What did you eat today?
Quote: DRichMy father who lives in Florida now was commenting this week that he has not had a single good tomato in the 30 years he has been in Florida.
Without question, the best tomatoes, in fact the best tomatoes, peppers and corn I've ever had came from my grandfather's garden in central New Jersey.
There's a reason it is called "The Garden State."
Three “frozen” and one “microwave”.Quote: EvenBobThis is so simple and so good even Drich could have one of his servants make it. Take 2 frozen salmon fillets, put in a huge bowl, put on top one 12 oz bag of cauliflower frozen one 12 oz bag of broccoli frozen. Mix in a liberal amount of lemon pepper and Mesquite seasoning. Add 1/4 cup of water put a heavy plate on top of the bowl and cook in the microwave for 15 minutes. Unbelievably good and simple. And healthy. It's a proven fact the flash frozen food has just as many nutrients as fresh.
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Is it that difficult to go to the grocery store once or twice per week to buy fresh food ?
And throw that microwave in the dumpster. That’s not even cooking it’s nuking
Quote: EvenBobThis is so simple and so good even Drich could have one of his servants make it. Take 2 frozen salmon fillets, put in a huge bowl, put on top one 12 oz bag of cauliflower frozen one 12 oz bag of broccoli frozen. Mix in a liberal amount of lemon pepper and Mesquite seasoning. Add 1/4 cup of water put a heavy plate on top of the bowl and cook in the microwave for 15 minutes. Unbelievably good and simple. And healthy. It's a p micrroven fact the flash frozen food has just as many nutrients as fresh.
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Microwave? Seriously? Micro.....WoW...,,Waved?
Quote: Marcusclark66
Microwave? Seriously?
The microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food. You seem to think you're an expert, please explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same. So why would you be so prejudiced against a microwave. I anxiously wait your response.
Quote: EvenBobThe microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food. You seem to think you're an expert, please explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same. So why would you be so prejudiced against a microwave. I anxiously wait your response.
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I reheat pizza often. No way a microwave leaves the crust crispy enough. A hot dog blown up from the inside by a microwave pales in comparison to its brother who has been charred on a grill or even in an oven.
So there. It’s not as good for at least 10% of my diet!
Quote: EvenBobThe microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food. You seem to think you're an expert, please explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same. So why would you be so prejudiced against a microwave. I anxiously wait your response.
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Microwaves transfer heat to the food from the inside of the food to the outside. All other methods cook it from the outside to the inside.
Microwave cooking can be ok, but it's easy to get it wrong.
I'm not generally a picky eater, but I do have a strong preference for "not microwaved" vegetables.
Quote: Ace2Three “frozen” and one “microwave”.
Is it that difficult to go to the grocery store once or twice per week to buy fresh food ?link to original post
Yes, it is absolutely that difficult. Store delivery services have a much better track record of selecting a bag of frozen california blend than they do of selecting an acceptable head of fresh cauliflower.
I'm a busy guy; a quick visit to a grocery store usually takes about an hour. An actual grocery trip usually takes around 4 hours, end to end. The stores I want to visit have to be open and have stock at the time I'm available to go to make a successful trip. Delivery services don't cover my area; clicking my selections and having it appear on the doorstep doesn't suit me.
It is a minor chore to go visit my potato dealer, but I can get 100 pounds of high grade spuds pretty easily (at an absurdly low price), and they last for months in the root cellar. I'm not even a high volume customer; there are people who hit him up for 1200 pounds at a time.
Quote: EvenBobThe microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food. You seem to think you're an expert, please explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same. So why would you be so prejudiced against a microwave. I anxiously wait your response.
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try toasting bread in a microwave__________good luck
an answer to the question from Stack exchange:
"The big things that you can do with ovens but not microwaves are the things that actually need the steady dry heat of baking. You can't bake bread or cookies or roast a chicken in a microwave. Microwaves hold in a lot of steam and don't get terribly hot, so you can't generally get things to brown or crisp up. They also don't really hold a temperature like you need for baking, they just pump more and more heat into the food."
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Quote: SOOPOO
I reheat pizza often. No way a microwave leaves the crust crispy enough.
