Microwave Cooking

I'm a Peanut Butter man. When I was a child, I always scooped a spoonful of creamy peanut butter and much on it all afternoon. I'm not sure why I love it but all I know is that it perks up my day. So for my two little boys, I decided to share my fancy and obsession through making Peanut Patties. Oh boy, this is good! Don't worry because this microwave recipe is so easy!

2 cups white sugar
½ cup water
½ cup corn syrup
dash of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoon margarine
red food coloring
1½ cup raw or roasted peanuts

Prepare a 2-quart bowl. Add sugar and water, then mix and boil for 3 minutes through microwave on high temperature. Next, combine 1½ cup peanuts and 1½ cup peanuts. Cook it on the microwave on high for 7-9 minutes. Make sure that the syrup spins with fine thread. Then pour 1 teaspoon vanilla and a few drops of food coloring. I normally use more red drops to have a lively color. Beat it until creamy before you add 2 tablespoons of margarine. Mix it well and drop onto wax paper or ungreased pan. Peanut Patty is ready! You can wrap it up as gifts or sweet tokens of appreciation.

I'm like a mouse, I always crave for cheese. Any kind and sort of cheese will please my palate and satisfy my desires. So for a microwave cooking experiment, I tried the Chocolate Turtle Cheese Cake. There are a lot of preparations but it's all worth it. There's no quick formula for a delectable cake like this. Just be patient and follow the steps to sweet perfection.

4 tablespoons margarine
1 cup pecan pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
16 ounces cream cheese
2 large eggs
14 ounces caramel candies about 36
1 cup chocolate chips divided
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup sugar
12 large pecan halves

Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan and spread margarine on it evenly. Then, melt it for 40 seconds with the microwave on high. Next, add crumbs and scatter it on bottom of the pan. In one quart casserole, mix the caramels with evaporated milk and on high, bake it in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish it with crust and pecan pieces before you refrigerate. While you set the mixture aside, work on the cream cheese and pour it in a mixing bowl with the chocolate chips. Microwave on medium for 3 1/2 minutes. When cheese is already soft and chips are melting, add sugar and vanilla and mix it using a blender. Beat eggs and blend it in. Then, pour on the mixture on top of the caramel layer. Again for 10 to 11 minutes, bake it at medium high and remember to rotate it twice. Let it cool before you refrigerate. Then, in a 2-cup glass combine chips and 2 tablespoons milk. Microwave it on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Wait until the chips melt and mix it until smooth. Spread it on top of the cheese cake, topped with pecan. And there it goes, your Chocolate Turtle Cheese Cake!

Every morning, coffee fills up my day with energy. Who could resist its fine aroma and rich taste? It sets my mood for the day. So when I found a coffee cake recipe on the net, I hurriedly went to the grocery to shop for the ingredients. Sour Cream Coffee Cake? I'm sure you haven't heard of it but once you try it, you'll get accustomed to its flavor. Get your kitchen ready for another cooking adventure.

1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Mix butter and sugar then eggs and vanilla. When already smooth, combine sifted flour, soda, and baking powder. Add the sour cream to the mixture and set it aside. Next, use topping ingredients and mix crumbly. Grease an 8-inch microwave dish with butter before you dredge on half of the topping mix. Use the remaining butter and add sprinkled toppings. Set microwave heat on medium and cook it for 4 minutes. Don't forget to move the dish around a quarter and twice while cooking. Then, cook it On Hi for 4 minutes. You may also use a toothpick to check if it's already set. Set it aside for 3 minutes before you serve it warm and fresh. Sour Cream Coffee Cake, hmmmm. Grab a bite and you'll change your mind about cakes.

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away" inspired me when I prepared Apple Bran Muffins for my kids. At first, they hate the idea of apples. But after a bite, they were surprised to discover the fresh goodness of this treat. It is perfect for an afternoon snack so I suggest you try this easy, yummy, and nutritious recipe!

2/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 cup shreds of wheat bran cereal
2 eggs beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup peeled finely chopped apple
1 teaspoon wheat germ toasted

In a mixing bowl, add sugar and milk, then leave it for a minute. Then combine cereal and leave it again for 5 minutes. Next, beat the egg with oil and mix with sugar. Add the flour, cinnamon, and soda and combine it with the cereal solution you've put aside. Mix until moistened then fold in apple. Prepare microwave muffin cups and grease them with butter. Dredge on 1/4 teaspoon wheat germ. For 2-3 minutes, place it on the microwave on high. It will take one minute for muffins to be cooked in pan. With the remaining ingredients, repeat the same procedures. Now you can serve Apple Bran Muffins as an afternoon snack.

