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Step 1
Power settings vary with appetizer ingredients. Most appetizers and dips microwave on ROAST because they contain cheese, mayonnaise, mushrooms or meats that need to be gentle cooked. Appetizers with non-sensitive ingredients microwave on HIGH. Delicate appetizers need to be set on SIMMER. Try experimenting with a sample before cooking a whole batch.
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Step 2
Use sturdy crackers for appetizer bases. Try to chose thicker, sturdy crackers for appetizers because the microwave does not 'dry' food. Plan ahead by making appetizer fillings ahead of the party. Do NOT mound onto the crackers until you are ready to microwave them, or the crackers will get soggy.
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Step 3
If your microwave has a rack in it, try to microwave two batches of similar appetizers at once. Remove them from the microwave as they finish cooking. Single batches usually cook better on the microwave's bottom shelf.
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Step 4
Appetizers microwave in many different types of containers. Try to microwave appetizers and dips in glass casseroles, glass baking dishes, natural shells or even warm right on a glass or pottery serving plates, as long as these plates are without any metal, silver or gold trim. Bacon-wrapped appetizers should be cooked in an inverted heat proof glass saucer that will allow dripping to drain away.
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Step 5
Heat your beverages on HIGH until almost a full boil for a full flavor. Add your coffee or tea after the water is hot to avoid any bitter taste that is caused when water boils. Remember that any 'instant crystals' will fizz when stirred into any hot water. Milk needs to be watched closely so it does not boil over it's container. Your exact heating time will vary depending on various factors. Some of these include the beverage's starting temperature, size and number of containers. Try to microwave your beverages on the bottom shelf unless instructed to do so otherwise.
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Step 6
When it comes to hot drinks, the microwave is very convenient. There is no need to keep a coffee pot plugged in all day, simply reheat a cup by cup in the microwave oven. It will still stay fresh. Try to microwave your beverages in one serving cups or mugs, pitchers, punch bowls, paper or Styrofoam cups, even small milk cartons. Remember to make sure your cups, mugs or pitchers should be pottery or glass without any metal trim. If microwaving milk cartons, they should NOT be opened. Try not to overheat cartons or waxed surface as they will dissolve.
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Step 7
Cover your appetizers, dips and beverages during cooking only if the recipe calls for it using fitted glass lids or wax paper. remember to lift the lids AWAY from you to prevent any steam burns. If plastic wrap is used as a cover, pierce the plastic covering BEFORE removing to allow the steam to escape.
