Zap it
Feb 27th 2008
Claudia DainWhen Goddesses Fall To Earth
My microwave broke.
Panic ensued. Immediately.
Now, I’m of an age (ahem) where I can remember without any trouble at all getting my first microwave. I was married with children. I was not a kid. I learned how to do all the cooking stuff without a microwave. But then I got a microwave and
it…owns me.
Boil water for a hot drink? Is anything worth that amount of time and effort? The answer is obviously NO.
Eating leftovers. Without a microwave. Two choices: you can either eat them cold or you can heat them in the oven on a low temperature. I’m eating them cold. Hey, cold string beans aren’t that bad.
Naturally, the second the microwave broke, I shattered every speed limit getting to the closest store that could provide me with a new one. I found one I wanted, in the color I wanted, at the price I wanted, and smiled in giddy delight at the salesman, transaction complete.
It wasn’t in stock. It would be ready for pick-up in five days.
I almost beat him to death with my bare hands. If it doesn’t come in five days from now, I still might.
Do you remember your first microwave? Is it your favorite kitchen appliance, after the refrigerator? Would your cooking routine stumble without one?
79 Comments »
Margaret Garland on 27 Feb 2008 at 5:41 am #
I don’t remember my first microwave. When they first became affordable. My parents bought it for me. That’s all I can remember about it.
The one I have now is a Sharp. It’s a large convection oven/microwave with a carousel. I don’t think I could nuke w/o that little feature. I use it almost daily. Especially since the pilot light went out on my oven and I’m leery of getting down on the floor to light it. I have to lie on the floor and use one of those fireplace lighters to do it. Due to the total knee replacement surgery of 18 months ago, I worry about how I will get up again. I think I have it figured out. Now, to care whether the oven can be used or not.
BTW, this microwave is about 30 years old and has only needed repair once. It’s a behemouth with mega-watt power. Not like the little dinky ones that are being sold today. I could cook a turkey in it if I want to.
Margaret Garland on 27 Feb 2008 at 5:45 am #
I guess I should explain about the knee thing. I’m so happy to say that I have absolutely NO pain in my knees these days. I had them both done at the same time. Painful, but worth it.
The only thing is that kneeling is uncomfortable. I got rid of my bathtub and had a shower installed in it’s place. Getting out the tub was not a fun experience as it was too close to surgery time.
So, getting down on the floor is no problem. Getting up w/o the pressure is something else. I need several of the FROS firemen to help me. Yeah. That’s the ticket! Call 911, please.
Margaret
PJ on 27 Feb 2008 at 7:29 am #
Margaret, so glad to hear your knees are feeling better!
Oh yes, I clearly remember my first microwave. The hubby and I bought it from a friend who was a contractor. Microwaves had just come out and that was about the only way to get one without mortgaging the house. There was a commercial on at the time for a local jewelry store where women in the street were asked if they’d rather have a diamond or a microwave. Of course, all the women on the commercial chose the diamond. I chose the microwave and had no regrets! Mine was a Panasonic, big enough to cook a 20 pound turkey and had to have weighed at least 50 pounds. The thing was HUGE.
Several microwaves later, I now own a Sharp and love it. It’s considerably smaller and lighter, probably a lot more energy efficient and gets the job done quickly. I honestly don’t know how we ever functioned in the kitchen without one!
Karen Rose on 27 Feb 2008 at 7:38 am #
Claudia, I would pay money to see you beating that poor salesman over the microwave! Snicker
My first microwave was in the 7/11 store near my parents house in MD. DH and I were in college at the time and would stop there for m/w-able burritos and a Big Gulp of TAB. Those were the days! (Oh, for that cast-iron stomach again!) We ended up chatting with the owner periodically who was a very nice man with a large family. I liked those times DH and I went to the 7/11 expressly for the microwave!
Then, still in college, I bought a microwave for my mom and dad for Christmas. Had to have be ‘84 or so. But what to cook in it? DH and I made a run to the 7/11 and bought the man’s entire stock of burritos. We could eat our burritos now while watching TV, but I missed our visits with the 7/11 owner!
