Melt Chocolate

TheDailyMeal.com: Microwave, Microwave, Microwave

Place chocolate pieces into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in quick bursts, stirring each time. Perry advises cooks to use a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula so that you can just leave it in the microwave, making this task a bit easier.

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Meringue, Faster

Perry says, "When making meringue, egg whites will whip to larger volume at room temperature. If you need to warm faster, heat about 15 seconds in the microwave for two whites."

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Dude, It’s a Dud...

You want guacamole, bad. You've got avocados — good. But, they're unripe — great. Who would have thought that a microwave could be the solution to life's greatest woe? Perry emphasizes that this is a last resort, but hey, sometimes, you just have to have some guac. Wrap the fruit in a kitchen or paper towel. Zap on medium for 30 seconds at a time until soft.

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Jump Start on Gr...

Try this while the grill's heating up. Give chicken or other meats a head start by zapping them in the microwave until hot, and then immediately place on the grill (immediately is key, to prevent foodborne illness).

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Popcorn, Cheaper

As much as everyone loves the convenience of bagged popcorn, this method isn't that much harder and can save you some dough. Purchase bulk popcorn instead and brown paper bags, and you've pretty much got the same thing.

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Brownies, Cake, ...

Take batter straight out of the refrigerator and transfer to a microwave-safe custard cup. Heat for one and a half minutes for a hot brownie and less for a "pudding-like" brownie. Try this method also with cake mix or when making muffins.

Click here to see the Microwaved Warm Chocolate Cake Recipe.

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Better Mashed Po...

Peel the potatoes, chop them up into even chunks and transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Scatter a few drops of water over the top. Cover without touching the potatoes and heat in the microwave until tender. Drain thoroughly, add milk and butter, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Mash and serve. Perry says that by effectively steaming the potatoes instead of boiling them, they'll retain more nutrients.

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Melt Chocolate

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Oh Sugar Pie, Oh...

If your honey has crystallized, try popping it into the microwave for 30 seconds at a time to fix it up.

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Thaw Frozen Food...

It's easier than it sounds, but results aren't guaranteed. Place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat on high in bursts, making sure to turn the food each time. Perry says, "Depending on the food and how it will be used, it may be OK that a bit of cooking starts on the edges… When freezing foods, keep the size, shape, and density in mind for this quick-thaw method. Thicker packages of food will surely take longer to thaw and do not work well with this method in the microwave. Thinner packages, with space in the center when possible, will work best!"

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Toast Sesame See...

Save a burner on the stove. Arrange sesame seeds evenly on a non-printed paper towel or microwave-safe plate and zap on high for one minute. Mix around using a fork and keep "toasting" 30 seconds at a time. Perry says, "There is a fine line between 'just right' and burnt, so short bursts of time are essential to prevent overcooking." Try the same method for pine nuts and coconut.

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