11 time-saving ways to cook with your microwave

These 11 tips are quite simple and make some kitchen tasks a little easier.

Cook Bacon

Sandwich 6 slices of bacon between 2 double layers of paper towels. Place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes.

Soften Brown Sugar

Place sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon water (regardless of the quantity of sugar). Cover and microwave on low (power level 3) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until soft, 4 to 5 minutes.

Warm Maple Syrup

Place syrup in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 15-second intervals, checking in between.

Soften Butter

Place cut-up butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low (power level 3) in 20-second intervals, checking in between.

Melt Butter

Place cut-up butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium (power level 5) in 30-second intervals, checking in between.

Melt Chocolate

Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Soften Cream

Cheese Place cut-up cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 15 to 20 seconds.

Toast Pine Nuts and Sliced Almonds

Spread nuts on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 1-minute intervals, tossing in between, until beginning to turn golden, 4 to 5 minutes.

Steam Asparagus And Green Beans

Place 1 pound of trimmed asparagus or green beans in a microwave-safe baking dish with 1 tablespoon water. Cover and microwave on high (power level 10) until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover immediately.

Soften Ice Cream

Remove top and liner (if any) of carton. Microwave on high (power level 10) in 10-second intervals, checking in between, until ice cream reaches desired consistency.

Warm Tortillas

Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave on high (power level 10) for 40 seconds to 1 minute.