Julie on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:12 am #
I don’t remember not having a microwave, which is good since I can’t cook without it. If it doesn’t come out of a can or box or go in the toaster I don’t know what to do with it.
Susan K on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:16 am #
Claudia - Let me know if it doesn’t come in five days. I want front row seats and a bowl of popcorn to watch you beat the man to death! Hehehe!
I am one of those young ones who doesn’t remember when we got our first microwave. My parents got one at one point. That’s all I know. But I do know I can’t live without it. Especially for heating up leftovers. My fiance and I put a new one on our bridal registry. The one we have now is really old and not working as well. (It was my moms.)
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:20 am #
i remember our first microwave. my grandmother started leaving her micro with us for the winter while she was in florida while i was in middle school. as a microwaver novice, i didn’t know that you couldn’t put foil in the unit. let me tell you… the flames that jump from tin foil in the microwave are quite a brilliant blue. luckily no real damage was done…
SuzyQ on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:23 am #
Speaking of popcorn, is there any other way to make it other than the microwave?
I remember our first mw. Me and my sister bought it for my mom. The first time we turned it on my mother backed up into the dinning room. She thought she was going to be blasted with rays! Well, she got over that real quick. My mw now is a large over the stove kind with convection. I have to say I love the convection part. So much easier than turning on the oven - especially in the summer!
Beth C. on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:38 am #
While my parents and I use the microwave all the time, my grandmother steadfastly refuses to use one at all. Her step-daughter and step-son bought her a microwave for Christmas twice. Both times they were relegated to the basement in their boxes. She couldn’t understand using one when turning on the stove worked just as well.
I would starve without the microwave because lunch and dinner are just a few button pushes away. The stove is only good for one thing….making dessert.
Barbara Vey on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:45 am #
My first microwave was like PJ’s. I cooked huge turkeys, stuffed pork chops, hams. It had a thermometer that plugged in and it cooked it until the meat was the perfect temperature. It was gigantic, but I felt like a princess with it. Yes, I gave up a diamond that year, but I didn’t care.
Now my fancy microwave is a convection/microwave oven. I love it and all it can do. Of course, living alone now, I do tend to eat out a lot more, so I guess I really don’t need a stove at all. ::grin::
Karen Hawkins on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:46 am #
Margaret, I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Btw, my dad’s getting ready for that same operation. I’ll let you know how he’s doing.
I was such a geek in high school that I took my graduation money and, instead of going to the beach, I bought myself a microwave. It was huge, too, because back then, they didn’t have the little cute ones they have now. My dad (bless his heart) made me a stand for it to go on and my roommate and I had the coolest dorm room of all because of that microwave. Hop pots weren’t allowed, you know, and yet we had hot chocolate EVERY night.
Now that I work at home, my microwave is my best friend. It makes my hot tea, cooks my Lean Cuisine Paninis, and generally keeps me comfy and full. What’s not to love about that?
And Claudia, don’t you hate it when you go to buy something and THEN they tell you it’s out of stock? If you want help beating up your salesman, let me know. I’ll hold him down for you.
Keri Ford on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:03 am #
Count me in with the owners of a Sharp Microwave. I don’t use it as often now as I did before I had a baby. But only because while your heating your lunch in 30seconds, you’re also zapping out all the nutrients. I usually share my lunch with my boy and I’ve learned leftovers heat on the stove nearly just as fast. I do a few things in the microwave (popcorn, hot chocolate), but NEVER heat anything in plastic, always ceramic.
The hubby still lives off the microwave on a daily basis though!
Margaret, I’m glad your knees are doing well! lately I’m hearing of lots of people getting their knees/ankles fixed and so far everybody I’ve heard from are completely happy.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:23 am #
First of all, let me say that it was SO annoying to shop the entire microwave section, checking every little detail from the shape of the handle to the megawatts to find the perfect one for me, to be told it’s not available.
