13 replies to this topic

[SweetDreams]

I saw an episode of Good East a while back on Asparagus, and he showed the nifftiest trick on how to cook them perfectly in the microwave. He wetted a wad of paper towels (about 3 towels still connected together) and layed them out on the counter. Then he spread a single layer of asparagus spears on the towels and rolled them up jelly roll fashioned (so you could look in one end and see layers of paper towel between layers of asparagus. Popped the whole thing in the microwave (no dish needed) for 3 minutes. That's it!

If your spears are very thin, you might try 2 to 2.5 instead, but I find it perfect. I've also done this with broccoli and cauliflower pieces too.

Sooooooo easy...sooooooo good!

[ladyliz1962]

I saw an episode of Good East a while back on Asparagus, and he showed the nifftiest trick on how to cook them perfectly in the microwave. He wetted a wad of paper towels (about 3 towels still connected together) and layed them out on the counter. Then he spread a single layer of asparagus spears on the towels and rolled them up jelly roll fashioned (so you could look in one end and see layers of paper towel between layers of asparagus. Popped the whole thing in the microwave (no dish needed) for 3 minutes. That's it!

If your spears are very thin, you might try 2 to 2.5 instead, but I find it perfect. I've also done this with broccoli and cauliflower pieces too.

Sooooooo easy...sooooooo good!

Perfect timing....I'm having asparagus tonight so I'll definitely try this.

Thanks Sweet!

[Jillian B.]

Ooh that sounds pretty neat. I usually microwave veggies with lemon pepper or citrus zest in a bowl with saran wrap which is entertaining to watch as the wrap expand and shrink, but still it adds another dirty dish. I'll have to try that next time.

[galadalime]

I just want to through this out too... I make asparagus in the ziplock steamer bags. I spray it with olive oil pam, put on some crushed black pepper and a tiny bit of kosher salt and nuke. Super yum.

[SweetDreams]

I just want to through this out too... I make asparagus in the ziplock steamer bags. I spray it with olive oil pam, put on some crushed black pepper and a tiny bit of kosher salt and nuke. Super yum.

Yeah, don't get me wrong...I've been using plastic all the time too, but since my son took his chemistry class, he scolds me every time. Heating plastic gives off all kinds of nasty chemicals that he assures me is going right into my food. Either way, I figure the less cancer causing agents in my environment the better. Hmm...how ironic it would be to work so hard at getting healthy only to kill myself with Saran Wrap!

[joan719]

I use the Ziploc steamer bags all the time, and the veggies come out really great, just love fresh cut veggies. So many things in the environment are going to kill us, one way or another, so I am not too worried. Years ago, coffee was going to give us cancer. Now, it has properties in it, that can prevent cancer. Go figure! LOL!

[Khem]

Not all plastics are the same. Many of the plastics sold for applications that require them to be heated are made so that they remain stable at the higher heat. All plastics give off chemicals eventually though - so I wouldn't reuse them much.

[joan719]

You are right, Khem. I never re-use plastic, ever. Maybe, we are actually taking a chance using plastic in the first place, but I do watch for the brands that are 'heat safe'.

[SweetDreams]

I didn't mean to spark a debate about using plastic. I'm certainly not fanatical about it. I use plastic in the microwave occasionally. I'm not a proponent of the "all or nothing" mentality. I do what I can when I can to live healthier and to tread more lightly on this planet.

I'm certainly not going to judge anyone on the subject. I just thought it was cool to use wet paper towels and make really fresh tasting veggies so easy.

If you prefer your method, great!

[Khem]

I tried the asparagus thing - it was great!

And regarding plastics - yeah there is a lot of debate about plastic safety. In my profession, I regularly see what leeches out of various plastics. Most of the ones intended for food use take a very long time to start leeching (heating makes this go faster) - probably no big deal in the grand scheme of things. I mean heck, excess weight will kill us all much much faster!

[yozanoni]

pampered chef makes two sizes of steamers. i swear by mine and have given them as gifts. you have to clean it up afterwards but its always ready to use.

[crazyday]

Tupperware has the safest microwave product on the market. The product can go from the freezer, to the microwave, to the table, to the dishwasher and you will not see any damage and they are reusable over and over and over. Tupperware also carries a lifetime warranty, and if the product ever cracks, chips, peels or breaks, it is replaced free of charge~~no receipt needed! Also, for all our vegetable, you need to invest in the FridgeSmart Containers. The product will keep your vegetables/fruits 2-3 times longer than storing in the fridge or other store solutions. The product also allows you to purchase more and store properly. To see a great special through Fri., July 8th, go to this website: www.my.tupperware.com/dnerj Thanks!!

[MargieJ]

Katie mentioned this when this thread was first posted: Ziplock makes single use steamer bags that are really handy, if not terribly environmentally friendly.
They're great, though. You can buy fresh veggies and put a handful or so in the bag, add water and spices, and microwave for a few minutes. The bag has the cook times for different veggies (about 3 minutes for green beans). Revolutionized my veggie eating!!
Margie

Here's the website: http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/ZipSt...ookingBags.aspx

[Boida]

I adore the flavor of caramelized veggies so almost every night, I cook a panful of a veggie with either onion, or garlic, mushrooms and the veggie. Sometimes it is zucchinni and yellow squash, broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens....what ever is handy. One of my favorite is italian green beans and garlic with Paula Dean's seasoned salt. I cheat some times and after starting to saute them, put water in and steam them for faster cooking but i remove the lid and let them cook til dry and there is a rich tasting flavor that I never tire smelling and eating. Also can get this flavor from roasting veggies, onion, celery, beets, broccoli, carrots, turnips, anything - spray with pam and season, stick in oven on foil and roast for 40 minutes or until desired tenderness. YUM