I am a college student who goes to a school where the cafeteria is crappy and eating out is getting expensive. I live, and will continue living for the summer in a campus apartment where stoves are not allowed. I know you can cook just about anything in the microwave and would like to begin cooking healthier meals in the microwave. (the spagettios and easy mac are getting tiring)
I have no idea where to start though…I have an 1100 watt microwave, a full size refrigerator and freezer, and a small toaster. What types of kitchen tools (pans, measuring cups, etc) do I need to have to be able to execute good microwave cooking? And what are some good recipes to get started with?
I would like to know how to cook pastas, chicken breasts, and veggies. The main thing I am in the dark on though is cooking meats. I know it can be done but I want to make sure to get it right.
Anyone who can get me pointed in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Good recipe websites would be awesome too!! 
maddie07 - said
November 22 2010 @ 01:24
Here are some ideas: If you eat meat, try to buy the already cooked ones that you only have to warm up. My family sometimes cooks those and frozen veggies in the microwave. A few times we took frozen uncooked fish, threw some seasonings on it and marinated it a bit, then put it in the microwave. I think about ten minutes later, it was warm, fully cooked, and delicious.
But if you’re looking for more of a real meal, I found this nice site just for college dorm residents (without stoves):
http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Campus-Cooking-the-Advanced-Course/Detail.aspx
It seems that according to this website, you really can cook a whole feast with just a microwave as your heat source! There is also a "prerequisite" to that site as it stated:
http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Campus-Cooking-101-a-Beginners-Guide/Detail.aspx
I don’t get if it really is a course as it says it is or not, but the second website here tells you the culinary tools, etc. that you’ll need to master microwave cooking.
One more thing – the site might have pasta recipes, but if not, I’m guessing you could microwave some water to a boil, throw in the pasta, and microwave some more. And for the sauce, maybe try an already prepared store-bought one? Well, I hope I helped at least some. Good luck!
TX2step - said
November 22 2010 @ 01:24
General Electric has "The Microwave Guide and Cookbook" with recipes for everything (including a wonderful peanut brittle) ….. very easy to follow, with photos for each stage of the recipe:)
Mary G - said
November 22 2010 @ 01:24
I used to make the entrees made by Tyson in the meat section of your grocery store. They have awesome meatloaf, steak tips, turkey and gravy, etc. They are all ready to cook and eat and whatever you do, don’t buy Hormel cause their stuff if gross! With the Tyson ones, you’ll have leftovers too.
The steam in the bag veggies by birds eye or green giant are really good too! happy cooking!
chicky - said
November 22 2010 @ 01:24
forget putting meat in the microwave.. it will look the same when you take it out.. UHGG yummy.. get yourself a toaster oven.. they only cost about 16.00 -25.00 dollars and they are easy to use..and your meats will look and taste so much better..