The microwave is a terrific accomplice of sorts. We mostly look at it as a re-heater, a defroster, or a popcorn popper. We turn to the oven and stove for most of our cooking, and if there are leftovers from that, then we’ll pop it into the microwave to be reheated. But as students, we don’t always have the oven, the stove, and the complementary kitchen appliances to prepare something unique, virtually unbeknownst to the dining hall chef. This is when the microwave begs versatility, and you’d be surprised to find that the little box, which can run as low as $25, can indeed pop out a lovechild. Using just what you have stashed in your room or what the dining hall already has to offer, you can pimp out your meal with the press of a button. Here are five inspirational recipes with photos and tips to help you get started exploring the glamorous potential of the microwave.
5 Delicious Microwave Recipes
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels (Prep Time: 3 minutes)
This is a classic snack, usually seen in gourmet gift baskets (although it tastes better when you make it yourself, of course!). It’s especially agreeable to those with a complex palette, since it combines sweet and salty flavors. These bite-size treats are the perfect indulgence while studying or when you’re craving a small, yet satisfying dessert.
Ingredients: heaping handful of pretzels, 1 bar of your favorite chocolate (milk chocolate melts easiest), sprinkles Directions: First, break the chocolate into small pieces and put them in a paper cup. Place into the microwave for 2 minutes on high. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. Check to see if it is just soft enough to mix smooth with a spoon. If it needs more time, heat it in 15-second additional increments, checking in between for consistency. When of spread-worthy consistency, lay out pretzels on a plate, plop the chocolate mixture on top, and use a spoon to fold the pretzels into the chocolate evenly. While the chocolate is still soft, toss the pretzels with sprinkles so the sprinkles adhere to the chocolate. Wait a few minutes and your chocolate-covered pretzels are ready for munching!
Tip: If you don’t have pretzels on hand, look for crackers, bread crisps, or nuts to replace the pretzels and ½ cup (a heaping handful) of M&M’s to replace a traditional chocolate bar. Also, try refrigerating your creation. The chocolate covered pretzels become crunchier and the taste stronger.
Apple Pie Filling (Prep time: 4 minutes)
This is as close as you can get to Grandma’s apple pie, which I promise is comparable. The simplicity of this dish is surprising, considering how tasty it is!
Ingredients: 1 apple, 1 tbsp (about 2 spoonfuls) butter, ¼ cup honey (imagine a small handful), cinnamon to taste.
Directions: Start by slicing the apple into thin wedges and then piling the wedges onto a plate. Toss wedges with mixture of butter, honey, and cinnamon. Put your masterpiece into the microwave for 3 minutes on high and Voilà!
Tip: Enjoy the apple pie filling atop a generous serving of vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream. It also tastes great served cold! Sitting in the refrigerator, the apple has more time to absorb the flavors of the butter, honey, and spices, making the dish even more intense and delicious!
