Microwave Dishes

[cat lover]

This will be a place to post all sorts of dishes cooked completely in the microwave. What do you have to share? Here is one to get us started!


Microwave Snack Mix


1/2 cup margarine
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
5 cups oyster crackers
3 cups pretzel sticks
2 cups salted peanuts
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

In a small microwave safe bowl combine first four ingredients. Cover and microwave on HIGH 45- 60 seconds or till margarine is melted. In a 3 qt microwae safe dish combine next three ingredients and add margarine mixture and mix. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss. Microwave uncovered on HIGH 7-8 minutes or till mixture begins to toast; stir every 2 minutes. Cool and store in an airtight container. Makes about 9 cups

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Chicken and Dressing Casserole

This is super easy and the only dish you'll need is the one that you cook in.

Chicken and Dressing Casserole

1 can of chicken (any type that you like) and don't drain
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 stick of butter
1 box cornbread instant stuffing mix

In a 2 qt microwave safe casserole, melt the butter. I melt mine for about 2 minutes on high in the microwave. Add the rest of the ingredients. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Stir. Microwave 5 more minutes. Serves 4.

[cat lover]

You need to allow time for these to chill before you eat them, but you can have great tasting pickles without all the canning mess.

1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
2 small onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp mustard seed

In large microwave safe bowl combine all ingredients and microwave uncovered on HIGH for 4 minutes; stir. Cook 3-4 minutes longer or till mixture is bubbly and cucumbers and onions are crisp tender. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours for best taste. 4-6 servings

[cat lover]

1 beaten egg
3/4 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tbsp onion,chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
8 oz. ground fully cooked ham
2 tbsp orange marmalade

Mix first three ingredients together. Add ham and mix well. In 9" pie plate shape mixture into two loaves. Microwave on HIGH , covered about 6 minutes (if your microwave doesn't have a turntable; turn the plate every two minutes). Spread marmalade over each loaf and cook uncovered till done, about 1 minute longer. Serves 2

[cat lover]

This was one of the first dishes I had ever made "cooked" in the microwave; it's easy and really good.

3 bananas
1 21oz. can strawberry pie filling
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
9 coconut bar cookies. crumbled (1 cup)
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Vanilla ice cream

Pell and slice bananas and put in a 10 x 6 x 2" dish. Mix next three ingredients and spoon over bananas. Microwave at HIGH about 6 minutes. Mix cookies and pecans and sprinkle over fruit. Cook, uncovered 1 minute. Serve with ice cream

Serves6

[cat lover]

This recipe came from Quick Cooking; it is great when you want pizza in the summer and don't want to heat up house by turning on the stove!

1 pound ground round
1 celery rib, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
1 can ( 10 1/2 oz) pizza sauce
3/4 cup bisquick
3-4 tbsp milk
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Crumble beef into a microwave safe 9" pie plate. Sprinkle with celery, onion, and green pepper. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 7 minutes or till meat isn't pink and vegetables are tender, stir once; drain. Stir in pizza sauce. Combine bisquick and milk till combined. Roll out on a floured surface into a
9" circle; place over meat. Cook, uncovered on HIGH 8 minutes or till a toothpick inserted into crust comes out clean. Invert onto a serving palte and sprinkle with cheeses. 4 servings

[cat lover]

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup margarine
2 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup salted peanuts

In a microwaveable bowl combine the first three ingredients; cover and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, stir till smooth. Add marshmallows and peanuts and stir till well coated. Spread in a greased 13 x 9 x2" pan; cover and chill 30 minutes or till firm. Cut into squares.

[cat lover]

Fiesta Dip

2 cups sour cream
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 can ( 4 oz) chopped green chilies
1 envelope fiesta ranch dip
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Sliced ripe olives, chopped
tomatoes, sliced green onions and shredded lettuce
tortilla chips

In a shallow 1 1/2 qt microwave safe dish combine the first four ingredients. Stir in 1 cup cheese. Cover and microwave on HIGH 3 minutes; stir. Cover and microwave 2 minutes longer or till heated through. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with olives, tomatoes, onions and lettuce. Serve with chips. Makes about 5 cups

[DeBora4BobbyL]

This recipe is very similar to the Chapula dip (http://www.momsmenu.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379).