Why would you use a toaster to boil an egg? Why would you use a waffle maker to bake a loaf of bread? Why would you use a George Foreman grill to make cookies? Every cooking device has a very specific purpose, including a microwave. You roast a Thanksgiving turkey in the oven, not in your instant pot pressure cooker. Why on Earth would you try and get a crispy crust by putting something in a microwave. I do not understand the point you're trying to make. Are you saying a microwave is useless because you can't crisp up your pizza with it? That is patently ridiculous. One of the skills of being a good cook is knowing what tools to use for what you're trying to accomplish.
Quote: lilredroostertry toasting bread in a microwave__________good luck
I enjoy crusty, artisan bread but as its beauty quickly fades if exposed to air I cut it up into portions, slice it down the middle, then freeze it; when ready to eat it I take out what I want and microwave it enough to thaw it out, then pop the thawed bread into the toaster.
Quote: Dieter
Microwave cooking can be ok, but it's easy to get it wrong.
It's called knowing what you're doing in the kitchen. A microwave is just one more cooking tool it has a very specific use. Just like a wok, an electric frying pan, and an air fryer have very specific uses. This is really not rocket science.
Quote: lilredrooster[/q
try toasting bread in a microwave__________good luck
I am totally not understanding this conversation. Try cooking a pizza in an instant pot pressure cooker. Try making fried eggs and bacon in a slow cooker. A microwave has a very specific use just like every kitchen tool does. Roasting and toasting is not one of its uses. Why the subject would even come up is a total mystery to me. It's like asking why can't I heat a bowl of soup in my toaster. It's really that ridiculous.
Quote: EvenBobplease explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same.
gee wiz - this doesn't sound anything at all like this:
Quote: EvenBobIt's called knowing what you're doing in the kitchen. A microwave is just one more cooking tool it has a very specific use. Just like a wok, an electric frying pan, and an air fryer have very specific uses.
One of the skills of being a good cook is knowing what tools to use for what you're trying to accomplish.
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Quote: lilredroostergee wiz - this doesn't sound anything at all like this:
You can boil water with gas or electric, you can boil water with a microwave. You can heat a sandwich with gas or electric, you can heat the sandwich with a microwave. You can cook frozen fish and frozen vegetables in the oven with gas, you can cook the same thing in a microwave. I can reheat yesterday's leftovers with gas on top of the stove or I can do it in the microwave. And you will not be able to tell the difference. I can make fried chicken in the deep fryer but I cannot do it in the microwave. Gee whiz, I had no idea cooking was this complicated to some people.
Native American saying:
"white man speak with forked tongue"
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Quote: EvenBobIt's called knowing what you're doing in the kitchen. A microwave is just one more cooking tool it has a very specific use. Just like a wok, an electric frying pan, and an air fryer have very specific uses. This is really not rocket science.
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I haven't bothered to learn how to use a microwave well.
I see no reason to try, since most food I've tried from a microwave hasn't been to my liking (even with someone else - presumably more competent - running the contraption).
For most reheating, the toaster oven does a better job for my skill level, and is similarly quick and convenient.
Toaster oven hot dogs are probably the best, short of a fire.
I can manage a wok, or a hotplate, or a stove, or a fire, or a number of other methods. This is a basic concept; get the outside hot and wait; the inside will get hot too.
Microwaves and hot dog electrocutors just aren't my thing. They both cook from the inside out.
Quote: SOOPOOQuote: EvenBobThe microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food. You seem to think you're an expert, please explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same. So why would you be so prejudiced against a microwave. I anxiously wait your response.
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I reheat pizza often. No way a microwave leaves the crust crispy enough. A hot dog blown up from the inside by a microwave pales in comparison to its brother who has been charred on a grill or even in an oven.
So there. It’s not as good for at least 10% of my diet!link to original post
The secret to reheating pizza in the microwave is to sprinkle water on the crust side and put a cup of water in with the pizza.
Microwave at 50% for 45 seconds. If you have toppings or a thick crust, go a full minute. I don't know the science behind it but it works.
Believe it or not, but a red plastic pizza wedge available at Dollar Tree works wonders. It has a built in holder for the water.
