FFEMax Blog

For the past few weeks, I’ve been experimenting.

Relax, it’s neither as racy nor as diabolical as it sounds.

I’m talking about cooking using the microwave. Being an inveterate foodie, I’ve always preferred to cook instead of nuke, and for small things like the occasional frozen pizza or pot pie, I still rely on the toaster oven to do the job. It may look as hip and cool as the rest of our stainless steel appliances, but our over the range microwave oven is strictly the province of leftovers and Hot Pockets.

Anyway, I’ve been cooking for one more and more frequently, and have just decided to make single servings and prepare them in the microwave, rather than making more leftovers that will invariably not get eaten.

What I’ve discovered is that some of my fears about microwave cooking – that the results would be soggy and flavorless – are unfounded. On the contrary, once I figured out the proper timing and a few other tricks – like tracking down a microwave-safe browning grill for meat – my results were nearly identical to a stove-cooked meal. I could even argue that I’m eating healthier, if only because boiled or steamed foods retain more nutrients when they’re microwaved.

What surprises me most is the variety of recipes I can make. A quick Google search nets a microwave-friendly recipe for everything from Chicken Parmesan to cake. I’ve actually found that I’m cooking a wider variety of dishes, and my wife isn’t angry about leftovers (because there aren’t any). So I’m considering this experiment a success.

Bombarded by clutter? No space to cook? Galley kitchens are efficient, but that’s their only redeeming feature. If you’re thinking of giving your galley a makeover, here are some easy tips to help you utilize all of your space in your tiny kitchen and make it a bit less of a pain:

• Single-Bowl Sink: Although it may seem that washing dishes would be much easier with a double bowl, a single-bowl will save you about 6 in. of counter space. So, if you could handle the dishwashing with a smaller sink, seriously think about going smaller.

• Make the most of your cabinets: Install roll-out shelves that enable you to have a few levels of cabinet space. That will alleviate the pile-up of pots and pans, leaving it hard to find things when you need them. Roll-outs come pre-installed in new cabinets, or you can install them yourself in older cabinets.

• Decorate with lighter colors. This will give the feeling of a larger space whereas darker cabinets make your small kitchen seem a lot smaller.

• Got an empty inch of space? Use it. One great piece of space that often gets overlooked is the wall. Use it up by installing an over the range microwave oven. By installing this you alleviate a large portion of your countertop that can be utilized as a cooking space, or whatever else you need room for.

So, get started on your kitchen. You’ll be surprised at how big your space really is by just making some minor changes.

In college, my roommates and I rented an efficiency apartment. We all were pretty much broke, and it was the cheapest place we could find. Unfortunately, the apartment did not have an oven or stove. We were stuck using our over the range microwave ovens to cook most of our meals.

We decided to make easy recipes where we could use our over the range microwave ovens, to make a delicious and healthy dinner. To our surprise our method worked and dinner was cooked to perfection!

I found this delicious recipe for Easy Sesame Pecan Chicken at http://southernfood.about.com/od/microwaveovens/r/bl50910e.htm:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
• 1 medium clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 boneless chicken breast halves, without skin, sliced in narrow strips
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into narrow strips
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions:

In a food storage bag, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, sherry or wine, vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, garlic, cayenne and black peppers. Add sliced chicken to marinade.

Drain marinade expect for ¼ cup. Combine left-over marinade and the 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap. Pierce edge to vent. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, uncover and stir in the red peppers and green onions. Cover the chicken again and microwave on high for 3 minutes, until chicken is tender. Add pecans and sesame seeds. Cover and let stand for 1 minute. This recipe serves 4.

If you’re a college student or looking for over the range microwave ovens, FFEMAX.com is the place for you to find high quality microwave ovens at low prices!

Pick the smart option and install over the range microwave ovens.

Over the range microwave ovens are perfect for any cramped apartment, home, efficiency or upscale home. In addition to being a huge space-saver, over the range microwave ovens can bring new character and image to your kitchen and eating space!

FFEMAX offers a wide variety of over the range microwave ovens, from brands like Avanti , LG and GE. An over the range microwave oven also adds a splash of color and upscale class to your home, apartment, hotel, office, bed and breakfast - or any other place. In addition to keeping counters clear, it also makes for a more efficient kitchen routine – forget about those days when you just pushed spatulas around the counter and under your appliances; FREEDOM is here!