[cat lover]

Dessert Pears

A really quick dessert


4 medium pears, peeled and cored and halved
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/4 cup strawberry preserves
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Place pears in a 9" square microwave safe dish. Combine cranberry juice, preserves and vanilla. Pour over pears. Cover with wax paper and microwave on HIGH for 7 -9 minutes or till pears are tender. 4 servings

[cat lover]

Refried Bean Wraps

These are quick to make and easy on the budget too!

1 can (16oz) refried beans
1 can (16 oz) refried beans & green chilies
1 can (10oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 can (4 1/4 oz) chopped ripe olives, drained
12 flour tortillas (7")
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
salsa and sour cream

In a bowl combine beans, tomatoes and olives and mix well. Spread about 1/3cupful over each torrtilla and sprinkle with 2 tbsp cheese. Fold sides and ends over filling and roll up. Arrange in a circle on a microwave safe 12" plate. Cover with wax paper and microwave on HIGH 8 minutes or till cheese is melted. Serve with salsa and sour cream. Makes 1 dozen

[cat lover]

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

In a 10 x 6 x 2" dish combine 2 cups raw shelled pumpkin seeds, 1 tbsp oil and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Microwave uncovered on HIGH about 8 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Cool on paper towels and store in an airtight container. Makes about 2 cups.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Since it is so hot here, I am planning on cooking spaghetti squash (http://www.familycorner.com/forums/showthread.php3?t=16945&highlight=spaghetti+squash) in the microwave.

[cat lover]

What did we do withoput microwaves! LOL I had to buy a new one and went crazy that one day without one; your right about them being so nice to use when it is such hot weather. Since we have no AC and even though it stays rather cool in the house ; no use in running the oven if I don't have too!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I have an ac but this RV gets extrememly hot in the hot months. If cook even a tiny bit, it gets blasted hot in here. I cook the microwave and crockpot a lot during these times.

[cat lover]

Oh, I think it would be so much fun to live in an RV for a while! We really enjoyed the coziness of living in our one room cabin while our log home was being built, but our kitchen was an outdoor kitchen so didn't have the heat to worry about then. I've been palyiong around with looking for an RV just to park as a "second cabin" in the woods for guests.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

It's would be nice except we are here 10 months out of the year. My boys don't have much running around room. I like going home where there is a ton of space! lol

[cat lover]

i understand, since my only indoor (litle people,LOL) are inside cats and they sleep most of the time it worked out okay when we stayed in the cabin for those three months.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Cats have more places to go than dogs. Top of the couch, bed, counters, table, etc... Anything high or low they own. lol

[cat lover]

Yes and they really think they do! LOL You should see my indoor cats sometimes. Look up and they are walking across the main beams of the house from side to side. We have all vaulted ceilings so all the wood supports show like in a timberframe home. Makes a nice place for the cats! LOL

[DeBora4BobbyL]

DH has our cats and he has to sleep with the door closed or the younger one will knocks things on the floor to get his attention.

[cat lover]

That is funny; they do know how to get attention don't they?

[DeBora4BobbyL]

This is the second Siamese type cat that we have had. Both of them are so affectionate. You can't even call their name without having to hold and cuddle with them. The other cats have times when they want to be left alone. She'll be 2 in December so we are hoping she'll settle down as far as wanting to play with us a night when we are asleep.

[cat lover]

Easy Chicken Bake

1 pkg. any falvor shake N bake or homemade version
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp snipped parsley
4 small whole chicken breasts
1/4 cup milk

Place first three ingredients in a plastic bag or bowl. Dip chicken in milk and shake in bag or dip in bowl to coat. Place skin side up in a baking dish safe for the microwave. Cook,covered on HIGH about 23 minutes; uncover and cook till done. Serves 4

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Cooking chicken in the microwave doesn't make the chicken a little on the tough side?

[cat lover]

You have to watch it very carefully and lay it on the plate with one end of each breast touching in the center of the plate coming out towards the edge of the plate. Did I get the point across on that? I just read it, but I know what I'm trying to say, so if that didn't make any sense let me know and I'll try again! LOL

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Thanks. I have just never had much luck cooking chicken in the oven with results as desirable as if it were cooked in the over, stovetop, or other places. I was wondering of others have had success. Thanks.

