Microwaves are as commonplace in today's kitchens as the stove or refrigerator. Beyond heating your leftovers or cooking a TV dinner, microwaves have many other uses that are not utilized.
Some common uses we're all familiar with like popcorn popping, defrosting and heating up that cup of Joe, makes it's really sad we don't take advantage of the food preparation capabilities right in front of our eyes. However, one of the mistakes people make is thinking all microwaves are the same. Once you know some of these facts you'll change your ways.
The quality of a microwave is determined by the strength of its output power. This is known as wattage. Lower end microwaves cannot function extended periods of time for full meal preparation. They can do the mundane tasks and make some very good dishes. But you'll need to pay a little more for this appliance if you want it to perform day in and day out.
Did you know you can actually bake and brown a meal sized turkey and all the trimmings just using your microwave? As you become accustomed to using a microwave expect to make mistakes. But don't be afraid to experiment. Start with smaller items like cooking eggs in microwave designed containers and work your way into constant consistent use and before long you'll master nearly everything you want cook. Although there are many cookbooks containing microwave cooking recipes its still involves part science and skill development.
The research you do about how to cook using your microwave varies tremendously. Rarely does the recipe specify a particular wattage requirement. Many focus on technique, such as cooking rice in microwave units, which is useful, but in the end you've got to learn how to use temperature and time to get the best results.
Probably the only sure way to get repeated results is by using the recipe book that came with the microwave. Otherwise expect some trial and error. Don't allow the disappointments or the occasional smoke alarm activation to deter you. Keeping after perfection over a period of time will yield results and you'll soon discover that meal preparation becomes quite easy and rewarding because you'll spend less time in the kitchen.
The cost effectiveness of microwave cooking for one can't be stressed enough. It's simple arithmetic. In addition it really can simplify that part of your lifestyle. Just think how effective this would be for college students, seniors and the average single person. With everything so pricey these days this is definitely a way to cut expenses that you should consider.
How about the cleanup part that a microwave has over traditional cooking; translated, means, a lot less mess and cleaning up all over the place. The typical traditional meal requires an hour preparation and at least thirty to forty minutes clean up time. The most aggravating part of stove top cooking is cleaning up spatters and spills especially if you're cooking with oils. Not a problem with microwaves because everything is self contained.
Microwave use also requires fewer dishes. And if you cover food while cooking, you'll have less cleaning of the microwave. Then toss whatever you use into the dishwasher and enjoy that extra hour and fifteen minutes of time.
The invention of the microwave was intended to totally replace the stove-top. It didn't catch on the way the inventors hoped. There are tons of products available to make microwave cooking easier, from bacon cooking trays to devices that make perfect omelets every time. Using your microwave for re-warming foods like pizza and carryout is a waste of a great device capable of much more.
Awe and amaze your family with new microwave recipes. You no longer need too or have to slave over the stove for hours to create that ultimate dish your family craves when you branch out into the world of microwave cooking. There are tons of recipes out there just waiting for the taking. So consider starting small and grab a piece of the future by making microwave cooking the norm rather than the exception.
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