Microwave ovens are a common element in the U.S. kitchen. They use radio waves in a frequency that is absorbed by the fat, water, and sugar atoms present in food. Food in penetrated throughout by the microwaves, allowing even cooking. Glass and plastic atoms are not affected by the microwaves, so food can be cooked in these types of containers. Metals reflect microwaves, causing sparking and making metal containers poor choices for microwave cooking. http://home.howstuffworks.com/microwave1.htm

The greatest advantage of microwave cooking is speed. Water boils between 2-5 minutes in a microwave, depending on wattage. Microwave ovens - and the kitchens they’re in - also stay cool during cooking, except for any steam emanating from the food itself. Allow for standing time, where the cooked food rests on a solid surface after removal from the oven for 1-5 minutes, allowing heat to spread throughout the food and complete the cooking.

Reheating leftovers, softening butter and chocolate, and defrosting frozen foods are areas where microwaves excel. Microwavable popcorn dominates shelf space in supermarkets.

The downsides of microwave cooking are that they are of limited usefulness in browning and caramelization, partly because surfaces inside the oven don’t get hot, but also because the food rarely exceeds 212 degrees F in a microwave.

Microwave ovens are a common element in the U.S. kitchen. They use radio waves in a frequency that is absorbed by the fat, water, and sugar atoms present in food. Food in penetrated throughout by the microwaves, allowing even cooking. Glass and plastic atoms are not affected by the microwaves, so food can be cooked in these types of containers. Metals reflect microwaves, causing sparking and making metal containers poor choices for microwave cooking. http://home.howstuffworks.com/microwave1.htm

The greatest advantage of microwave cooking is speed. Water boils between 2-5 minutes in a microwave, depending on wattage. Microwave ovens - and the kitchens they’re in - also stay cool during cooking, except for any steam emanating from the food itself. Allow for standing time, where the cooked food rests on a solid surface after removal from the oven for 1-5 minutes, allowing heat to spread throughout the food and complete the cooking.

Reheating leftovers, softening butter and chocolate, and defrosting frozen foods are areas where microwaves excel. Microwavable popcorn dominates shelf space in supermarkets.

The downsides of microwave cooking are that they are of limited usefulness in browning and caramelization, partly because surfaces inside the oven don’t get hot, but also because the food rarely exceeds 212 degrees F in a microwave.

Bacon can be cooked in a microwave oven, and some cooks believe the process is less messy and the result less greasy. Special microwave safe cooking trays are sold for microwaving bacon. These have either ridges or racks that hold the cooking meat out of the grease, but a standard plate with a microwave safe bowl sitting on top can be substituted. Drape the bacon over the sides of the bowl, making sure the plate below is large enough to keep the meat separate from the bottom of the oven and has enough depth to collect any grease and be removed from the oven safely.

A lid to protect the oven from spatters is a good idea, as bacon grease will still pop as it heats.

Place the 4-6 pieces of bacon on the plate with ¼” to ½” of space between the slices – bacon will stick together if touching. Cook on a medium setting in the microwave for about 2 minutes. If there is no turntable in the microwave being used, turn the plate a quarter turn to cook the bacon evenly. Cook an additional 2 minutes for medium crisp bacon (times vary by oven wattage and due to the variable thickness of bacon). If the resulting bacon is done to your preference, carefully remove it from the oven and serve. Otherwise, continue to cook for about 30 seconds at a time until it reaches the desired crispness. Caution: bacon grease will be hot – take care when removing it from the microwave. http://www.ehow.com/how_4603458_microwave-bacon.html

Scrambled eggs can be prepared in a microwave oven, and people who have learned to do it properly prefer this method to more traditional stovetop preparation. Use a microwave-safe bowl or mug that has been coated with non-stick vegetable spray. Crack 2 eggs into the bowl, add ¼ cup of milk and a bit of salt and pepper to season. Use a fork to whip the eggs until blended.

Place the eggs in the oven an microwave on high for about 30 seconds. Carefully remove the eggs and stir gently, folding the eggs a few times to allow even cooking. Place the eggs back in the oven and cook for 10 more seconds. Remove and gently stir. Depending on the wattage of the oven, the eggs may be done to your preference. If not, place the eggs back in the oven and cook for another 10 seconds, repeating the process until the eggs have reached a bit less than your preferred consistency. They will continue to cook using the heat retained for several seconds after removal from the oven.

Grated cheese, chopped onions, bacon bits and herbs can be added to the eggs before cooking. http://www.life123.com/food/cooking-tips/scrambled-eggs/how-to-make-microwave-scrambled-eggs.shtml

Baking a potato in a conventional oven takes 60-90 minutes. A microwave can reduce the time to 10-12 minutes. Select a regularly shaped, large (about 6” long) potato. Prepare the potato in the same manner as if it were going to be baked in a conventional oven: scrub it, remove the “eyes” (sprouts), and poke several holes in the skin of the potato. Put it into a microwave safe (usually plastic or ceramic) container.

Using a full-power cook setting on the microwave, cook the potato for 5 minutes. Turn the oven over and continue to cook or another 5 minutes. Test for tenderness with a fork – if the potato is not yet done, cook for another 90-120 seconds at a time until it reaches the desired tenderness. Note: The potato skin will not get crisp in a microwave.

Add the usual toppings (butter, sour cream, chives, etc) and enjoy. If desired, the potato can be split and cheese sprinkled inside. The potato can then be returned to the microwave for 30-60 seconds to melt the cheese before serving. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Microwave-Baked-Potato/detail.aspx