lil' bits of this-n-that: Great Microwave Tips Just In Time For The Holidays

Make dry bread crumbs for your homemade stuffing by cutting 6 slices of bread into 1/2 inch cubes. Microwave in 3 quart casserole 6-7 minutes, or until dry, stirring after 3 minutes. Crush in blender.

Putting raisins in a microwave oven produces l...

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Puttng raisins in a microwave oven
produces large quantities fo smoke.

Melting almond bark on the stove top without pan of water underneath almost always guarantees get scorched. Using the microwave to melt the almond bark is a much better way and if it hardens before you are done dipping your pretzels, microwave a few seconds longer. One pound of the chocolate will take about 2 minutes, stirring twice.
When baking large cakes, brownies, or moist bars, place a juice glass in the center of the baking dish to prevent a soggy middle and ensure uniform baking throughout.
Nuts will be easier to shell if you place 2 cups of nuts in a 1 quart casserole with 1 cup of water. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes and the nut meats will slip out whole after cracking the shell.
When preparing chicken in a dish, place meaty pieces around the edges and the bony pieces in the center of the dish.
Using a round dish instead of a square one eliminates overcooked corners in baking cakes.
Since cakes and quick breads rise higher in a microwave oven, fill pans just half full of batter.
Shaping meatloaf into a ring eliminates undercooked center. A glass set in the center of a dish can serve as the mold.
Do not salt foods on the surface as it causes dehydration and toughens the food. Salt the meat after you remove it from the oven unless the recipe calls for using salt in the mixture.
Melt marshmallow creme in the microwave oven. Half of a 7 ounce jar will melt in 35-40 seconds on high. Stir to blend.
Place a cake dish up on another dish or on a roasting rack if you have difficulty getting the bottom of the cake done. This also works for potatoes and other foods that don't quite get done on the bottom.
To drain the fat from hamburger while it is cooking in the microwave oven (one pound cooks in 5 minutes on high), cook it in a plastic colander placed inside a casserole dish.
Whipped topping...a 4 1/2 ounce carton will thaw in 1 minute on the defrost setting. Whipped topping should be slightly firm in the center but it will blend well when stirred. Do not over thaw!
Toast coconut in the microwave. Watch closely as it browns quickly once it begins to brown. Spread 1/2 cup coconut in a pie plate and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds after 2 minutes.
This tip has nothing to do with cooking food and everything to do with stamp collecting. Place a few drops of water on stamp to be removed from envelope. Heat in the microwave for 20 seconds and the stamp will come right off. Cool tip. I know I could put this advice to use.
Refresh stale potato chips, crackers or other snacks of such type by putting a plateful in the microwave oven for about 3-45 seconds. Let stand for 1 minute to crisp. Cereals can also be crisped like this.