After that, I went down the aisle, “How ’bout this one? This one? THIS one?” I would have bought a 44″ pink microwave at that point, never mind about the shape of the handle.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:25 am #
I got an LG, btw. It works. That’s all I ask of a microwave.
SuzyQ, you never heard of Jiffy Pop popcorn? That was *the* way to have popcorn when I was a kid. After that, it was air poppers. I got one as a wedding gift!
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:27 am #
I’m sensing a moment here. Can we sell this concept to one of the sports channels? The event being me beating the stuffing out of the sales guy? He was young and tall, but I’m middle-aged and menopausal. That kid is going DOWN.
doglady on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:29 am #
Sign me up for the Rumble in the Appliance Section, Claudia! I feel your pain. My DH and I received our first mw as a wedding gift and we were thrilled. It was huge and took up most of the back seat when we moved to MS for grad school. When I came back from Europe to play the doctor’s wife I actually cooked the old fashioned way and I did love it. Once Roger died I went back to mw cooking and if mine broke down at this point I would starve. My stove in this house is not even hooked up!
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:29 am #
Margaret G, congrats on a successful surgery! I just love hearing about the strides in joint replacement surgery. I’m so glad you got your life back!
doglady on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:30 am #
Congrats on that new freedom of movement, Margaret!
Karen Rose on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:34 am #
I’ll be your referee, Claudia. I think those vertical black and white stripes would be slimming. Of course if we’re caught we’ll get the stripes going the other way in prison garb and that will make me look fat. You’ll still look adorable.
Snarl. You’re on your own, girl. I take my ref offer back.
Nicole Jordan on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:35 am #
Sending a half dozen FROS guys your way, Margaret! Do let us know if they treat you like a goddess, as they well should.
Heck yeah, I remember my first microwave…. and I couldn’t live without it. In fact, my dh has said that when we remodel our kitchen, we’re putting in two microwaves!
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:50 am #
KarenR, jail time is not an option. We’re selling this fight to Showtime. Anything we do there is a ratings bump–we can go nuts!
You wear your stripes any which way you want.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:52 am #
Nicole, two microwaves…TWO microwaves! That’s genius. I put in two ovens, because everyone said it was a selling feature, but I’ve never used Oven Number Two. Microwave Number Two would get loads of use! I wonder if I can rip out that bottom oven and put in a huge microwave???
RachelG on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:57 am #
I remember my mom’s first microwave. It was about the size of a Mini Cooper and made clunking noises when it was on. I recall lots of warmed up soup.
Microwave popcorn is THE best.
rachelg
Nicole Jordan on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:59 am #
Yep, TWO mw’s, Claudia! That’s heaven, in my book. Our kitchen has two ovens (it was that way when we moved in), but who the heck needs two ovens, except during Thanksgiving, when I never cook anyway?
Margaret Garland on 27 Feb 2008 at 10:55 am #
>>>Margaret, I’m glad your knees are doing well! lately I’m hearing of lots of people getting their knees/ankles fixed and so far everybody I’ve heard from are completely happy.
If they are like me, they wait till they can barely walk 2 w/o pain. When you find yourself calculating how far it is from point A to point B and it’s 4 ft, you know it’s time to do something. I’m glad I did both at once. The space age materials used are amazing. I’ve fallen twice since then and did some major bruising to the rest of me. But the new knees came thru with flying colors.
Thanks for all the well wishes. Karen, tell your dad that this old lady says it was well worth it.
I must have the last dinosaur m/w. It works. All a body can ask.
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 11:28 am #
i love all the advances in medical sciences! Margaret, Does it feel very different with the replaced knees? I can’t imagine what it would feel like to have no knee pain. I’ve had some ligament and other tears in my knees and they feel like they’ll never be the same after healing.
I totally forgot to mention my current space aged looking microwave. Its a hand me down from my old roommate who moved cross country. no one can tell that the big clear red box in my kitchen is a MW until close inspection. i hate it cause it takes up so much room, but how else would I poach my salmon…?