We're all crazy for chocolates. Any variety is a treat for the sweet tooth. There are chocolate bars, cakes, and candies, which are all good in their own way. But you don't have to spend so much for your candies, for you can always bake your own. Every Halloween when there's trick or treat, we make sure that we share and mix the soft and chewy flavor of chocolate and marshmallows. More kids drop by at our house for this. It is an easy microwave recipe for both adults and kids, a simple token of your love and care. Chocolate Covered Marshmallows, how splendid when it touches your tongue with delight!

1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup shortening
1 (10 oz) package marshmallows
50 toothpicks

Mix chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave bowl. Make sure that you stir it well for an even texture. Then, place it in medium microwave heat for 1 to 3 minutes, and do not overcook. When already soft and shiny, whisk until smooth. Next, push toothpick into the mallows while you immerse it in chocolate and put it on wax paper until firm. In a quickie, you'll have a sweetie. You can always have the simple joys of life without the mess of time and pressure. So try one, grab a bite!

If there's one sweet thing I've always loved, it's the old crunchy cookies. My nana used to bake for me. I even remember her gingerbreads, carrot cakes, and butter cookies. But I always loved it more when she sprinkles it with raisins on top. So for my next microwave recipe, I wish to share my fancy for yummy raisin cookies. This is Raisin Spice Drop Cookies, I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup cold coffee or milk
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped nuts

It all started as a joke when I asked Uncle John not to wait for Christmas anymore before he curses our tongues with his eccentric cooking spills. From then on, the joke became a Sunday ritual. After the mass, they would come over for a family feast prepared by the host of the week. Last week's our turn. Michelle did a splendid job on pot roast, but as part of an in-house rule, everybody had to contribute something on the menu. So daddy had to make Sticky Buns for the afternoon snack. This is a simple microwave oven recipe.


1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1 can (8 ounce) refrigerated biscuits


In a round (8-inch) microwave dish, mix 1 tablespoon water, brown sugar, and butter. Leave it uncovered while you heat it up on medium roast for 2 minutes, or just as soon as butter melts.

When ready after the mix, spread on the pan. Dredge on nuts and garnish wity biscuits on top. Again, leave it without cover, and bake it on medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes.

When biscuits are already firm, let it cool for 2 minutes. Then transfer it on a flat serving dish or tray. With this recipe, you can yield up to 6 servings. You can also add sprinkles or cheesy spreads. I had fun with the Sticky Buns because it's easy and cheaper in details.

Before the Halloween, my wife left me with the kids. She went home to Alaska to visit her grandmother. It was chaos in the house, but we managed to survive. I even remember my first attempt in cooking, and I'd say I did just fine. My daughter asked me to bake a cake, so I flipped through the cook book until I found a recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cake. At least let me share with you this quick and easy recipe.

2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup cooking oil
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 cup milk

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs with oil and sugar. When stirred well, add vanilla, pumpkin, and all the other ingredients. Whisk until smooth before you prepare 12 cups in a cake mold, but don't forget to grease them with oil and make sure that they're micro proof. Sprinkle some sugar then add batter into the mold. For 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 minutes, cook on HI. Don't forget to rotate the dish at least once while cooking. For 30 minutes, just let it cool. Place it in a 12 x 8 inch baking dish and use Powdered Sugar Glaze. It's also important to grease the bottom first. For a touch-up, frost it with Cream Cheese. Now, I'd say that's sweet and tempting.

What are the advantages of having wireless transition and PC applications at the palm of your hand? Sincerely, it's one of the amazing technologies of our time. But if you could enjoy a sleek PDA in the hustle bustle of your metro life, what about the convenience of a microwave oven? I know that it's not a parallel analogy but isn't technology the answer to our every ailing necessities?

When I was younger, I never realized the importance of a meal. I dine then I sneak out. I never laid hands on the kitchen and I used much of it pounding on a computer or cellphone. Then I got married, to a wife who always serve dishes with delight so I never came to see its importance.

Two years ago, my wife died of a car mishap. I cannot bear the pain of her loss that I'd rather die with her, only, I have a two- year old girl. You've always heard of a single mom, but how about a single dad? Believe me when I say that it's a lot tougher than you think it is. Women are indoor masters, but men? We're more of a clutter!

So I took on the responsibility even when there's a nanny. My girl calls me "mommy-daddy" because she always sees me wearing the apron, preparing my so-called gourmet meals. Life is sweet and so is my girl.

Compared to a PDA, the microwave oven played a more vital role in my life as a single dad. I came to learn more about cooking so she could always have a mom in me. This piece of kitchen electronic gave me the benefit of time and easy cooking. I make breakfast or cook meals and I stack them in a freezer so she could just heat it up whenever she feels like it. The poor thing is I have to work double time. That's why I'm relieved to have a microwave oven which turns out to be a surrogate mom in cooking.

