 inch gap for venting steam.  Microwave on HIGH for 30 to 45 seconds.  (1/2 to 1 cup dried fruit, you follow other instructions and microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, allowing to stand for 2 minutes.

These are just a few tips to help you when using your microwave.  In my next post I will be adding more microwave tips from ice cream to nuts to syrup…See you then…