Gannon on 27 Feb 2008 at 11:32 am #
I remember our first microwave; I was in high school. Sometimes I wonder how I ever managed without one. Mine went kaput a couple of years ago, Claudia, and I almost went nuts before we replaced it. Sad, but true!
Margaret Garland on 27 Feb 2008 at 11:56 am #
cail, I can feel them when I put pressure on them. Like getting on my hands and knees. I can’t do it on a hard surface but can getting into bed. They are made of space age material. I don’t see how they stay fastened into the bone but they are supposed to last 15-20 years. My daughter had arthroscopy in January and I think she’d have been better off with knee replacement. She’s still limping around.
Sorry to take up space about the knee surgery, Goddesses. I didn’t mean to side track the microwave discussion.
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:04 pm #
speaking of microwaves and salmon (which i’ve now decided to make tonight) does anyone have any good microwave recipes, that don’t involve just reheating food?
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:10 pm #
Cail, there are microwave recipes? Huh. I just put the food in and hit the button. Of course, now it occurs to me that I never cook meat in the microwave.
Not that I cook anything much on any appliance.
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:22 pm #
well, take a nice piece of salmon, put it in tupperware and cover with about an inch of white wine, throw some lemon slices on it, and some dill. Microwave for like 6 min, let it sit for a min, and voila! poached salmon!
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:23 pm #
don’t forget to cover the tupperware loosely
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:26 pm #
It’s poached? Not steamed? I must admit to liking my meat grilled. I like that crispness. In fact, most of the foods I love are crunchy to crispy.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:27 pm #
I guess, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should admit that I only cook one meal a week.
Not a foodie! LOL
zambonigirl on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:32 pm #
I’ll send the firemen over when I’m finished with them, Margaret! I, uh…needed a spider killed. Yeah. So I called them. Ahem.
My dad had his hip replaced a while back, and he’s been having a hard go. But they’re going to replace the other one soon, and I think maybe they should have done both at once like they did with you.
As for my first microwave, it was the late 80’s and I had fun doing all kinds of things with it, like melting plastic, seeing what would happen if I put a spoon inside, etc. I was ten. It was fun.
I do use my microwave frequently, mostly for steaming vegetables. I don’t like to actually “cook” in it, but a quick zap on some asparagus, and we’re good to go.
Kim on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:50 pm #
Definitely remember our first microwave. My mom bought it as a divorce anniversary present for herself. (yes, she celebrated getting divorced. ugh) It was huge! That thing lasted until someone drove a van through her mobile home. The m/w went sailing across the kitchen and dented into the frig.
Not to be the voice of descent but I could totally live without a m/w. We don’t eat a lot of leftovers and if I make tea I prefer to boil it on the stove. The kiddo uses it the most for making oatmeal in the morning and messes.
Claudia-don’t hate me but we do have two m/w’s. My sil just redid her kitchen and gave us her old one. I’m happy to fed ex it to you*g*
The thought of two ovens makes me positively giddy! And I’m so jealous of those convection ovens. Seriously, I would do unspeakable things to have a convection oven. Add in a kitchenaid stand mixer and I’d do unspeakable naughty things *g*
For you foodies–Gordon Ramsay is in my area filming an episode of Kitchen Nightmares!!
SnikyWhite on 27 Feb 2008 at 12:53 pm #
Kim - that’s fun! I love when Gordon Ramsay calls people Donkey. Makes me giggle and I don’t know why.
Kim on 27 Feb 2008 at 1:01 pm #
Me too! Its hilarious because its in his brit accent. At least imo. I tried to get my husband to take me to where they’re filming but he won’t. hmph.
colinfirthfan on 27 Feb 2008 at 1:03 pm #
I remember my Mom got a microwave at some pt while I was growing up. Can’t imagine life without it. That said I do remember popping corn in a pressure cooker. Used to come out fabulously! Now however I never do anything except throw it in the mw!!
