Here are a few easy microwave recipes:
TANGIER CARROT SALAD
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 4 minutes
Yield: 3 to 4 servings
3/4 pound carrots, lightly peeled, sliced
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon each: ground cinnamon, ground cumin
1. Put sliced carrots in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly. Microwave on high (100 percent power) until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in raisins. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Rinse under cold running water.
2. Combine carrots, raisins, parsley, oil, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon and cumin in a serving bowl. Refrigerate.
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MICRO-TOASTED MIXED NUTS
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 7 to 8 minutes
Yield: 2 cups (8 servings)
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon dried dillweed
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
2 cups (10 ounces) walnut or pecan halves, blanched whole almonds, raw peanuts, raw cashews, or shelled pumpkin seeds
1. Combine butter, dillweed and celery salt in a 1 1/2-quart microwave-safe casserole. Microwave, uncovered, on 100 percent power until melted, 30 to 40 seconds. Stir in nuts. Microwave, uncovered, on high, stirring every 2 minutes the first 4 minutes, then every 30 seconds, until toasted, 6 to 7 minutes. Pour nuts onto a baking sheet; spread out to cool about an hour.
FRUITFUL SUNDAE SAUCE
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 8 to 12 minutes
Yield: 2 cups sauce
1 can (12 ounces) apricot nectar
1/4 cup each: chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
2 tablespoons chopped maraschino cherries
1 tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground
1. Stir together apricot nectar, apricots and raisins in 4-cup microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave, covered, on (100 percent power), stirring once, until boiling, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Stir together sugar and cornstarch; stir into apricot mixture. Add dates, cherries and ginger. Microwave on high, stirring every minute until the sauce starts to thicken, then stirring every 30 seconds, until thickened and bubbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Serve sauce warm. Transfer any extra sauce to a storage container; cover and chill. To reheat, transfer to a glass measure; cook on high for 30 to 60 seconds or until warm.