| RECIPE
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 | Easy mango Ice Cream | | Easy mango Ice Cream | | Read More.. |
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Microwave Dos and Don'ts
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Get more juice from citrus fruit... Gently warm a lemon, lime, or orange before squeezing by hand or using a juicer - Heat on full power for about 10 seconds.
. Plump and soften raisins and other dried fruit ... Place the fruit in a small bowl; sprinkle with water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on full power for 30 to 40 seconds.
. Peel peaches or tomatoes... Pour water into a deep microwavable bowl or a glass measuring cup. Bring to a boil. Drop tomatoes or peaches in the water for only a few seconds each. The skin will loosen and peel off easily.
. Make applesauce.... For 4 to 6 servings - wash, core, and quarter two pounds of apples. Do not peel. Use MacIntosh, Jonathan, Empire, Cortland or a mixture of these varieties. Microwave in a covered, 3-quart glass casserole on full power for 12 to 14 minutes. Process in a food mill for smooth applesauce. While it's still warm, add some brown sugar and a little cinnamon.
. Dry fresh herbs.. Lay a small bunch of fresh herbs between paper towels . Microwave on full power for 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool, then check to see if they are dry enough to crumble. If not, continue to microwave, 30 seconds at a time, until the herbs are completely dried. Store in an airtight container.
Make refrigerated butter or margarine spreadable... Microwave 1 stick of butter or margarine for 20 seconds at 50% power.
. Melt butter, margarine or solid shortening... Microwave 1 stick of butter or margarine or 1/2 cup of shortening on full power for 45 seconds to 1 minute .
. Soften refrigerated cream cheese to use in a recipe... No need to let it stand at room temperature first. Unwrap an 8 oz. package of cream cheese and microwave at 50% power for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes.
. Make rock-hard ice cream easier to scoop... Microwave a full half gallon container for 30 seconds on full power to soften it just enough for scooping.
. Toast coconut... Spread coconut in a thin layer on a microwave safe pie plate or on a paper plate. Microwave on full power for 2 to 3 minutes or until light golden brown. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.
. Blanch almonds... Microwave a cup water until it begins to boil. Place almonds in a separate cup. Add enough boiling water to cover the almonds and then microwave on full power for 30 seconds. Drain and rub off the almond skins.
. Toast sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sliced or slivered almonds.... Place a layer of seeds or nuts on a microwave safe plate that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Microwave seeds for 3 to 4 minutes on full power and nuts for 3 to 5 minutes on full power. Stop to toss gently or stir often. Brown very lightly since they will continue to darken as they cool.
. Melt caramel... Place 7 oz. of unwrapped caramels in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon water. Microwave, uncovered, on full power for 1- 1/2 to 2-1/2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds or until the caramel is melted and smooth.
. Melt baking chocolate... Place one or two squares at a time, each broken in half, in a microwave safe cup. Microwave, uncovered, on 50% power for 2 to 3 minutes. After the first minute, stop to stir and check it about every 20 seconds As soon as most of the chocolate is melted, stir to finish. Even a slight amount or excess time can cause scorching.
. Make smooth sauces and gravies... Click on the picture below for a simple recipe for a basic white sauce and cheese sauce made in a microwave oven. images3/whitesauce
. Soften brown sugar... Place hardened brown sugar in a plastic bag. Add a slice of soft white bread or about a quarter of a fresh apple. Close the bag tightly and microwave on full power for 20 seconds. Discard the bread or apple and stir the sugar.
. Liquefy honey that has crystallized and hardened... Microwave at 50% power, stopping to check at 15 second intervals. Crystallized honey will liquefy quickly. Total time depends on the amount and the condition of the honey.
. Heat pancake and waffle syrup... Place an uncapped bottle of syrup or a filled syrup pitcher in the microwave. Microwave on full power, usually for only 35 to 45 seconds, depending on the amount of syrup.
. Make croutons and dry breadcrumbs... Microwave 4 cups of bread cubes or bread crumbs for 5 to 7 minutes at full power.
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