My family has a good reputation when it comes to cooking. I feel sorry that I didn't inherit it in my genes. The meals and recipes were quite simple and trite, no overdecorated gourmets, but they make it taste so much better. It's rich in sauce and in herbs. Sometimes it can be strong and salty but never dull or bland. So in every gathering, you can almost picture us in smorgasbord, each carrying his own specialty and fighting for the title of "Iron Chef". My uncle would boast of his beef stew, my granny of her paella, and my aunt of her sauted shrimp in pepper and garlic paste.

However, there's some sort of silent family feud. Everyone's claiming to be the best, criticizing one behind each other's backs. They say blood is thicker than water, but what's the big deal? Up to now, we haven't settled that debate. But what I personally look forward to, after devouring those lavish meals, is my mom's dessert. I don't have the sweet tooth, but just to balance the taste of salt and spice, I crave for the sweets.

She usually prepares custard. You may say that it's quite easy and a perfectly normal dessert, so what's the buzz? My mom uses microwave oven to steam the raw piece of delight. Instead of using the steamer which usually takes time and ruins a perfect landscape because of drips, she places the custard holder in a flat tray with bits of water, and in no time the sweet temptation is ready. What makes it special? Because of equal distribution of heat from top to bottom, the custard turns out to be somewhat crunchy. I hate flabby, and this one is definitely firm, sweet with a kick of crunchy sweetness.

So who wins the food fight? Definitely my mom! Nobody dares to diss her custard!

Microwave oven has many uses. In fact, this kitchen appliance is one of the most powerful appliances that man has ever invented. Just imagine, you can heat the water in just few seconds. Actually, microwave can perform several wonders, but they are specific. Like, you can really prepare a delicious cup of tea using a microwave.

Microwave oven can help in serving a hot and tasteful tea. However, if you'll prepare your tea, you must know how to do it. Since only the top or upper level of the water boils, the tea won't boil properly. Hence, to solve this problem, let the cup of water concoct for about 5 to 10 seconds, then, take out it from the oven. Then, put the tea bag to make sure that tea will completely mix with the water.

However, you must be careful when the water is hot. Microwave oven can superheat the water although it's not boiling, and can cause burn. But if you will let your water to boil first, then remove, and put the tea bag, your cup of tea will definitely taste good. Hence, as a user, you must know the proper way of using the microwave oven, even if you're just boiling a cup of water.

There are some things that you must not and never do with your microwave. Avoiding these things will help your powerful microwave oven to last for many years. Since cooking, reheating, and defrosting are purposes of this machine, you should use your microwave oven properly.

Don't plan to heat your baby's feeding bottle in your microwave, even if you need it immediately. Because of some hot spots, it is not recommended to prepare a baby's milk through a microwave oven. In addition, never leave your microwave while cooking your favorite popcorn. Popcorn cooking will only consume a little of your time. Leaving the microwave on may lead to a fire.

Cooking a stuffed meat in a microwave is not advisable to do. There will be a chance that ingredients inside will not be done completely. More so, don't salt your food before placing it in the oven. It will increase your time to cook, and the taste of your food may suffer. Quickly salt the food after you finish your cooking. Also, don't cook an egg in your oven while it is in the shell; it may explode. And, don't try to deep-fry using your microwave oven. For obvious reason, you cannot do it. And of course, don't abuse the functions of your microwave oven.

My kids love to eat popcorn. After playtime, I usually prepare them a bag of popcorn as well as glasses of apple juice. And now, I'm enjoying my popcorn business in nearby facility. My popcorn business has been profitable because of my powerful microwave oven. And believe it or not, my microwave oven is my secret tool in this business.

I heard some stories about popcorn cooking using an oven. Some stories disclosed unsuccessful popcorns jobs. But for me, successful microwave popcorn making is possible if you only know some important factors in preparing this delightful kiddie treat. I learned these things from experience, since I have been in this business for several years.

Well-popped kernels can be achieved with right microwave oven brand and good popcorn brand. You have to do your homework here. You should compare those existing ovens and popcorn bags in the market so you may know which product you should pick. Check the microwave popcorn button for the right cooking time. Also, the quality of kernels is considered. Poor cooking is sometimes due to poor kernels. In addition, you must see the quality of bag, as well as the product.

Microwave ovens have been helping several moms in their daily kitchen tasks. Microwave oven helps them to prepare their foods; fast and easy. As a mother, I always use my oven for reheating and cooking the food. And after a thorough research about microwave oven and its benefits, I found out that I can also heat the baby's food in the oven, too.

Actually, some mothers use their ovens to prepare the meals of their babies. Well, I also do that but with CAUTION. When I heat the baby's meal with my microwave, I make sure that the food of my child will be cooked evenly. I do this by turning the food every now and then to avoid some hot spots that can be dangerous for my baby. Also, I only cook the part of the food that I believe my baby will take.

With a microwave-safe dish, I heat the food for ONLY a few seconds, and with the tip of my finger, I check if the food is not very hot for the mouth of my little angel. Hot spots are intolerable for babies. And when there is a left-over, I just discard it.