Easy Basics using Microwave

Get more juice from citrus fruit
Gently warm a lemon, lime, or orange before squeezing by hand or using a juicer – Heat on full power for about 10 seconds.
Peel peaches or tomatoes
Pour water into a deep microwavable bowl or a glass measuring cup. Bring to a boil. Drop tomatoes or peaches in the water for only a few seconds each. The skin will loosen and peel off easily.
Dry fresh herbs
Lay a small bunch of fresh herbs between paper towels . Microwave on full power for 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool, then check to see if they are dry enough to crumble. If not, continue to microwave, 30 seconds at a time, until the herbs are completely dried. Store in an airtight container.
Peel onions
Place onions on a covered microwave-safe plate and cook for 1 to 2 minutes at full power.
Remove outer skin from garlic cloves
Put the cloves in a custard cup and microwave at 80% power for 30 seconds. Allow the cloves to cool enough so you can handle them, then lift away the skin.
Blanch fresh vegetables
Prepare the vegetables as desired – wash, chop, peel, slice, etc. – then place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a small amount of water, cover, and microwave on full power for 3 to 4 minutes per pound, stopping to stir and re-arrange halfway through. Drain, then immediately plunge the hot vegetables into ice cold water to quickly cool.
Melt butter, margarine or solid Ghee…
Microwave 1 stick / spoon of butter or margarine or 1/2 cup of ghee on full power for 45 seconds to 1 minute .
Freshen chips, biscuits and snack crackers…
Microwave, uncovered, for about one minute on full power.
Add Moisture
Fruits – Sprinkle a little fruit juice or water over dried fruits, cover with plastic wrap and microwave 1/2 to 1 minute at High to moisten and plump them.
Tortillas/Crepes/Cakes/Rotis – Wrap tortillas or crepes in damp towel and microwave at High 1/2 minute or more to soften them.
Reheating dried leftovers – Add Water or sauce when reheating dry leftovers. A tablespoon of water or sauce is sufficient, and will not change the flavor of food or cause overcooking. Moisture creates steam for even reheating.