Microwave Away

     There has been  so much controversial and conflicting  information  microwaves.  There has been endless conjecture both pro and con. Some studies say the nutrient content of your food is diminished because of the molecular friction that heats up your food.  Others say heating   food in plastic containers in the microwave  release carcinogens along with other harmful toxins, so use glass containers.  All cooking methods does somewhat reduce the vitamin content of food to varying degrees.  Some studies say that microwaving food may be healthier than cooking food conventionally because microwaves cook food to the same degree for a shorter period of time.  Moderation is always the wisest course of action.
     I find the microwave a very useful tool beyond destroying the bacterial in my kitchen sponges.
Below are some of the ways a microwave can make your life a little easier.

•    Don't you hate it when  raw honey turns sugary or  brown sugar  turns into a formidable chunk reminiscent of the iceberg that collided with the  Titanic?  Relief is a microwave away!  Honey becomes uncrystallized in 30 seconds in the microwave in a glass bowl or glass jar removing the lid.  Soften brown sugar in a glass bowl covered by a moist towel for 20 seconds.  If you need more time to get the  required results, repeat as many times as necessary in the desired time increments.
•      Did you know that you can restore baked products to their former bakery shop selves by putting a moist towel around your bread, roll, bagels, croissants and muffins for 10 second increments?
•      How about all those extra herbs from your garden that are in danger of spoiling?  No problem!  Put them on a microwave plate covered with a towel for one minute and then 20 seconds thereafter.
•      Did you forget to soak your beans overnight?  No worries.  Just put I cup of beans in three cups of water in a covered microwaveable bowl for 15 minutes.  Then let it stand for 1 hour, drain, rinse with cool fresh water and you're good to go.
•     Do you think f steaming your veggies as a major production?  Just put them in a bowl with a little water and get ready.  Steaming fruits and veggies is so easy but its trial and error depending upon the desired nutrient content.  Closest to raw is best.  In this case, less microwaving is more nutrient content.
•     Does the anticipation of peeling and slicing an onion make you cry?  Weep no more!  Put them in the microwave for 30 seconds and your can be as tear free as the baby in shampoo commercials.  
• Thick skins on squash and other root veggies will no longer defy you and will become more pliable if put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes depending on size or thickness.

                                           


Bottom Line:  The microwave is more friend than foe.