Show Me a Recipe for Macaroni and Cheese

10 Fun Microwave Recipe Ideas

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For many microwave oven owners, the most adventurous cooking from scratch they'll ever do is microwave egg poaching. Interestingly enough, there was once a time—somewhere back in the distant '70s—when people were actually excited about cooking in the microwave. Old-fashioned microwave manuals, brimming with (perhaps corporate-sponsored) enthusiasm listed all kinds of microwave recipes. From 'Elegant Beef Dinner' to 'Cornish Hens and Rice', the possibilities were seemingly endless.

Well, as far as the microwave is concerned, they're probably not. But these 10 fun microwave recipe ideas may well inspire you to get back in the kitchen and start nuking.

Sugar Cookie Mug Cake

Mugs are great for microwave cooking, as long as you're sure they won't explode (check the base). And this recipe idea is as simple as it is delicious. Simply mix up a regular vanilla cake batter in the mug and microwave for a minute and a half. Then leave it to cool and top with some easy pink icing and rainbow sprinkles.

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Microwave Mug Pizza

Not really much of a sweet-tooth? No problem. Try the microwave mug pizza instead. Cook the dough first in a similar fashion to the above then top with tomato, cheese and a choice of your favorite additions. All in all, it should only take five minutes.

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Microwave Scrambled Eggs

This is one recipe that possibly comes out even better from a microwave than it does from a regular oven. Best of all, there's only the mug to wash up after. Simply whisk the eggs together with some butter or cheese, microwave for two minutes or so and enjoy when it's cool enough to eat.

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Microwave Potatoes

While they're not technically baked, microwave potatoes can be used in much the same way. And they don't take anywhere near as long to cook. Once they're out the microwave, you can top them with butter, chili or anything else as a snack or a hearty meal.

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Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

Another mug cake, this one's an homage to the snickerdoodle. It only takes a minute to make a wonderfully comforting, delightfully cinnamonny treat—so you might want to impose a one-per-week limit.

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Quiche in a Cup

The great thing about quiche is the extent to which you can personalize the ingredients: Ham and cheddar cheese; salmon and dill; or plain old cheese and onion. Experiment to your heart's content. After all, there'll only be a cup to clean up.

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Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Mug

OK, so this is really more of a cake than a cookie, but the basic idea is the same. Mix the ingredients together in the mug and microwave until it looks edible. You might be surprised at how delicious it is.

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Mac n' Cheese in a (You Guessed It) Mug

If you're not yet a microwave convert, this one might just be the clincher. Simple, satisfying and delicious (if not exactly nutritious), the best thing about mac n' cheese in a mug is that there won't be any leftovers so you won't be tempted to overindulge. That is unless of course the simplicity of this recipe tempts you to make a second batch.

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Potato Chips

No gimmicks here—except the microwave, of course. You can actually make your own potato chips within minutes. All you need to do is thinly slice your spuds (for instance with a mandoline), toss them in a bowl with oil and salt and then microwave them on a parchment-lined plate. Once they're crispy, take them out and enjoy.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Gooey and delicious, this'll be a winning addition to your microwave mug cake repertoire. Follow the recipe for the sugar cookie mug cake, but substitute chocolate for vanilla and throw in plenty of peanut butter.