The microwave triumphed in the 1980s as the future of home cooking. Everyone wanted one to proudly display on their bench.
Then everyone realised that the term 'oven' was a bit of a misnomer. The microwave just didn't do what an oven does. Cakes didn't rise, roasts didn't brown, and absolutely nothing was crisp.
These days, the microwave is more a punchline than a revolution. Nigella (jokingly) calls it the mee-crow-wah-vay, Nat slams it on the YouTube channel (where it's known as the tucka f*cka), and chances are you only use yours for reheating leftovers.
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Is it safe to microwave your food?
But let's pull back a bit. Microwave cooking is time efficient and if you do it right, it's also just as tasty as oven-baking. Master the microwave and you'll literally be able to produce a meal or dessert at the touch of a button.
Try one of these recipes to nail the technique and you'll be thanking us when you've got your dish done and dusted with very little effort at all.
Ditch the store-bought variety and make your own microwave popcorn with a paper bag and a handful of popcorn kernels. Source: Donna Hay
The method for this flan is essentially mix, zap, mix, zap, chill. Source: SBS
Crack an egg into a small ramekin, prick the yolks with a toothpick, add a splash of water, then cook for about 30 seconds. Ding! Source: Adam Liaw
This is a great option for those of you who want to create the flavours of a mille-feuille or vanilla slice without all the fuss. Source: China Squirrel
This molten masterpiece will withstand any excuse for not making cake. Source: Loving Gluten Free
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Chocolate pudding cups
Dinner parties don't get any easier than this. Source: Pat Yip
A good strategy is to microwave the potatoes the day before to allow them to chill in the fridge before frying. Source: Adam Liaw
When you're itching for a chewy rice roll fix, the microwave has you covered. Source: SBS
To temper couverture chocolate, place it into a microwave-safe plastic bowl, heat in 30 second increments, stirring in between. Source: The Chocolate Queen
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Biscotti
A splash of brandy, thyme, sour cream and a few other trimmings give these mushies on toast a real kick. Source: Adam Liaw
Fair enough, this chocolate microwave sponge is just as much pudding as sponge. Either way, it's really good! Source: The Chocolate Queen
The microwave makes it super simple to cook for one... or many. Source: Adam Liaw
