Microwave Mythbusters

The microwave: a cherished time-saver in the kitchen. But what can you really microwave? We've pulled our top 3 microwave questions from our Ask the Expert blog to set the record straight.

Can you make baked potatoes in the microwave?

You can certainly cook whole potatoes in the microwave for a fast "baked" potato. The texture won't be quite the same (the skin will be less crisp, and the flesh slightly more dense), but that doesn't stop me from occasionally using this much faster method. Prick the potatoes in several places (both top and bottom surfaces) with a folk. The fewer potatoes you cook in the microwave at once, the shorter the cooking time. Place up to five or six (depending on the size of your microwave) on paper towels in a spoke pattern and cook for between 6 and 14 minutes, turning them over about halfway through the cooking. The length of time will depend on the number of potatoes you cook at once and the strength of your microwave.

Caramelized Onion-Stuffed Baked Potato
2 medium baking potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
2 cups vertically sliced red onion
2 teaspoons sugar
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 garlic clove, minced

Preparation:
Pierce potatoes with a fork; arrange on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at high 10 minutes or until done, rearranging potatoes after 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.

Cut each potato in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Combine potato pulp, 1/4 cup cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Spoon potato mixture evenly into shells.

Melt butter in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sugar; sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in sherry, Worcestershire, thyme, and garlic; cook 1 minute or until liquid evaporates, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Top each potato half with about 2 tablespoons onion mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese. Arrange stuffed potato halves on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at high 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

Is it true that microwaving vegetables is healthier than steaming them?

Believe it or not, microwaving vegetables actually preserves more nutrients-and flavor-than steaming. The best way to microwave most vegetables is:
1. Cut them in evenly sized, fairly small (less than an inch) pieces
2. Toss or sprinkle with 1 or 2 tablespoons of water.
3. Cover loosely to trap the steam, which keeps the vegetables moist.

Get Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Fried Rice with Toasted Almonds

See our collection of Microwave Recipes for more tips and ideas for using the microwave.

How do I defrost meat or chicken quickly?

Contrary to popular belief, the microwave is not a good way to defrost food because it does start to cook the outside while the inside is still frozen. Your best bet is to place the food in an airtight zip-top bag (pressing out as much air as possible so the bag won't float). Submerge the bag in a big bowl of cold tap water. The smaller or more separated the frozen pieces are, the faster they will thaw. So when freezing foods like pork chops, freeze them in a single layer rather than stacked. Obviously, if time allows, defrosting overnight in the refrigerator is ideal.

Get Recipe: Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie

For more cooking questions answered, visit the MyRecipes.com Ask the Expert page.

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