Unusual Uses for a Microwave
Posted on July 23, 2024 By Mike M.
The microwave is an amazing appliance that is known for its convenience and versatility in the kitchen. As a mainstream household staple since the ‘70s, the microwave has mostly been relegated to heating leftovers and occasionally helping out with a recipe. Though it may not seem like it, your microwave actually has a ton of unique uses that you may not know about. Read on to find out about five unusual uses for your microwave right now!
Decrystallize Honey
It happens to everyone: You buy that larger-than-usual bottle of honey, use it three times, and forget about it shortly thereafter. When you reach for it again, you find that the honey has crystallized, giving it a less-than-stellar texture. Did you know you can actually fix that in the microwave? Simply pour some honey into a microwave-safe container, and microwave it on 50% power in 30-second intervals until the crystals are gone. Just make sure it doesn't get too hot!
Make Potato Chips From Scratch
Potato chips are delicious, especially when you're enjoying them as you curl up on the couch with a good movie. If you ever feel like mixing it up and trying something new with your favorite snack, why not make your own? It's easy to do, and your microwave will do most of the work. To make your own potato chips from scratch, just slice up a potato, rinse off the slices, and douse them in oil and a little salt. Place them on a parchment paper-covered, microwave-safe plate and place the plate in your microwave oven. Let them cook for around two minutes, then flip over each chip and run them in the microwave again until they are golden brown and crisp. This process can be even easier if you have an air fryer microwave. With an air fry mode, you can get your chips deliciously crispy in no time.
Froth Milk for Homemade Cappuccino
If you're making yourself a cappuccino, you'll need milk foam. Not everyone has access to a milk frother, but you can make foam in the microwave in two easy steps. Simply fill a microwave-safe jar halfway with your milk of choice, then screw on the lid and shake it until it's doubled in size. After that, remove the lid and toss it into the microwave for about 30 seconds. This is to help the foam keep its shape when you put it on top of your cappuccino.
Roast Garlic
Believe it or not, you can actually roast garlic in your microwave very easily. If you've got a bulb of garlic, some olive oil and water, you can have yourself some roasted microwave garlic within 20 minutes. To prepare, you'll need to cut off the top quarter of the bulb and place it in a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Add some water to the bowl, enough that it almost gets to the top of the bulb, then drizzle in some olive oil. Place it in the microwave and run it at 40% power for about five minutes. When it comes out, check to see whether it's soft in the middle; if not, run it for a couple more minutes. After it's all done cooking, squeeze the garlic out of the cloves and sprinkle them with a little salt, and they'll be ready for any culinary assignment you give them! If you have a convection microwave then this is even easier. These microwaves can not only roast your food but they can also bake, or broil on demand.
Bake a Dessert for One
When you find yourself craving a sweet treat but don't feel like baking an entire sheet of brownies, why not make just one in your microwave? Mug brownies are easy-to-make and delicious treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grease a microwave-safe mug, then add two tablespoons of brownie mix and one tablespoon of water. Mix it up with a fork until it's smooth, then pop it in the microwave for 60 seconds. You can also add some caramel or chocolate chips to your delicious creation, or top it with a scoop of ice cream. If you're looking for variety, there are tons of recipes available for single-serve mug brownies and mug cookies that you can throw together in your microwave. Like roasting garlic, baking your dessert can be done even easier when doing so in a convection microwave. Though you're going to need make some adjustments to your recipe to do so.
There's no limit to what your microwave oven can do when you get creative. With the ability to whip up a sweet or savory treat with little hassle, your microwave can handle a wide variety of tasks. Try out one of these delicious activities in your microwave today!