by Jessica Smith

Take advantage of that ubiquitous kitchen tool, and prepare some of these staples in your microwave. Everything from croutons to potato chips — the sky is the limit!

Croutons

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave and toss with 1-1/2 cups of cubed bread. Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt, and spread the bread cubes evenly on a flat plate. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until crisp.

Poached eggs

Combine an egg and 1/4 cup water in a mug or bowl. Microwave on high, covered, until the whites are firm, about 45 seconds.

Rice

Pour rice into a high-walled microwave-safe bowl and add water until it covers the rice by 1/2 inch. Cover the bowl with a plate. Microwave on high for four minutes. Remove and stir. Continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment, until the rice is tender.

Potatoes

Place potato cubes (sweet or white potatoes will work) in a microwave-safe bowl with 3 tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for five to 10 minutes, checking every few minutes, until tender.

Pasta

Fill a large, microwave-safe bowl halfway with water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Heat the water in the microwave on high until boiling. Add 1 to 2 cups of pasta and continue to cook on high for five minutes. Test the pasta for doneness. Continue to cook on high until the pasta is cooked through.

Polenta

Combine 1/4 cup polenta and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high for two minutes. Remove and stir well. Microwave again on high for three minutes more, or until the water is absorbed and the mixture has begun to thicken. Remove and stir well.

Applesauce

Combine finely chopped apples and 1/4 cup of water per apple in a large microwave-safe bowl. Top the bowl with a plate and microwave for four minutes. Uncover and stir. Microwave again for five minutes more. Stir in a pinch of cinnamon and sugar to taste. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

Quick berry syrup

Combine frozen berries and sugar, to taste. Microwave on high for 90 seconds. Drizzle over angel food cake, pancakes, waffles or French toast.

Corn on the cob

The secret to sweet, juicy corn on the cob is to cook it in the microwave with the husks intact. Place corn, still in the husk, on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for one minute.

Potato chips

Believe it! Simply arrange thinly-sliced potatoes in a single layer on a paper towel. Microwave on the lowest setting for three minutes. Flip the chips over and continue to microwave, turning every minute or so, until crisp.

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