I too have 2 ovens. The bottom one is used for storage. Every apt I have lived in (and my house now) came with a built in microwave so I haven’t had to buy one as yet!
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 1:12 pm #
I love Gordon Ramsey! What fun to have him in your area. The man, although rude and crude, is out to help the world eat better and run better restaurants. I read his biography; fascinating man who had a very unhappy childhood. He is a true survivor!
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 1:16 pm #
The funny thing about the broken microwave story was that my DH was like, “What’s the big deal? No microwave, no problem.”
And then he wanted a cup of green tea (he’s an addict)…and had to boil the water. That threw him.
And then he wanted his morning oatmeal…and thought about making it in the saucepan, the mess of clean up, oatmeal sticking to everything…he went online and found a microwave that he could pick up that day. The man must have his oatmeal!
We canceled the original order. I laughed at him for the rest of the day. “What’s the big deal? WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?” Bwahahahahaha.
evlqn on 27 Feb 2008 at 1:34 pm #
I got my first mw as a Christmas gift from my husband. Our friends were asking him what his was giving me nd that’s the first thing that popped into his mind. I didn’t reallywant it and for the first 6 months about all I used it for was heating hot dogs for the kids. Now our mw is in use ALL the time. I remember the year we moved into an apartment that came without a stove, we used our coleman for about three months because his lordship couldn’t be bothered to buy one. That is until I told him there would be no Thanksgiving meals cooking on camping gear. He went out the next day and got me an OKeefe and Merrit double oven wonder. I loved the stove! When we moved to Neveda I had to leave it in LA. I should ask him if it is still in our old apartment since he is living in our old complex again.
Claudia I would sign up for Showtime to see that event.
Freedom Writer on 27 Feb 2008 at 1:54 pm #
Ahhhh, I finally get to sit down for a minute after 2 year old proofing part of my house. I remember my mother getting her first microwave. She got it in the late seventies early 80’s it took over a good share of the counter. My dad thought she had to have one after he saw the microwave oven that my grandma received as a gift from her gentleman friend. I don’t remember a time since I was in college that I didn’t have a microwave at my disposal.
I once tried to cook a duck in the microwave. It did not turn out well. Other than that one adventure in cooking, I use my micro for heating left overs, frozen or canned veggies, and my coffee when it goes cold. I heat my tea water in my tea kettle on the stove. Oh yes, and I love the way it makes oatmeal at breakfast time.
zambonigirl on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:01 pm #
Speaking of hot stuff (do you see what I did there?) have you Hugh Jackman fans seen these pictures: http://www.webstersismybitch.com/2008/02/wolfman-candy.php
I’m not much of a fan, but yowza. Someone totally microwaved him a little.
colinfirthfan on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:11 pm #
I tried to boil an egg in the microwave and the egg exploded!!
SuzyQ on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:14 pm #
Thanks Zamoni! Looks like he was ready for his Wolverine role. Speaking of Hugh, does anyone else think Luke from American Idol looks a little like him?
Back to mv’s, Claudia I have two also. When we remodeled our kitchen I took the old one, which was small anyway, and moved it into the family room downstairs. We use it for making popcorn when watching movies
Also, the mv is great for heating those bead/herbal packs for the aching muscles or headaches. See, it’s not just for food!
Keri Ford on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:19 pm #
((((KIM))))) How dare you hubby not take you! If you live anywhere near south arkansas, I will come pick you up and pay for your dinner! If you haven’t watched the BBC version of Kitchen Nightmares, you should really check it out. I love Gordon (and darn, there’s just something about that man I find utterly attractive), course having been nearly raised in a resturant and I just cringe and some of the stuff he finds in those kitchens! Um…HELLO, where’s the health department???
