The Microwave Myth

microwave

Our beloved microwave, or as some may call it the greatest invention since sliced bread. Suddenly dinner doesn’t seem like such a hot dreaded task anymore. Just pop a meal in and snatch it out. Microwave cooking can be a faster and easier way to cook.  Is it always healthy and is it affordable? Let’s find out. 

Fast and Healthy?

Everybody loves those quick fixes at the end of a hectic day. Yet we wonder if that is a healthy way to prepare foods. The answer is yes and no. There are some microwavable meals that have the vegetables and fruits included while other meals may only have the meat.

Though the fruit and veggies might not be there another plus of microwavable meals is that they are extremely easy to add sides to. Throw in a favorite fruit cup or grab a banana. The main goal of a microwave meal is finding a healthy quick way to make that rumble in your stomach go away.

Though there are meals that are healthy there are also ones you might want to watch out for. That quick little Hot Pocket probably isn’t going to give us very many nutrients. When out shopping, pay attention to the picture on the front of the box or container.  If you see green beans, mashed potatoes and roast then chances are it’s going to be a pretty balanced meal.

Vegetables in their original state are the best. They have food enzymes that help metabolism and keep us full of energy to tackle those tasks that lie ahead. It’s not necessary to microwave or cook them. Just eat them raw. That’s when there in their best form and the healthiest. Add fresh vegetables or fruits to a microwave meat for a healthier addition.

Saving Money

Budget is a common word in today’s world so every little bit of saving helps. Savings is just one of the many pluses of microwaving. It makes it possible for quick and painless trips to the always crowded super market. Not having to purchase multiple ingredients can help to make your wallet that much thicker.

 In some cases the ready-made meals might not always be the cheapest way to go. Sometimes you might spend more on the meal opposed to buying individual ingredients. Careful planning on shopping day can help keep your budget in check when purchasing microwave meals.

Choices and Options

There are also many options to choose from when wondering what to cook in that “high speed oven.” Full meals all packaged up with all the ingredients already mixed together ready to go. Who can beat that!

Helping Hand

Microwave can be an even bigger help when you have children to feed. How often do you pre heat your oven for chicken nuggets for that afternoon snack? Microwave cooking can cut the cooking and waiting time in half, giving you more time to spend doing the things you and your family love to do.

As you can see microwaves have their ups and downs. Using your head about the things you cook in a microwave can make a difference both in saving money and eating healthy foods. Give dinner a microwave chance and see if the myths become facts for you and your family.

Nutritious Berry Blitz

berry-smoothie

berry-smoothieIngredients:

1 1/2 C fresh or frozen blueberries
2 C of vanilla yogurt
1/2 large banana
2 T honey

How to Cook It:

Place the blueberries and yogurt into the blender.
Cut the banana in chunks and add to the blender.
Puree until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the honey and blend just long enough for the honey to mix in.

Frozen blueberries are just as nutritious as fresh blueberries. You may use fresh blueberries instead of frozen ones if you prefer. Adjust the honey to your taste or use lemon juice if you prefer a little bite.

Energy Building Breakfast Drink

orange-smoothie

orange-smoothieIngredients:

1 T of fine oatmeal
1 C of milk
1/4 C of seedless raisins
1 small ripe banana
1 t honey

How to Cook It:

In a small saucepan over medium heat put the oatmeal.
Stir in the milk.
Stirring occasionally bring the mixture to almost boiling.
Once boiling, remove from the heat and pour into the blender.
Add in the raisins and banana.
Pour the honey over all the other ingredients.
Blend just until smooth.

This is guaranteed to get your body up and going. The milk might form a skin when heating. If it does don’t skim it off. This skin contains valuable nutrients that will help the body to build energy.

Makes 2 servings

Preparation Time: approximately 12 minutes
Total Time: approximately 12 minutes

Drink a Quick and Easy Breakfast

fruitsmoothies3

fruitsmoothies3Fruit and breakfast smoothies are a great way to start your morning while getting the nutrition you need. Some are really difficult and may take a while to prepare, but there are several that are really easy and don’t require a lot of prep time to make them. In fact, you usually have a lot of these ingredients on hand at home.

