6 WAYS TO USE YOUR MICROWAVE

Step 1

Shell Game: To shell pecans or other nuts easily, combine 1 cup nuts with 3 tablespoons water in glass pie plate. Cover with inverted pie plate and microwave on High 2 minutes. Drain and let stand until cool enough to handle, then remove shells.




Pureed Carrots: Chop 1 pound carrots into 1-inch chunks. Combine with 1/2 cup chicken broth in 4-cup measure. Cover with plastic wrap; vent. Microwave on High 10 minutes or until very tender. Let stand 2 minutes. Puree in food processor with 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Makes 11/2 cups.



Presto Pesto: Combine 3 tablespoons dried basil with 1/4 cup water in 1-cup measure. Cover with plastic wrap; vent. Microwave on High 3 minutes or until water is absorbed. Puree in blender with 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Stir in 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Toss with 1 pound cooked pasta. Makes 4 servings.



Broccoli Basics: Broccoli is really two vegetables in onestrong spears and tender florets . For even cooking, trim 1 bunch (1 Ib.) broccoli. Arrange in 13x9-inch casserole with florets in center and stems toward edges. Cover with wax paper; microwave on High 4 minutes, until just tender. Makes 4 servings.



Perfect Polenta: Combine 1 can chicken broth with enough water to equal 3 cups in 4-cup measure. Whisk in 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal. Cover with plastic wrap; vent. Microwave on High 12 minutes, whisking every 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon butter. Makes 4 servings.



In the Chips: Cut 2 flour tortillas into eighths. Place in single layer on paper towel; microwave uncovered on High 31/2 minutes or until crisp. Serve with salsa.


LADIES' HOME JOURNAL- SEPTEMBER 1992