The Cook’s Kitchen

Admittedly, I don’t use my microwave for more than reheating items and making popcorn.  I mean, really, what else is there?  Well, the folks at Real Simple magazine have a list of 14 alternative uses for your microwave.  I’ve included two below, and you can find the complete list right here.  This just may make you rethink your own underutilized microwave.

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. And we don’t mean the TV variety. 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.

Photo from Real Simple.