SnikyWhite on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:26 pm #
I can’t remember having a microwave until we moved in with my Aunt & Uncle when I was about 10. Since then its been a normal part of life. Currently, I use mine for just about everything when I’m feeling lazy, but I love to cook. I love making oatmeal on the stove top (it tastes better) and there is nothing that beats stove popped popcorn. However, if it came down to having a coffee pot or a microwave, the coffee pot would win everytime. I am truly an addict and I would gladly wait the 55 minutes for the tv dinner to cook in the stove…besides, its just more time to enjoy another cup of coffee.
LauraR on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:27 pm #
oh thank you zamboni! made my day.
My first microwave was a huge Sharp carousel. The carousel was a special feature that of course cost more than non-carousel models. Microwave ovens were such a new thing that stores would give cooking classes to new owners. My favorite potluck recipe was from one of those classes. It’s a 3-bean casserole with hamburger and bacon. Yummy and it is the *only* way I’ll eat lima beans.
SuzyQ on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:27 pm #
Sorry Zamboni, just realized I spelled your name wrong.
Kitchen Nightmares is great! Love that show! Kim - try to get a reservation for the “re-opening” LOL!
Mia Rose on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:41 pm #
I can’t recall our first microwave ever, but I know when I first moved out there were three of us in an apartment and one of the roommates’ grandma had gotten us this absolutely kick ass huge white microwave that heated things up to the point of boiling water under 2 minutes (i actually rec’d burns from this thing). I loved it so much I got to keep it when we all moved out. Unfortunately the house we just bought has black appliances and a built in microwave, so I brought it to work because I just can’t part with such a wonderful machine.
I wouldn’t last a day without a microwave handy…
it heats up my lean cuisine lunches every day, reheats my pre-cooked lime chicken for salads, and I have a really really great campbell’s soup chicken enchilada recipe
(I know, it sounds wierd, but everyone I know swears it’s the best ever)
that you actually cook in the microwave.
Santa on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:47 pm #
I remember the first microwave my parents got. It was the size of a Mac truck and you could hear it reving up from the living room.
My condolances on the loss of your microwave.
I have a convection oven/microwave. It’s great as a microwave and comes in very handy as an extra oven for parties.
Paula on 27 Feb 2008 at 2:48 pm #
I’m with kim I could live without my microwave. I do use it to make my oatmeal(porridge) and to heat up baked beans for the boys but other than that I don’t really use it. My microwave is built into the kitchen and is a bosch( my hubby got it from a kitchen guy he knows through work).
My mum had a microwave when we were kids and it was a large one but just a microwave not a combi one.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 3:42 pm #
I remember when microwaves first became somewhat normal in a kitchen, that it was wondered if the waves would hurt a fetus. Of course, I was pregnant with my first at the time and every time my m-i-l turned on the microwave (about every 3 minutes), I’d run out of the kitchen, my hands over my belly.
Those were the days.
I don’t think my parents got a microwave until…hey, wait. I don’t think they *ever* had a microwave! Proof that it can be done. Just not by me. *G*
Keri Ford on 27 Feb 2008 at 3:48 pm #
Claudia, when I was pregnant last year, there was still the warning going around about the possibility of what the waves could do to the fetus. My microwave sits next to my refrig, so when I used it, I would peak around the corner of my refriger. to watch the food.
as a kid, I can remember having my face plastered to the door watching the food go round and round.
Margaret Garland on 27 Feb 2008 at 3:52 pm #
LauraR, I believe you just described my microwave. Huge Sharp with a carousel. No other manufacturer had them at the time. I still have that puppy after all these years. I’m sort of like the guy who drives his Hudson Hornet in a time of the Ford Hybrid. LOL I don’t think they make m/w this big any more. It’s so heavy, I can barely lift it. Not giving it up. We’re growing old together.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:07 pm #
You know, those of you who have microwaves that have been around since the Dawn of Microwaves are so fortunate. When mine broke last week and I had my famous encounter with the salesman, one of the things he said was that microwaves have a life of 10 years. Mine was 9 years old. If that doesn’t make you nuts. Appliances are supposed to last FOREVER.
My grandmother had the same range for 45 years.
