Microwave to the Rescue!

This pint-size powerhouse can do more than just heat up gravy. Check out these 7 shortcuts perfect for Turkey Day.

From Good Housekeeping

Photo by Philip Friedman/Studio D

Your microwave can cook a pound of just about anything in 4 to 6 minutes. And that’s only one of its tricks. So when your stovetop and oven are totally occupied, it’s time for some micro-management.

• Cook cranberry sauce. In 2-quart casserole, combine a 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup orange juice or water. Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap, and microwave 7 to 11 minutes until cranberries pop.
• Steam string beans. Cook 1 pound green beans and a few tablespoons water in a covered casserole for 4 to 6 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Make a crunchy crust. Mix 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1 cup cookie or graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press onto the bottom and side of 9-inch glass pie plate. Microwave 2 to 3 minutes until firm.
• Brown nuts. Pile 1/2 to 1 cup in glass measure or bowl (don’t spread them out on a plate as if they were on a baking sheet in the oven). Heat 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until lightly colored and aromatic—and don’t forget to stir them a couple of times during microwaving.
• Poach pears. In 2-quart casserole, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Microwave 2 minutes to dissolve sugar. Arrange 4 peeled pears on their sides in the syrup, with stems pointing to the center. Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap, and cook 10 to 12 minutes or until fork-tender.
• Fix breadcrumb topping. In glass measuring cup, combine 1 cup dried breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter. Toast 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes until browned. It’s important to stop and stir twice.
• Bake sweet potatoes. Prick 4 medium sweet potatoes, then place on turntable and zap 10 to 11 minutes until soft.