I just made amazing rice in the microwave. What other easy brilliant cooking things can I do?

[everybodysang]

I am rubbish at making rice. I always burn it or it just doesn't turn out right. DH, however, is brilliant at it, so he always does it.

However, he's away tonight and I fancied rice. So I decided to look online and see if you can microwave it. Which you can. And it was gorgeous - fluffy and perfect. Here is the recipe (this serves 4):

250g basmati rice
600ml boiling water

1. Put Basmati rice in a large heatproof serving dish with boiling water (I put a chicken stock cube in the water as DH uses stock. He also uses turmeric but I didn't do that, I will next time).
2. Cover with cling film and pierce several times. Cook on high (900W) for 6 minutes, then medium (500W) for 8 minutes.
3. Leave for a few minutes to stand, then remove the cling film to serve.

It was really, really good.

So, what cooking tricks do you know?

Cake in a microwave!!

www.mumsnet.com/Recipes/i/1778-All-in-one-microwave-chocolate-cake

Ooh, you should have out this somewhere it wasn't going to go poufff in 90 days. I like the sound of that rice recipe!

Ooh. Where do you think it should be? I only ever really go to chat and AIBU. I could ask for it to be moved if there's a better place for it?

It really was amazing, try it!

I've got everything I need to make that cake. I might just have to try that...

Bechamel sauce in microwave, can't believe I've been vigorously stirring pans all these years.
Bung butter, flour and milk in microwave jug / bowl. I whack it on high and whisk every couple of mins until done = lump free sauce and no pan to clean

Mix leftover Christmas pudding into melted chocolate to make a great tiffin.

Does it have to be basmati rice or will any do? Will be definately doing the rice and the cake, so thank you

Manda it was basmati rice in the recipe but I don't see why you couldn't try any rice?

oh by the way, I made it in a little pyrex bowl.

I make ds1 the micro sponge with jam. mix 50g sugar with 50g butter (cream it) slowly add 2 tbspns milk mixed with 1 egg. Then fold in 50g SR flour. I give it a good stir but says you should mix slow. Put 2 tbspns jam or syrup in the bottom of micro bowl, pour on mixture. Microwave 3 to 4 mins depending on oven. It'll be springy on top. He loves it. Serve with custard or whatever.

marking place to try soon, also crap at cooking rice

OP I've asked Mumsnet to put this thread in Food then it won't go away.

also marking place! what do you mean micro bowl for the sponge? will any old bowl do?

Great thread! Microwave rice sounds fab!

Just mean microwave proof, pyrex or something.

thanks juniper, excited to be venturing into new parts of MN! So, rice and cake so far. Anything else?

I always start baked potatoes in the micro but it's important to prick them and wrap each one in a square of kitchen roll. Usually takes about 6 -10 minutes depending on how many are going in and by that time the oven has heated up.

Pop them in the oven to crisp up the skins.

everybodysang I think you must have to report it yourself? Just click on report and in the message bit write 'Can you put my thread in Food topic please'.

I do this too with the potatoes Eliza but I just pierce them allover and microwave for 5 to 10 minutes depending on size.Then straight into a hot oven for about 10 to 15 mins to crisp the skins. Is the kitchen paper to prevent them spitting all over the microave?

Popcorn! For best results you need a paper bag that stands up - lunch bags or prescription bags are good - but you can also do it in a glass or ceramic dish with a plate on top. Sprinkle a small handful of popping corn in the bottom. Fold the top of the bag over twice. Nuke until the pops slow to more than 2 seconds apart - takes one and a half minutes in my machine.

Do not be a smartarse and try adding sugar before cooking. I nearly melted the inside of my microwave

Poaching eggs in clingfilm.

Crack the egg into clingfilm, tie a knot in it and then put in boiling water.

I've never mastered poached eggs and now I can eat them whenever. Yay.

Oooh, and meringues! Use one egg white. Mash icing sugar into it with your hands until it reaches a play-doh consistency. Roll it into a sausage, cut slices about half a centimetre thick, microwave them on a plate for 30 secs. If they haven't turned into meringues yet, give them another 30. Works with added flavours & colours.

Woooah, have you all missed lakeflypie 's post?
Bechemal sauce in the microwave???
No constant stirring ??
Really?!

Holy, that is GENIUS!

These are great. Can't wait to try some tomorrow!