My mother never replaced a dishwasher. I’m on my third and we’ve been in this house for 10 years.
My refrigerator’s ice-maker-drop-into-the-door feature is broken and has been for 4 years; I am NOT buying a new refrigerator just because I have to open the door to get ice.
But what’s with appliances today? Why don’t they last? Or is it just me? Am I (gasp) hard on appliances?
Lisa H on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:09 pm #
I too cannot live without that magical appliance. Although I’m not the world’s healthiest cook, I do try to get vegitables into the children each night, and throwing a can of corn or green beans in a bowl for three minutes is so much more convienient than boiling on the stove.
I too love the popcorn or as my 2 1/2 year old calls it “pop-o-corn” *g*
When ours broke, we went out the next day to replace it. I told my husband, this is a necessity!
Lisa H on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:10 pm #
My first microwave was a gift from my parents. It could cook a turkey (yuck) and cost them $500.00!
Kerri on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:18 pm #
We got our first microwave when I was in Junior High, and I never looked back! Two years ago, ours stopped working and I had to explain to my kids how to make a burrito (with refried beans) without one. They thought I was joking - and it just proved to them that I did grow up in the Dark Ages.
When my daughter was in fifth grade and home alone, she decided to make finger puppets in the microwave. The shapes were made of paper, and the thing you held on to was a pencil. She used glue to attach the two together, then decided to speed up the drying time by using the microwave. Do you know what happens to graphite pencils in the microwave? Explosion! She didn’t tell me what happened, but I figured out something had gone on because there were little charred bits of something in the microwave and it smelled awful. Who knew when leaving a kid alone that one of the things you had to remind them of was not to put pencils in the microwave!
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:37 pm #
i’m sure the metal bits on the pencils didn’t help. its just not something that is explained to people anymore… no metal in the micro
LauraR on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:46 pm #
Yes, Margaret, it weighed a ton and the outside was a woodgrain finish. That made no sense at all.
I forgot to mention a tradition that a friend’s family has with their microwave… they nuke Peeps til they explode! Great fun…
cail on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:51 pm #
oh, i totally forgot about peep wars! person claims one peep as theirs and you put two peeps in, with a toothpick stuck in each, and turn on the micro. first peep to pop the other peep wins.
Lisa H on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:51 pm #
LOL Kerri— I never knew I had to tell my 5 year old daughter not to put beads up her nose—yup she did it. The doctor actually came to my house to remove it!
LauraR on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:54 pm #
One of the dangers with heating water in the microwave is that it can get superheated. It’s hard to tell sometimes if water is hot in the mw since it may not bubble. Have you ever heated water for hot chocolate and when you pour it into the cup it almost bubbles over? That’s superheated. I had a vendor actually recommend putting a metal spoon in the cup when heating water. As long as the metal is not close to the side of the unit, it won’t arc. I’ve used this method a lot. Now foil… it will arc on itself and burn.
Kim on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:57 pm #
aww, Keri, thanks but I’m no where near Arkansas. We’d have a wild road trip wouldn’t we? *eg*
LauraR on 27 Feb 2008 at 4:58 pm #
LOL cail, peep wars sound much more interesting than just nuking them one at a time!
Ann in IL on 27 Feb 2008 at 5:06 pm #
My microwave died 10 days before Christmas. My sister said to wait and maybe Santa would bring me a new one. I said “are you crazy…….we use that thing ten times a day!!!!!!!!” A few hours later we had a shiny new model sitting on the cart.
Mom’s first microwave was a gigantic Amana Radar Range. That crazy thing is still working. It’s been handed down several times.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 5:09 pm #
Kerri, that is so funny about the burritos! I remember a similar experience when my mom told me that she remembered when zippers were invented.
Life with zippers!? How did they survive back then?
