Think your microwave is just for warming up food and making popcorn? Think again! Here are fifteen innovative ways to utilize your microwave that will make it your favorite household appliance.
If you’re only using your microwave to heat food and water, you’re missing out! From cleaning to sterilizing and even making cheese, let’s explore these alternative uses with step-by-step instructions.
1. Clean Soft Toys and Sponges
Your microwave can help you clean items around the house. To sanitize soft toys or grimy kitchen sponges, wet them slightly and microwave on full power for about 2 minutes. Avoid items with plastic parts, as they may melt!
2. Self-Clean the Microwave
Keep your microwave clean naturally. Cut a lemon in half, place it in a bowl filled with water, and microwave on high for 5 minutes. This loosens dirt and leaves your kitchen smelling fresh!
3. Steam Vegetables
No steamer? No problem! Rinse your vegetables, place them in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave without adding water. Typical steaming times: 5 minutes for broccoli, 6 for carrots, 1-2 minutes for peas.
4. Soften (and Cook) Garlic
Make garlic prep easier by microwaving a few cloves for 10 seconds to help peel them. To mellow raw garlic’s flavor, microwave trimmed garlic with 2 tablespoons of water, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt for about 8 minutes.
5. Stop the Tears When Chopping Onions
Reduce tears by microwaving onions for 30 seconds before chopping. The heat breaks down sulfur compounds responsible for tearing.
6. Proof Your Dough
To speed up dough rising, microwave it on the lowest setting (about 10%) for 15 minutes. Perfect for those who want freshly baked bread without the wait!
7. Ripen Avocados
If your avocados aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process. Cut them in half, remove the pit, wrap in microwave-safe plastic wrap, and microwave in 30-second intervals until desired ripeness is achieved.
8. Make Homemade Cappuccino
Create café-style cappuccino at home! Fill a jar with 2% or non-fat milk, seal it, shake vigorously until foamy (30 seconds to 1 minute), then microwave for 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave for another 30 seconds.
9. Make Ricotta Cheese
Forgot to buy ricotta? Make your own! Combine 2 cups of whole milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Microwave on full power for 4-5 minutes, drain the curds through a sieve, and enjoy!
10. Make Breakfast for One
Scrambled eggs for one? Beat two large eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk, salt, and pepper in a microwave-safe jug. Microwave on full power for 45 seconds, stir, and microwave for another 30-45 seconds until cooked.
11. Make Crispy Bacon
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