Quote: Ace2With a microwave you nuke soggy food in order to reheat it. You don’t “cook” anything in a microwave.
Really? You must be joking.
How to Cook in a Microwave https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-microwave
How to Cook with Your Microwave-The New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/culture/kitchen-notes/learning-to-love-my-microwave
16 Things You Can Cook in the Microwave https://www.myrecipes.com/convenience/16-things-you-can-cook-in-microwave
I used to poach fresh salmon then one day I was in
a hurry and I cooked it in the microwave and it was
absolutely the best salmon I've ever had. Tender and.
juicy and full of flavor. That was at least 15 years ago
and I've never gone back to cooking it any other way.
The microwave also cooks fantastic enchiladas.
Baking enchiladas is tricky, they often come out too dry.
Making them from scratch and cooking them in the
microwave they come out perfect every time.
Here is a kid cooking salmon in the microwave. Once you have it cooked this way you'll never go back to having it cooked any other way.
Quote: billryan
The secret to reheating pizza in the microwave is to sprinkle water on the crust side and put a cup of water in with the pizza.
I first read about microwaves in Boys Life Magazine about 1963. Nobody had one because they were prohibitively expensive. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I saw my first one in 1968 in the break room of the factory I was working at when I was in college. It was a wonder, I used it every day to heat something up. Been heating things up and cooking in microwaves for well over 50 years. Please don't tell me you can't cook in the microwave, it's called a microwave 'oven' for a reason. It's not called a microwave heater-upper.
In today's money this Amana microwave in 1970 cost $3,200. Now you can buy microwaves all day long for under $100, sometimes under $50. Notice how this ad for 1970 talks about cooking, because that's what people did, they cooked in their microwaves. And heated things up like pizza and coffee.
Quote: billryanWhen I was living in the RV, I microwaved at least two thirds of my meals. Now that I have a full kitchen and counter-space for my air fryer/grill, I rarely use it at all.
It is a specific tool, like everything else in the kitchen. I sometimes don't use mine for a week, then I will use it 3 days in a row. When I want to have an egg sandwich, instead of hauling out a frying pan I use the microwave. Spray a microwave dish with cooking spray, put in the egg pop the yolk, and it's done in 30 seconds. Cooked perfectly for an egg sandwich.
I would never cook raw vegetables in a microwave but it's the only way I cook frozen vegetables. It's also the only way I make hot dogs. Put them in a microwave dish, cover them with sugar free barbecue sauce, put the lid on and cook for about 90 seconds. Some of them will break open but they still taste fantastic. A microwave is really great for reheating fast food. In Vegas I've get a bag full of In and Out Burgers and store them in the fridge in the hotel room and when I'm hungry heat them up in the microwave. Makes a great midnight snack.
Quote: EvenBobThe microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food. You seem to think you're an expert, please explain to me the difference between cooking food with gas, electric, or microwave? The result is exactly the same. 100% exactly the same. So why would you be so prejudiced against a microwave. I anxiously wait your response.
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You microwave a steak and I will grill it, I bet 95% of the people will prefer mine.
Quote: EvenBoblink to original post
I would never cook raw vegetables in a microwave but it's the only way I cook frozen vegetables.
"Baked" potatoes are mostly OK in the microwave. Skip the traditional foil wrapping.
Same with corn on the cob, husks on.
Another cooking method can likely do better, but if you don't want to spend half an hour brining the corn so you can spend 20 minutes roasting it on the grill, the microwave isn't awful.
I recognize this contradicts my earlier statement; I forgot these two specific cases where "OK" might be good enough.
Exactly, they are OK. Versus perfect when baked in the ovenQuote: Dieter[
"Baked" potatoes are mostly OK in the microwave.
Before I knew how to cook I would do a potato in the microwave. After baking one I would never use the micro ever again. You cannot compare the result, especially the skin (which I like to eat). As I recall, when you add butter to a microwaved potato it mostly oozes out because the skin hasn’t crisped up at all
Quote: DRich
You microwave a steak and I will grill it, I bet 95% of the people will prefer min]
Good grief, why on Earth would anybody ever microwave a steak. Microwaves cook things from the inside out, it would be cooked solid in the middle and raw on the outside. Why would you do that.
