10 surprising things you can do with a microwave

Want a speedy chocolate fix? Photo / Getty

In an era defined by clean eating fads and healthy eating, the microwave is no longer the essential appliance it once was in the 80s and 90s.

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But there are some ways you can put your device to good use, even if you're someone who only uses it to reheat leftovers once a week.

Experts at Good Housekeeping magazine have put together a list of the best microwave hacks, from juicing a lemon in 20 seconds to even making your own homemade crisps in just four minutes.

1. Lemon juicer

If you put your lemons in the microwave before cutting or juicing them, the Good Housekeeping experts say it will make them easier to squeeze - and you'll end up with a lot more juice.

2. Speedy meringues

If you always avoid making meringues because you think they requires many minutes of stirring, you can actually create them in just 40 seconds using a microwave.

You simply mix egg whites and icing sugar together in a bowl, before kneading the mixture until smooth and dividing it up into even balls.

Line the microwave with baking parchment, and microwave four balls at a time for 40 seconds exactly.

3. Poached eggs

You can even poach eggs in the microwave - meaning you can make yourself a slap-up breakfast at work, if you wanted to.

Just fill a mug with water until it's a third full and microwave it for 30 seconds on high.

Crack an egg in, cover with a plate, and cook on low for one minute. Check then to see how cooked it is, and heat in 10 second bursts until the egg looks right to you.

4. Mug cakes

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Now, these don't have the best reputation, thanks to the hilarious images of exploding mug cakes we've all seen on social media.

But they can work - just make sure you're following a recipe from a trusted source.

5. Microwaved crisps

Yes, you can even make your favourite snack in the microwave, according to Good Housekeeping.

Simply slice a potato as thinly as possible - using a mandolin is preferable - and then coat them lightly in oil.

Lay the slices on a sheet of baking parchment, sprinkle with salt and microwave in one minute bursts until golden and crisp. It should take just four minutes.

6. Easy bacon

Many people say the best way to cook bacon is in the microwave, and it certainly doesn't take long.

Simply place rashers in a sheet of kitchen towel and fold over so the bacon is covered.

Turn it over so the seam is on the bottom and put on a place.
Microwave for three to four minutes until crispy.

7. Quick sweated onions

It can take up to 15 minutes to sweat your onions properly, and who has time for that?
Instead you can use a microwave to create the same effect in just four minutes - and you won't be sweating.

Simply pop chopped onions into a bowl, add a spoon of water, cover with a plate, and cook on high for three to four minutes.

Then transfer to your pan and continue on with the recipe as suggested.

8. Curd with no curdling

It's deceptively trick to make a fruit curd, as the mixture can curdle easily.

But microwaving the mixture instead of cooking it in the pan can eliminate the chance of you creating lemon-flavoured scrambled eggs.

9. Steamed puddings

A microwave can replace the traditional steamer and you can be enjoying those retro puds in no time at all.

Just use baking parchment to cover the pudding mixture and you should be tucking into your dessert in seconds.

10. French toast in a mug

Surprise your partner with a spontaneous plate of French toast in bed by using the microwave.

Just crack an egg into a mug, add a splash of milk, a teaspoon of sugar and some vanilla
extract and whisk.

Tear a slice of bread into pieces and add to the mug until it's coated. Microwave in one minute bursts until cooked - Good Housekeeping's took three minutes.

You can then serve with fresh fruit and maple syrup.