My kids look at me the same way when I explain life without Velcro. LOL
Kerri on 27 Feb 2008 at 6:08 pm #
Lisa H - what IS it with kids sticking things up their noses? My sister managed to get a baby aspirin up there (it burned as it melted! And where was my mom?!), then topped it off several months later with a M & M - and that was funny to me, because it left a ring around her nostril as it melted! Melts in your nose, not in your hands! We did get both out. As a kid, my brother in law stuck a cooked carrot up his nose - a carrot! What makes kids look at something and say, “Hey! I’ve been looking for something just this size to plug up that annoying hole in my face!”
Karen Hawkins on 27 Feb 2008 at 6:26 pm #
zamboni . . . thanks for the link to the Hugh Jackman delicioso pictoral. I heated my coffee just by holding the cup in my hot little hand while checking out those pics. Maybe I don’t need a microwave, after all!
And Claudia, I’m with you on the ice in the door thing. They’re nifty, but oh so not necessary.
zambonigirl on 27 Feb 2008 at 6:35 pm #
LOL, Karen, I thought you said “Pectoral” at first…hee!
Always glad to oblige the lot of you with Huge Ackman pictures.
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 6:53 pm #
I love a woman who brings Hugh Jackman to the party. Thanks!
Sabrina Jeffries on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:17 pm #
Are you kidding? Live without a microwave?? That’s never going to happen. I actually have two, one for my office upstairs (for heating coffee) and the big one in the kitchen. I’d beat a salesman, too, if he told me I couldn’t have a microwave for five days!!!
Kelly Ann on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:02 pm #
My hubs recently taught the kids how to make eggs in the micro for sausage, egg & cheese bagels. Yes, they are actually good. Butter a bowl, beat your egg, pour it in & top with salt & pep - cook for 1 min. I also buy those Jimmy Dean pre-cooked sausages. It’s one of the only things the micro is used for. It’s also something hot my kids can make for breakfast. I’m not a big micro cook, I prefer the stove and oven. I even like to make my popcorn on the stove in a pan - sooo good. I actually got MY 1st micro like 5 yrs ago! My parents have had one for years though.
My personal fav kitchen appliance is my counter top oven. I can warm/defrost/toast/make a pizza/convection bake/broil/rotisserie. Who needs a micro when you have that!
I wish Gordon was coming to Al, we love him in this house. My hubs puts up with my cooking shows, but he loves watching Gordon with me! Have you watched his show - The F Word? I think his name calling is what makes the show -he is hysterical!
Kelly Ann on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:11 pm #
Maragret, I’m so glad your doing better. My dad had the surgery done over 10 years ago while I was still in high school. He had each knee done separately. I remember how horrid it was. He was awake though for both surgeries and I always thought that would be so tramatic! We had to drive over 2 hours to St. Pete to see him because he was a veteran. We lived in Punta Gorda, Fl and there wasn’t a VA Hospital close by. I would go up & spend the weekends with him and my mom stayed up there most of them time. He know takes a supliment called Monavie (sp?) and has the best mobility I’ve ever seen him have. He is 65 and riding a bike for 5 to 6 miles - they take day trips with their friends in Boca Grande. I’ve never seen him able to do anything like that! He doesn’t even use a cane anymore. Good luck to you in the future. If you ever run across that Monavie - sorry I don’t know the spelling, try it, it’s worked wonders for him!
claudia dain on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:32 pm #
Kelly Ann, I love hearing that eggs can be done well in the microwave; I always thought they’d come out rubbery. These recipes are fun! Now I can do eggs and salmon. *G*
Julia London on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:40 pm #
Its funny you should mention this. A friend of mine and I were talking about steaming something and I complained that we never eat it because I can’t wait for the water to boil, and I didn’t like the way it came out in the microwave (edamame, if anyone is interested). She was the same way. We agreed that its really very pathetic if one is too impatient for the 2-3 minutes it takes water to boil, LOL.
But yeah, we pretty much live or die by the microwave.
Julia London on 27 Feb 2008 at 9:41 pm #
Oh, and we always do eggs in the microwave. Same thing — frying or boiling them takes too long