■ OUTSMART ONIONS To avoid
crying when chopping, wash an
onion, trim its ends, and microwave
for 30 seconds before cutting. You
tear up because the knife damages
the onion’s cells, releasing sulfuric
gas that irritates the eyes. Heating
the onion first breaks apart enzymes
that trigger the gas release.
■ COOK CRISPIER BACON Place a
bowl upside down on a plate. Drape
bacon strips over the bowl, then
microwave for one minute for each
slice of bacon you are heating. As
grease drips onto the plate, the bacon
will get mouthwateringly crispy.
■ FROTH MILK Skip the expensive
cappuccino machine. Pour milk
into a Mason jar, no more than half
full (to leave room for foam). Screw
on the lid, and vigorously shake for
30 to 60 seconds. The milk will turn
to froth. Remove the lid, and microwave
for 30 seconds so the foam
rises. Pour into your favorite coffee.
■ CONCOCT FRENCH TOAST Care
for a five-minute brunch? Rub a pat
of butter on the bottom of a mug; fill
it to the top with chopped bread. In
a separate cup, mix one egg, three
tablespoons of milk, and a sprinkle of
cinnamon. Pour the mixture into the
mug, and microwave for one minute.
■ FLAVOR BUTTER Try a twist on
classic bread and butter. Microwave
one stick of cubed, unsalted butter
for 30-second intervals, until melted.
Add a pinch of salt and fresh leaves
of herbs such as thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Continue heating in 30-second
intervals until fragrant. Drizzle it on
bread for an earthy, savory flavor.