Take one cup of water, a 6 ounce can of orange juice concentrate, one cup of milk, 10 cubes of ice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and a pinch or two of sugar, depending on your tastes. Place all the ingredients into the blender and blend until very smooth. Freeze to use later or drink when blended. Because there is no slicing or dicing you can prepare this drink quick and easy the morning you want to serve it.

Coffee is definitely a breakfast staple, but here is a new twist. Take 6 ice cubes, 2 bananas, about a cup of milk and 2/3 cup of coffee and blend until smooth. This drink will kick start your day and give you a flavor to savor.

How about one for the kids? Adults love this too, so prepare to enjoy! You will need to chunk 1 frozen banana, a cup of milk, 1/2 C of vanilla ice cream and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Blend until smooth, if it is too thick to drink, add milk until you reach the consistency you desire and drink up!

For the next one you will need some frozen fruit. You can use any frozen fruit available such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches or which every fruit may be your favorite. Use a cup of frozen fruit, a cup of milk, a 1/4 up of sugar or sugar substitute and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Blend together until smooth. This makes a great fruit smoothie and a great taste treat for breakfast.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be eaten anymore. Drinking breakfast can be just as fun and just as nutritional as the contemporary breakfast of bacon and eggs. Since people today are very health conscience, bacon and eggs to a lot of people are a no-no but smoothies can be a yes-yes. They are low in fat and low in cholesterol and taste really great. The next time instead of reaching for the frying pan, reach for the blender instead and eat or should we say drink to your heart’s content.

Vanilla Pudding Banana Ice Cream

ice-cream-dish-with-sprinklesWhat You Need:

3 eggs
1 T vanilla
1 (13 oz.) can Milnot
2 C of sugar
1 (4 oz.) box of vanilla instant pudding and pie filling
2 very ripe bananas

How to Make It:

Break the eggs into a large mixing bowl.
Add the vanilla and Milnot and whisk to combine.
Dump in the sugar and the pudding mix.
Beat the mixture on medium speed with an electric mixer until well blended.
Mash the bananas with a fork in a separate bowl.
Add the mashed bananas to the egg mixture stirring until well blended.
Place the mixture in the freezer canister of the ice cream maker.
Freeze as directed by the manufacturer.
Ripen the ice cream for at least 4 hours before serving.

Makes 2 quarts

The bananas are optional in this recipe but they add flavor to this simple ice cream. It’s the perfect way to cool off on those hot summer evenings.

Citrus and Banana Sorbet

islandpool

islandpoolWhat You Need:

3 ripe bananas cut into chunks
1/2 C lemon juice
1 1/2 C of sugar
2 C of cold water
1 1/2 C of orange juice

How to Make It:

Puree the bananas and lemon juice together in the blender until smooth.
Add in the sugar and blend until the sugar is dissolved.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.
Whisk in the water and orange juice until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the cylinder of your ice cream maker and freeze per the manufacturer’s directions.
Ripen 2 to 4 hours in the freezer.

Makes 2 1/2 quarters

Sorbet is a wonderful dessert idea especially if you are looking for something pleasing to look at and a taste bud treat. Serve sorbet before the main course or as an ending to the perfect meal. Garnish with fresh fruit.

Banana Berry Freeze Salad

What You Need:

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits with juice
5 bananas, sliced
1/2 C sugar
1 (16 oz.) can whole cranberry sauce
1/3 C pecans, chopped
1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping, thawed

How to Make It:

Drain the juice from the pineapple into a mixing bowl.
Add the sliced bananas to the juice and let stand 5 minutes.
Place the sugar into a separate mixing bowl.
Add the cranberry sauce to the sugar and blend together well.
Use a slotted spoon and remove the bananas from the juice and discard the juice.
Fold the pineapple into the mixture.
Add the pecans and stir to combine.
Fold the whipped topping in until all the ingredients are combined well.
Spread into a very lightly greased 9X13 glass pan.
Cover and place in the freezer at least 4 hours or until frozen through.
Allow the salad to stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.

Serves: 8

The cranberry sauce and pecans are optional in this recipe. Add a can of cherry or blueberry pie filling instead.

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