[cat lover]

Microwave Spaghetti Squash Dish



1 large (about 3-1/2 lb.) spaghetti squash, cut in half, discard seeds
4 bacon strips, diced
3 tbsp stick margarine
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Cut squash in half lengthwise and discard seeds. Place one squash half cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 8 minutes or till easily pierced with a fork, turning once. Repeat with second squash half. When cool enough to handle, scoop out squash, separating strands with a fork and set aside. In a skillet, saute bacon over medium heat till crisp. Remove to paper towels and drain reserving drippings. Add margarine, and pepper to the drippings. Stir in squash and bacon and heat through. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese just until blended. Serve immediately. 4 servings

[cat lover]

Spanish Rice and Lentil Pilaf

1 can (15 oz) lentils
1/2 cup brown rice (not instant)
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 cups stock
1 1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup cheese (any kind)



Combine (drained) lentils, rice, tomatoes, stock, basil, cinnamon and sugar in microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on HIGH 8-10 minutes. Continue cooking on MEDIUM 40-45 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy. Let stand covered for 5 minutes and sprinkle with your choice of cheese. 8 servings

[DeBora4BobbyL]

This sounds good except for the sugar and cinnamon.

[cat lover]

1 medium apple, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 tbsp margarine
2 (16 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
1 (16 oz) can baked beans, undrained
1 (8 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 pound frankfurters cut into 1/2" pieces
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp corn syrup
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

Combine apple, onion, green pepper, and margarine in a 2 1/2 qt casserole. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on HIGH 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients mixing well. Cover and microwave at HIGH for 8 to 10 minutes or till heated, stirring after 4 minutes. 8 - 10 servings

[cat lover]

Microwave Macaroni and Cheese



1 8oz. box of elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 large egg
1 5oz. can evaporated milk
1 tsp. ground mustard



Prepare macaroni by directions on box and drain well. Use a covered casserole dish and place butter in bottom of dish. Pour macaroni over butter and stir to melt butter. In a small bowl beat egg well, add mustard and mix. Pour egg mixture and evaporated milk into macaroni. Add cheese to macaroni
and stir until evenly distributed. Cover and microwave on high for 12minutes. Stir about halfway through microwave time.

[cat lover]

Came across this on the Taste of Home site; it reminds me of those new chicken bowls KFC is advertising!

Turkey Splits ~Line a microwave-safe banana split dish with cooked turkey. Top with a scoop of mashed potatoes, a scoop of stuffing and a scoop of sweet potatoes. Drizzle with gravy. Cover and microwave until hot. Garnish with cranberry sauce and enjoy.

[Bilby]

Apricot chicken

Chicken breasts (size doesn't matter just evenly cut)
Pkt French onion soup mix
1 can apricot nectar.

Cut chicken and place in micro dish.
Mix the nectar and soup together and pour over chicken.
Microwave on high for bursts of of 5 mins stirring each
time until cooked.
Check the soup mix does not stick to the bottom of the micro dish.
I serve over rice mixed with vegetable. Mum serves with pasta mixed with veges.

[cat lover]

Oh another good sounding one from you Bilby; wish you were close enough to drop in on at mealtime! LOL

[Bilby]

Anytime you're passing drop in no worries.

In some ways I'm pretty unadventurous, I have some good staple dinners to go on, and just rotate regularly! LOL

Apricot chicken is Cams (ds2) most fave dish and if it's with rice well he's in heaven LOL

[cat lover]

Spiced Cabbage and Peas

3 tbsp margarine
2 tsps cumin seed
1 green chili, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 tsp garam masala
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp lemon or lime juice
1 bay leaf
1 small head cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup frozen peas
Salt

Heat the butter or margarine for 30 seconds on HIGH. Add the spices and chili pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on HIGH. Add the sugar, lemon juice, salt and cabbage and stir well. Cover tightly and cook on HIGH for 6 minutes. Add the peas and cook 2 to 3 minutes more on HIGH. Leave to stand 2 to 3 minutes before serving.Serves 6

[cat lover]

Snack Nuts

3 cups Nuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans, or a combination
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Combine first 3 ingredients in a microwave safe dish. Microwave uncovered 3 minutes on high. Remove and stir to coat all the nuts. Let stand 3 minutes before spreading on waxed paper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and cinnamon and allow to cool before serving.