From roasted garlic to cheesecake.
Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed
Microwaves are great — they're fast, easy, and the go-to appliance for quick cooking. They're also perfect if you don't have access to a stove.
But microwaves can also be used to cook a handful of foods that you normally wouldn't associate with them (like roasted garlic!).
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Roasted Garlic
Everybody knows that roasted garlic is DELICIOUS — but it also takes about 45 minutes to make. One way to get around that is to microwave it! Just pop it in a bowl, cover it with olive oil, water, and seasoning, then microwave for about seven minutes. The results will be similar and you'll save yourself a ton of time. See how to do it here.
Risotto
Although this method isn't exactly speedy (it'll take about 25 minutes in the microwave), it will save your arm muscles from having to stir it constantly for 45 minutes. See how to do it here.
"Toasted" Nuts
If you suddenly realize your recipe calls for toasted nuts but don't want to spend 15 minutes roasting them in the oven, a microwave can give them a similar flavor in a fraction of the time (just don't expect their color to change too much). See how to do it here.
Peanut Brittle
Six ingredients and seven minutes in the microwave is all you need to make your own homemade candy. See how to do it here.
Granola
Making granola in the microwave can be a real lifesaver for those mornings when you just don't have time to make a fancy breakfast — and with only seven ingredients and three minutes of cooking time, it couldn't be easier. See how to do it here.
Caramel Sauce
This genius technique for making caramel shows just how hot microwaves can heat things and saves you from having to clean a sticky stovetop. See how to do it here.
Individual Cheesecakes
These mini cheesecakes come together in a matter of minutes, but (sadly) you have to let them cool before you dig in. (Hot cheesecake = gross, but cold cheesecake = delicious.) See how to do it here.
Cookies
Some cookies (like these super easy snickerdoodles) can actually be microwaved instead of baked. See how to make microwave snickerdoodles here.
Who knew?!
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via BuzzFeed/Food
