Appetizers · Candy · Holidays

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

Microwave Caramel Popcorn is an old recipe from my Mother’s recipe box. I haven’t made it in years but decided this would be a good family treat for my kids’ families instead of commercial candy. It reminds of my childhood and trick or treating in the rural community, going from farmhouse to farmhouse. We would often get homemade goodies, far better than commercial candy. Those days are gone but we can treat our families!

Microwave Caramel Popcorn

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1/4 cup white karo
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2-4 quarts of popped popcorn
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Pop the popcorn and place in a brown paper grocery bag.
  2. Combine all ingredients, except popped corn and baking soda, in a 1.5 to 2 quart microwave-safe bowl. Melt the butter and sugar together, stirring occasionally, then bring to a boil and cook on high for 2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and stir in baking soda.
  3. Pour the caramel over the popcorn. Close the bag and shake to coat the popcorn. You can also take a large spoon to stir to assure you get the popcorn coated.
  4. Close the bag and microwave on high for 1.5 minutes. Remove from the microwave and shake. Mine was done after 1.5 minutes but if you can add another 1-1.5 minutes if necessary.
  5. Pour the caramel corn into a cool baking sheet. Cool and break apart. Store in an airtight container.

My Mom’s recipe box

Family · Family Favorites · Pastas

Microwave Mac & Cheese…endorsed by my two year old Grandson

My Grandson, Evan, loves Mac & Cheese. I’m not fond of the boxed variety and I didn’t want to make a huge batch since I typically don’t typically eat gluten.

I tried this recipe and was pleased with the results. He ate every bite! My taste test confirms it was delicious. It’s easy, cheaper than boxed, and so much better!

Microwave Mac ‘N Cheese

1/2 cup macaroni
1/2 cup milk
1/2 finely grated cheddar cheese

  • Combine macaroni and milk in an oversized, microwavable container (I used a pryex 2 cup measuring cup).  Microwave for 1 minute on high.  Stir the ingredients and cooked another minute and stir again. Continue this process until noodles are cooked through.
  • Remove from the microwave and stir in cheese until melted.

Enjoy!

Humor

Cold Induced Senility…microwaved phone?

I’m convinced that every time I get sick, I lose a few more brain cells.  This past week I was sick with a cold…not a big deal, right?  Wrong! This cold packed a wallop and put my mental capacity on the level of a 3-year-old.  I honestly thought, I’m ready for the home…

I couldn’t remember what I did 2 minutes ago and wandered aimlessly around the house trying to remember why I got up in the first place.  I would sit or lie down and would instantly be in a deep sleep.  Thank goodness that never happened in the bathroom!

The most idiotic thing I did during this adventure was to microwave my iPhone. I know you are asking yourself, how in the world…well let me tell you…

I have a wonderful aromatic blanket that can be heated in the microwave.  When you are cold or down with a bug, it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread.  After a long, but cold, afternoon nap, I warmed the blanket and put it on my lap. Evidently, I also put my iPhone on my lap and when the blanket had cooled, I wrapped it up and put it back in the microwave to heat again.

Funny thing, my iPhone was nowhere to be found.  I looked everywhere, even resorting to going through the garbage.  After a long period of hunting, I was worn out and decided to sit down with the warmed blanket.  Guess what was stuck to the blanket…the micowaved iPhone.

microwave iPhone

My humbling trip to the AT&T store was greeted with comments by the staff of ‘that’s one for the books’.  Now I’m known by my very friendly and kind AT&T store staff as ‘the microwave lady’.

Today, I feel like the majority of my strength and some of my brain cells have returned.  At least that’s what I’m telling myself…now where is my iPhone?

Post Update 1/18/14:

I would like to thank my neighbor and good buddy Maribeth for making me a special microwaved appetizer last night. So glad I have friends and family to laugh with!

Ha!
Ha!

Family Favorites

Tangy Mustard Cauliflower

The first microwave I owned was a gift from my husband and the microwave was the size of a small refrigerator.  The microwave was so complex (or so we thought) that we attended three complimentary classes at the local Appliance Store.  Looking back, it cracks me up that it was considered so cutting edge.

Microwave cooking changed my life, making leftovers an almost perfect ‘do-over’ of the original meal.

This recipe was one of many shared with us in our classes.  I made it often early in our marriage but forgot about it until a recent conversation with my sister-in-law, Donna. It isn’t the healthiest vegetable recipe, but delicious and provided me with this fun walk down memory lane.

TANGY MUSTARD CAULIFLOWER

Servings: 6

1 medium head cauliflower
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/2 cup shredded cheese

  • Place cauliflower in casserole. Add water and cover with lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on High for 8-9 minutes, or until tender crisp.
  • Combine mayonnaise, onion and mustard in small mixing bowl. Spoon mustard sauce on top of cauliflower.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Microwave for 1-2 minutes to heat topping and melt cheese. Let stand 2 minutes.