10 surprising uses for my micro wave...(part one)

Most people purchase the micro wave just for staeming and light warming of food. Now, you can do more.
1. Disinfecting and Deodorizing Sponges: Don't throw out the kitchen sponge that smells like last night's salmon. Soak it in water spiked with white vinegar or lemon juice, then heat it on high for 1 minute. (Use an oven mitt when you remove it.) This will also disinfect any sponges you used to wipe up the juices from a raw chicken.
2. Cooking an Entire Dinner in Under 10 Minutes. We mean braised salmon with green beans and mashed potatoes. Use the microwave for any recipe that calls for braising, poaching, or steaming. Just subtract about three-quarters of the cooking time. Remember to stir liquids often to redistribute the heat, and always take the food out a minute or two before it's completely done, since it will continue to cook.
3. Disinfecting Plastic Cutting Boards: Wash the board well, rub it with the cut side of a lemon, then heat for 1 minute.
4. Making PotatoesWhile the microwave won't give you a baked potato with a crisp skin, it will cook the average russet in about 4 minutes. (The general rule for heating more food is to check for doneness every 30 seconds beyond the regular cooking time.) Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and cook for 2 minutes. Turn them over and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer. If you're making mashed potatoes, also heat the milk in the microwave before adding it. (Cold milk makes for cold mashed potatoes.)
To be continued.

Tags: miro wave, Cooking gadget