The microwave is normally used to heat food or make some popcorn. And little else And it's a shame because a microwave can go a long way. Do not you believe it? Well, here you have 17 surprising uses that will revitalize the way you use this appliance.
cook a cake
Do you have a craving for something sweet, but don't feel like baking a huge cake or shopping for one? No problem: in less than a whistle you can bake a cake-in-a-mug with the help of the microwave. The YouTube channel specialized in honey house recipes explains how to do it.
Cook a hard boiled egg
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Be careful: do not even think of putting an egg in the microwave, because it will explode yes or yes. The trick is to crack the egg into a small bowl. Prick the yolk with a toothpick several times. Put it in the microwave but first cover it with a plate. Cook it at half power for 45 seconds. Take a look at the egg. If it's done, eat. If not, go doing 15 second intervals and check.
The total time will depend on your microwave and the egg, but you shouldn't spend more than an extra minute. Everything always at medium power. This method has a reason: it is to prevent the egg from exploding.
Make your own homemade potato chips
If you fancy some bagged potato chips, but you forgot to buy them at the supermarket, you can always make them with the help of the microwave. It is the sea of simple and they are crispier than you can expect. Follow the instructions in this YouTube video.
Disinfects and deodorizes bath sponges
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Don't throw away the kitchen sponge just because it smells like last night's dinner. Soak it in water with a dash of white vinegar or lemon juice, and then heat the sponge in the microwave for one minute at full power. In addition to removing the smell, you will also have disinfected it.
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Blend the honey again
If the honey has turned to bee glue, put it in its open jar in the microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds to a minute on medium power.
Get more juice from your citrus
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It is difficult to squeeze a fresh lemon or lime from the fridge due to the cold. Before juicing, put the fruit in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Give a new use to your used colored pencils
Do you have a lot of super-worn colored pencils? Don't throw them away yet: you can play with them and for example turn them into candles or create original shapes.
First, take out the wrappers because when the wax melts it can be a mess. You can scrape off the paper wrappers with a knife. If it gives you something, soak the pencils in a cup of hot water so that the paper loosens.
Use a box cutter or kitchen knife to cut the pencils into smaller pieces. Consider putting these pieces together by color or making a rainbow potpourri, depending on what works for you.
Put all the pieces you want to melt together in a microwavable bowl. Even an old cup that you don't use is worth it. If you want to make candles with them, add a piece of candle wax for each piece of pencil. If you want the candles to be scented, add a few drops of essential or fragrance oil.
Put the container in the microwave and heat them for 2 minutes. Pause every 30 seconds to stir the container. Do not leave the microwave: be careful because the pieces may melt earlier than expected.
You already have melted wax. You can put them in molds, make shapes with them taking advantage of their new shape... now it's up to your imagination!
Make liquid caramel
With a little water and just 30-60 seconds you can have liquid caramel. For more details and instructions, follow this Youtube video.
Toast nuts, croutons or coconut bits
You can toast all these snacks in less time than in the oven. Spread the almonds, for example, on top of a plate and heat them for 2-3 minutes. Stop every minute to stir the plate. Don't eat them right away—they'll continue to brown for another minute after you take them out of the microwave.
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Cook the vegetables
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As with the nuts above, spread the vegetables out on the plate. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cover the dish (but leave room for steam to escape). 3-7 minutes at maximum power and presto.
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Cut onions without crying
Do you hate when the drama starts every time you start cutting onions? Put it in the microwave for 30 seconds to remove its juices. This way you will no longer cry.
Peel garlic more easily
If you have trouble peeling the garlic cloves, put them in the microwave on kitchen paper for nothing, 10 seconds. The paper will absorb moisture and make your job easier.
remove seals from envelopes
If you collect stamps and you don't mind taking them out of the envelopes the old-fashioned way in case they break, add two drops of water to the stamp and put it in the microwave for a few seconds. You will see that it will be easier to remove from the envelope.
Heats hair oils and other beauty products
Like the honey above, hair oil can harden and can be difficult to remove from its packaging. Put it in the microwave for 20-30 minutes to liquefy the oil and facilitate its release. Do the same with other beauty products like wax.
Soak legumes in case of emergency
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If you forgot to soak the beans the night before, you can use the microwave as plan B. Put the beans in water: three glasses of water for each glass of beans. Put the bowl in the microwave for 15 minutes at maximum power until they boil. Let the legumes rest for an hour or so and that's it: cooking.
Improvise a heating pad
Did you just exercise and have sore muscles? Fill an unused sock with rice or beans. Heat the sock at 15-second intervals until the proper temperature is reached. You already have a pad.
Sterilize garden soil
life pack
Do you want to plant some seeds in a pot for example? Well, first of all, spread the soil on a flat surface and heat the soil in the microwave at intervals of 15-20 seconds until it starts to steam (in 3-5 minutes). You will have soil free of viruses, pathogenic organisms, weeds... so that the new things that grow there do so in a healthy and strong way.