Hot Dogs, sugar free BBQ sauce and reheated fast food. You’re a true food connoisseur…I can see why you swear by the microwaveQuote: EvenBobIt's also the only way I make hot dogs. Put them in a microwave dish, cover them with sugar free barbecue sauce, put the lid on and cook for about 90 seconds. Some of them will break open but they still taste fantastic. A microwave is really great for reheating fast food. In Vegas I've get a bag full of In and Out Burgers and store them in the fridge in the hotel room and when I'm hungry heat them up in the microwave. Makes a great midnight snack.
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Quote: Dieter[/q
"Baked" potatoes are mostly OK in the microwave.
I forgot about cooking potatoes in the microwave. I gave up any potatoes 20 years ago cuz of the carbs. Poke holes in potato with a fork, rub olive oil all over it and salted with kosher salt. Cook in the microwave, best baked potatoes ever.
Quote: Ace2Hot Dogs, sugar free BBQ sauce and reheated fast food. ]
Kosher hot dogs are hardly 'fast food'. Homemade sugar-free BBQ sauce is hardly 'fast food' And I don't swear by the microwave I use it as a tool in the kitchen as does every good cook. Sometimes I use it 3 days in a row, sometimes I won't use it for a week. It's only for very specific things. Just like a toaster or a waffle maker or a George Foreman Grill are for very specific things.
Hot dogs with barbecue sauce but you need a lots of onions on top. Yum
Quote: EvenBob
Good grief, why on Earth would anybody ever microwave a steak.
I don't know unless they believe "The microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food."
Obviously you would never take someone seriously that says that. You might even call them a fool.
Yet you continue eating hot dogs and microwaved fast food leftovers 🤮Quote: EvenBobI gave up any potatoes 20 years ago cuz of the carbs.
Hot dogs are one of the worst things you can put in your body. Like any ultra-processed meat. Fortunately I’ve always hated them, even as a kid
What’s wrong with potatoes in moderation? You need some carbs, just avoid the processed ones
Quote: Ace2Exactly, they are OK. Versus perfect when baked in the ovenQuote: Dieter
"Baked" potatoes are mostly OK in the microwave.
Before I knew how to cook I would do a potato in the microwave. After baking one I would never use the micro ever again. You cannot compare the result, especially the skin (which I like to eat). As I recall, when you add butter to a microwaved potato it mostly oozes out because the skin hasn’t crisped up at all
Yes, the skin should get some maillard browning.
There are reasons to prefer the microwave to another method, but quality of the result usually isn't on the list.
"The microwave is all I'm allowed to use", "It's a hundred degrees out, I'm not turning on the oven", and "I can't grill here" top the list. "I need to put a hot meal in front of the kids in the next 12 minutes" gets an honorable mention.
Quote: DRichI don't know unless they believe "The microwave has been a serious cooking device for over 50 years. It is absolutely no different than any other device that heats your food."
How is a microwave any different then any other kitchen appliance that heats things up. Why do you think that just because it heats things up you can cook anything you want with it. I do not understand this conversation. Why is it a surprise to you the microwave can't make toast or fried chicken. Have you ever actually used a microwave?
A microwave is absolutely no different than any other kitchen appliance in that it does a specific job and it does it very well. Where did I or anybody else say you can cook anything you like in a microwave. That's ridiculous.
Quote: Dieter
There are reasons to prefer the microwave to another method, but quality of the result usually isn't on the list.
]
Many restaurants cook the potatoes in a microwave until they're almost done. They take them out and store them in a 'warmer oven' and when you order a baked potato they take it and rub with olive oil and put it in a 400-degree oven for about 10 minutes where it finishes cooking and the skin gets crisp. You can do this at home but it seems like a lot of work. I don't care what condition the skin is in, I never eat the skin anyway. When I ate potatoes I was much more of a mashed potato fan. Made with butter and cheddar cheese and real bacon bits and real garlic, I could eat a couple quarts in one sitting.
