Anyone who’s ever been in charge of the big t-day dinner knows that every square inch of your oven and stovetop is valuable. Finding a free burner or oven rack can be tricky, so put your microwave to use to make prep and last-minute add-ons a little easier.
Make Bacon Crumbles for Mashed Potatoes
Turn a microwave-safe bowl over and put on top of a large plate. Drape bacon slices over the bottom of the bowl and microwave until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes (no turning necessary). Then crumble.
Toast Pecans for Garnish
Spread 1/2 cup pecans out on a microwave-safe dish and microwave until they smell toasted and are dark brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
Froth Milk for Coffee
Fill a small glass jar halfway with 2% or less milk. Screw on the lid and shake until bubbly. Microwave without lid for 30 seconds, then skim off the top layer of foam. Repeat.
Steam Green Beans for a Side
Toss 1 pound of green beans, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup water and a large pinch of salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for 4 minutes. Toss, then cook for 1-minute intervals, tossing after each, until the beans are bright green and crisp-tender.
Soften Garlic for Mashed Potatoes
Trim the top off of a head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, put in a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 tablespoon water and cover with a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on 50 percent power until the cloves are soft and lightly golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
Cook Sweet Potatoes for a Side
Scrub 4 medium sweet potatoes, poke a few times with a fork and microwave until tender, rotating a few times, for 6 to 8 minutes.
Make Sage Butter for Bread
Microwave 1 stick of cubed unsalted butter for 30-second intervals until melted. Add fresh sage leaves and a pinch of salt, and microwave for 30-second intervals until fragrant.
Toast Coconut for Sweet Potatoes
Spread 1/2 cup shredded coconut on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 2 minutes. Toss coconut around with a fork. Then cook for 30-second intervals, tossing with fork after each interval, until coconut smells toasted and is golden.
Make Ginger Simple Syrup for Cocktails
Whisk 1 cup each water and sugar and 1/2 cup sliced ginger together in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 3 minutes and whisk. Continue to microwave for 1-minute intervals, stirring, until all of the sugar dissolves. Cool.
Melt Chocolate for Dessert
Finely chop chocolate and put into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
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