You might be surprised to learn that your microwave can do so much more than just heating up frozen dinners. With these clever microwave hacks, you can unlock its full potential and discover how versatile this handy kitchen appliance can be. From softening sugar to frothing milk, whipping up French toast, and beyond, these hacks will transform the way you use your microwave.
Nuke your garlic bulbs for 15 seconds and the skin will slide off like magic. This is because the water in the garlic steams and breaks down the bonds that exist between the clove and the skin for fast removal.
2. Rescue Stale Bread
If you have forgotten to completely close your bagel or bread bag, simply wrap the loaf in a moist paper towel and zap it for twenty seconds. The moisture in the towel will soak into the bread, making it fresh again, but not soggy.
3. Juice Fruit with Ease
Before juicing a lemon or orange, microwave the uncut fruit for ten seconds. The microwave will loosen the fibers inside the fruit and make it easier to juice every last drop!
Put a handful of nuts in a microwave-safe bowl, toss with some oil, and microwave in 60-second increments, stirring after every minute. Overall cooking time depends on the type of nut, but expect it to take around 5 minutes.
5. De-clump Brown Sugar
When your brown sugar is as hard as a rock, try this. Moisten a paper towel, place it in the sugar bag, then zap in the microwave for 25 seconds. The moisture from the towel will transfer to the sugar and make it easier to scoop.
6. Smooth Crystallized Honey
If your glass jar of honey has crystallized in the back of your cupboard, simply remove the lid, and heat it in the microwave for 30-40 second increments until it returns to its original smooth texture.
Hard root vegetables and squashes can be tough to peel. To make your job easier, place the vegetable in your microwave for 2-3 minutes on power and the skin should become more pliable for peeling and cutting – just be careful when removing the hot veggie so you don’t burn your skin.
8. Cook Crispier Bacon
Place a bowl upside down on a plate. Drape the bacon strips over the bowl, then microwave for one minute per slice of bacon. As its grease drips onto the plate, the bacon will become mouth-wateringly crispy.
9. Froth Milk
You don’t need an expensive cappuccino to froth your milk. Instead, pour some milk into a mason jar, no more than half full (to leave room for foam). Screw on the lid and vigorously shake for 30 to 60 seconds. The milk will turn to froth. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds so the foam rises.
10. Concoct French Toast
Care for some tasty brunch? Rub a pat of butter on the bottom of a mug; fill to the top with chopped bread. In a separate cup, mix 1 egg, 3 tablespoons milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon with a fork. Pour the mixture into the cup and microwave for one minute.
Collard greens make delicious, healthy wraps, but are prone to cracking and splitting when stiff. To relax a leaf for a wrap, wash well and microwave for ten seconds.
12. Flavor Butter
Try this twist on classic bread and butter. Microwave 1 stick of cubed unsalted butter for 30-second intervals, until melted. Add a pinch of salt and fresh sage leaves. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until fragrant. Drizzle on bread for an earthy, savory flavor.
Source: rd
Images: depositphotos
Related Articles:
Learn How to Roast Peanuts in a Microwave 3 Simple Ways
Find out how to to microwave roasted peanuts and how to make them taste better with some yummy seasoning options.
If You're Hungry at Night, You Should Eat These Foods!
If you are partial to a midnight snack, here are 7 foods that you should consider eating.
This is How to Cook Perfect Pasta Every Time!
If you struggle with cooking pasta properly, and want to learn how to cook the perfect pasta, check out the these helpful tips!
Improve Your Health with These 11 Simple and Quick Hacks
To get healthy quick, all we need to do is follow these instant health upgrades. Take a look!
The Dash Diet is Perfect for Healthy Weight Loss!
The DASH diet has been on the list of the world’s best diets for a number of years. Find out more here!
11 Grease Removal Tips You Wish You Knew Before!
Grease stains can be notoriously difficult to remove, but that will be a thing of the past if you use these 11 fantastic grease-removal methods.
12 Clever Ways of Decluttering Your Home of All That Junk
Don't just throw away the junk you have at home, learn to reuse and recycle it the smart way with these 12 clever tips
10 Quick and Easy Solutions to 10 Common Cleaning Problems
We have searched high and low to bring you ten easy solutions that solve a number of everyday household cleaning issues. You are sure to find these useful!
Know the Signs: The Complete Guide to Body Language!
You can learn a lot about a person’s intent by reading his body language, so find out just what that wink meant with this helpful guide.
How Woodworking Can Create Additional Revenue for You
The best woodworking business courses teach everything from basic woodworking techniques to advanced marketing strategies.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Olive Oil To Fry Or Braise Food
Stovetop cooking is very versatile, but most people are disappointed with this cooking method because they make one of these 10 mistakes...
Enrich Your Soil with This Easy-To-Make Compost
Enrich your soil and provide your plants with all the nutrient that they need by making this compost.
18 Must-Know Survival Hacks for Those Tricky Moments
These clever survival hacks can help save your life someday.
