Microwave Treats for the Family

The modern microwave can be a god-send when you want to rustle up something quickly, or to compliment your other kitchen appliances.
But more and more it is becoming the centre-piece of a lot of meals, particularly those for families. But have you thought of using your microwave to produce a treat for the family? Perhaps as a “thank you” to your son or daughter who has helped you in some way, or maybe a “well done” for a good exam result?

Here are some quick and easy snacks that are good for kids of any age!

CHEESE AND APPLE WRAPS

Ingredients:

Flour tortillas

Shredded cheese

Thinly sliced apple pieces

Put tortilla on a microwave-proof paper plate. Place a few pieces of thin apple slices on tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Microwave until the cheese melts. Roll tortilla and after checking that the contents are not too hot (don’t want to burn your mouth!) enjoy. I am always surprised that the combination of cheese and apple isn’t more widely appreciated.

POPCORN

Before the family settle down to watch a film on the television, how about some traditional film-fare? Popcorn!

Just take one third of a cup of popcorn kernels and add them to a suitable microwave-proof bag: A brown paper lunch bag will do. Use a microwave-proof plastic chip clip to hold the bag closed and then microwave it like normal.  Lovely, tasty hot popcorn for munching on during the opening credits!

You can spruce up the popcorn by adding grated parmesan cheese and a hint of cayenne pepper.

BANANA CRUNCH

This is a tasty, nutritious fun food for the kids. Take some bananas and cut them in half. Then dip them in freshly squeezed orange juice and roll them in a baking pan filled with crushed cornflakes, rice krispies or some other suitable whole-grain cereal. Then pop in the microwave for about 30 seconds or so. Check the temperature, then serve on a plate and eat with a spoon.

POTATO CRISPS

INGREDIENTS

A couple of pounds of red potatoes, unpeeled but scrubbed

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

A dash of salt

Forget the cumbersome deep fat fryer, you don’t need it for crisps! Thinly slice the potatoes and then toss them in the olive oil and salt.

Coat a large microwave-proof plate with low-fat cooking spray.

Arrange some of the potato slices in a single layer on the plate.

Microwave, uncovered, on a High setting until some slices start to brown, usually 2 to 3 minutes (depending on potato thickness and microwave power).

Turn the slices over and continue microwaving until they start to crisp and brown around the edges, 2 to 4 minutes more.

Check frequently and rearrange slices as needed to prevent scorching. Transfer the chips to another plate and allow to cool completely. As they cool they will become crisp. Repeat until you have cooked all the remaining potato slices.

Hey presto! Crispy, crunchy homemade potato chips with 8 grams less fat per serving than regular chips. Experiment by adding some flavour like cayenne pepper or chives. Serve with a low-fat dip: What a family treat!