Quote: EvenBobI don't care what condition the skin is in, I never eat the skin anyway. When I ate potatoes I was much more of a mashed potato fan. Made with butter and cheddar cheese and real bacon bits and real garlic, I could eat a couple quarts in one sitting.
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The skin does impart flavor to the starchy interior. I believe it's something to do with the skin being where the minerals are.
No matter; you like what you like.
I don't understand how or why people like mashed potatoes, but I know plenty who do. I'm happy I can leave more for the rest of you.
Sweet potatoes... (sigh) Most recipes call for far too much sugar, some going so far as to add syrup and marshmallows to the top as well. Thankfully I was able to interrupt the debacle of last thanksgiving just before my stepfather in law dumped the sugar in according to some recipe from a dubious internet source. After testing, it was generally agreed that sweet potato recipes list somewhere between double and triple the appropriate amount of sugar, adjustments were recorded, and the recipe duly filed in the little tin box.
You shouldn't feel your blood glucose spike the second the spoon hits your tongue - save room for dessert.
In keeping with the spirit of the thread, I had a pretty good bologna sandwich while posting this.
I'm currently cutting way day on carbs and sugar -so this was my first experience with spaghetti squash. Cut the squash in half, boiled it for 20 minutes, and then scooped out the 'spaghetti.' Very filling, though not as convenient or tasty as normal spaghetti pasta.
Quote: gordonm888
I'm currently cutting way day on carbs and sugar -so this was my first experience with spaghetti squash. ]
Don't overdo the squash, there are 14 grams
of carbohydrate in 7 oz of spaghetti squash.
7 oz sounds like a lot but it's not. That would be
75% of my carbohydrate allowance for the day.
Most of the squashes are high in carbs. Summer
squash and zucchini are not. I use them in the
spiralizer a lot to make noodles.
Quote: EvenBobHow is a microwave any different then any other kitchen appliance that heats things up. Why do you think that just because it heats things up you can cook anything you want with it. I do not understand this conversation. Why is it a surprise to you the microwave can't make toast or fried chicken. Have you ever actually used a microwave?
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A microwave is absolutely no different than any other kitchen appliance in that it does a specific job and it does it very well. Where did I or anybody else say you can cook anything you like in a microwave. That's ridiculous.
It is the fact that you said it is no different than any other cooking device.
If it is no different it will do exactly what the other devices do. The steak should come out of the microwave exactly like it would out of the BBQ, if it doesnt the device is different. I understand you chose your words poorly, why are you trying to defend them?
Microwave do not “cook from the inside out”
Common misconception
Quote: linksjunkieJust a quick FYI regarding all this microwave chatter.
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Microwave do not “cook from the inside out”
Common misconception
Microwaves impart motion to the water molecules on the inside of the food.
Motion is heat.
Is that right?
The RF absorbtion and energy transfer may very well work from the outside (the RF source) towards the inside.
(I am actually trying to learn if there's something I've missed; I'm not trying to get into a trollish argument.)
Quote: DieterQuote: linksjunkieJust a quick FYI regarding all this microwave chatter.
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Microwave do not “cook from the inside out”
Common misconception
Microwaves impart motion to the water molecules on the inside of the food.
Motion is heat.
Is that right?
The RF absorbtion and energy transfer may very well work from the outside (the RF source) towards the inside.
(I am actually trying to learn if there's something I've missed; I'm not trying to get into a trollish argument.)link to original post
This is correct. Microwaves can pass through dry organic matter but heat water molecules by interacting with their ionic polarity. Thus, food can indeed be heated from the outside in, if the center is moist.
Microwaves do not pass through metal, they are absorbed and thus heat the metal grill in a microwave. In those instances, the grill heats up and does heat whatever is lying upon it from the outside, This is also why the window in a microwave oven has metal mesh in the glass window of the door -so that microwaves cannot pass through the window.
My local one had a special Mon-Weds. A Whopper, small fries and small soda for $5, or two of each for $8.99.
Today I got an email advertising the specials, only they are now $7 or two for $10.99. For a dollar per meal, you can upgrade to a medium fry and soda.
That's a 40% increase overnight. Interestingly, they still have both of these specials- two whoppers for $5, and a buy one whopper( $6.29), get one free available if you use their app.