14 Incredible Egg Tricks For Egg Lovers
14 tricks and tips for cooking eggs!
Wow! Check Out These 12 Unexpected Uses of Home Appliances
From steaming towels in a rice cooker to cooking salmon in a dishwasher, these alternative functions are bound to amaze you!
Surprising Ways to Use ChapStick You Might Not Know About
Here are some of my favorite uses for this unassuming household product.
Keep Your House Smelling Amazing with These DIY Tips
These are some of the best and cheapest things you can do to make any part of your home smell nice and welcoming.
Keep Food Daisy Fresh: Here's the Secret
Food wastage is always a shame, and that's why we should all do our best to avoid it as much as possible.
Quick Tip: Clean the Gunk Out of Your Kitchen Cupboards!
A quick tutorial that teaches how to clean your kitchen cupboards without damaging them.
10 Kitchen Tips That Will Turn You into a Culinary Master
The following 10 kitchen tips will take you one step closer to becoming a culinary god.
Try this Ancient Indian Method for Removing Body Hair
An ancient and natural method that both men and women have been using for centuries to get rid of unnecessary hair from their bodies.
Why This Sleep Condition Affects Our Cognitive Abilities
What is the link between sleep apnea and a reduction in cognitive abilities? Let's find out...
10 Fantastic Tips for Perfectly Folded Clothes
Folding can be such a chore, and hard to get right. Here are 10 incredibly easy ways to fold your clothes fast and right!
21 Sizzling Hot Microwave Tips To Improve Your Life
The microwave is something we use every day, but did you know how many different ways you can use it? Here are 21 surprising uses.
These Common Mistakes Can Ruin Your Floors and Carpets!
In this article, we tackle 12 common floor and carpet cleaning mistakes most of us are guilty of and explain what to do instead.
10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget
Looking to renovate your home? Here's how to do so on a budget.
The Art of Reading Faces: Tips from an Expert
Learn all about reading people’s faces with useful tips from former FBI agent and body language expert Joe Navarro.
Have You Ever Tried These Nifty Tips in the Kitchen?
These helpful tips and tricks will save you time and money.
The Best Natural Methods to Controlling Excess Sweat
While sweating can be good for you, sometimes it can be embarrassing and cause a foul odor. Discover natural ways to prevent excess sweating.
Discover 7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Great
Check out these seven wonderful ways to keep your home smelling clean and fresh without breaking the bank!
Professional Chefs Swear by These Clever Cooking Hacks
We can all probably agree that one cannot possibly know too many cooking hacks, as these clever little hints always help us save precious time!
7 Mistakes You Should Avoid When Maintaining Your Car
Seven mistakes we make with the car that cost us money.
These 15 Surprising Cucumber Uses Will Come in Handy
Cucumbers are a very healthy addition to any diet, but they also have many other great uses that you should know about. Here's 15...
Here's One Really Cheap & Easy Way to Clean a Stovetop
Looking for an effortless and cost-effective way of cleaning your stovetop? Then you've come to the right place.
Guide: Stay Warm This Winter Without that Big Power Bill!
21 creative ideas to warming your house without spending additional money.
Solve Common Issues With Your Clothes Using These 20 Tips
Keep your clothes in perfect condition with these nifty tricks!
Don't Throw Out Old Makeup! Here's What You Can Do...
12 helpful uses you can put your expired or unsuitable makeup items
Paper Towels Can Do Much More Than Just Mop Up Spills
We all think that paper towels are just for mopping up spills, but it turns out they have many uses you wouldn't expect. Take a look at them here!
Ten Golden Mantras for Growing Old with Grace
Ten golden mantras for those who wish to grow older with style and dignity to make life after retirement more pleasant, to enjoy and treasure the elder years of wisdom and intelligence..
How to Fix Holes in Your Drywall: 4 Easy Ways
This video delves into four practical methods to repair your drywall, restoring your walls to their pristine condition.
Spend the Money on These Items and They'll Last a Lifetime
There are certain items that we shouldn't be afraid of spending a bit more on, and this is because paying for quality will ensure they last us a lifetime.
50 Ways to Unwind Without Spending a Cent
Here are 50 different ways to help you unwind which are totally free of charge.
If You Love Dogs, Then Avoid Doing These Things With Them
Even though you love your dog, you might be annoying it with some of your habits. Watch to find out more...
How to Clean Your Jewels at Home for Free
Enjoying clean jewels used to be a tedious chore, or an expensive visit to the jeweler's, but this way you can do it at home, for free!
14 Genius Cooking Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!
Try these awesome cooking hacks today to make your life easier.
Waste No More: 6 Great Ways to Use Fruit & Veggie Peels
If you want to save both money and reduce your waste, remember these 6 practical and delicious ideas for what you can do to utilize your fruit and vegetable leftovers to the max.
Be Warned that These Plants May Kill You
If you've got these plants around the house be careful as they are deadly!