With kitchen space a minimum in small, cool homes, many are debating even keeping their microwaves. But we think that you ought to first realize just what a multi-functional appliance your microwave is before you decide to Freecycle it. Inside, we'll show you 12 cool things to do with your microwave besides nuking that ramen dinner.
- Dry herbs in the microwave (pictured above). If you buy fresh cilantro or grow your own basil, you can use your microwave to dry out herbs . Drying allows you to store unused portions or dry up a small amount for an extra-tasty spice rub!
- Sterilize garden soil to make it fit to plant seedlings. Spread 400g soil on a flat dish and heat on high for 90 seconds or until steaming.
- Soften Brown Sugar. Keep the sugar in its plastic packaging, add a few drops of water, and heat on medium for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Make extra-tasty microwave popcorn by nuking a bowl of water first. Do a quick switcheroo and then cook the popcorn as directed. The moisture left in the microwave will make for some fluffier kernels.
- Disinfect sponges in the microwave. After you've given your sponge a good soak in water, nuke it for 2 minutes to kill 99 percent of bacteria.
- Disinfect plastic cutting boards (if they fit!). Wash the board well, rub it with the cut side of a lemon, then heat for 1 minute.
- Prepare your cutting board oil. Serious cooks who oil down their wooden cutting boards will benefit by zapping the oil for a spell first.
- Get extra life out of a dried-up mascara stick by heating for 30-40 seconds on high with a cup of water in the microwave beside it.
- Get more juice from a lemon or lime. Just zap it in the microwave for 20 seconds and then roll it around on the counter a few times.
- Bring solidified honey back to life. Crystallized honey is brought back to liquid life by uncovering the jar and heating on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook unexpected foods. You know your microwave can cook frozen burritos, but you can also make more impressive dishes with your counter top tech. Try making no-fry potato chips, in-the-husk corn-on-the-cob, or even scrambled eggs if you're in a pinch. You can also use a microwave to cut down on dough-proofing time if you're making homemade bread.
- Serve your delicious meals on warmed plates for pro-worthy presentation. Sprinkle each one with water and pile them up. Heat on high for around 30 seconds—but make sure they don't have any metal decorations.
