As a mom you're pressed on time with just about everything and when it comes to cooking, you'd rather order take-out. This isn't always practical and can get pricey with time. Therefore you do have to make your way around the kitchen, but what better way to do so than with some shortcuts?
Take for example your microwave. Have you ever used it for anything other than reheating food and making popcorn? I didn't think so. Well, in honor of National Microwave Oven Day, we've come up with some helpful foods you can make in this handy kitchen appliance.
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There are many techniques that will make your job cooking so much easier if you just nuke it in a microwave oven. After you learn about these little shortcuts, you'll be glad the next time you find yourself stumped about what to make for dinner.
Check out some ideas below!
Sweet potato: Stab the potato with a knife a few times. Then place it in a microwaveable dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave it for about 5 minutes or more until soft.
Corn on the cob: Depending on the size of the ear, you can microwave corn for about 5 minutes but make sure to keep the husk on.
Dry and preserve herbs: Wash the fresh herb of your choice, dry them, and then destem them. Zap for 30 seconds on a microwaveable plate. Continue the microwaving until leaves are dry and crunchy.
Juice limes & lemons: One of the easiest ways to get more juice from this citrus fruit is by first putting it in the microwave. The heat will help make it easier to get the extra juice out once you cut it open.
Grilling vegetables: You're not necessarily grilling veggies in the microwave, but it sure helps give you a head start. Cook for a couple of minutes before putting them on the grill, to cut the time it takes to make them in half.
Cooking vegetables: Add your fresh vegetable of choice into the microwave for about 4 to 5 minutes depending on the type.To find the microwaving times appropriate for veggies, check out this chart.
Spaghetti squash: Split this veggie in half, scoop out the seeds and microwave it in just 12 minutes. All you had to do is place the squash pieces face first onto a a bowl filled with an inch of water and zap away until soft.
Image via Thinkstock
