Fancy food you can make in your boring microwave

Life without a microwave is a sad kitchen littered with cold leftovers and frozen hunks of meat we meant to take out of the freezer but didn’t. But the humble microwave is more than a re-heating machine — it’s also capable of creating some pretty knockout dishes. Here are 11 you need to try:

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Fancy food you can make in your boring microwave

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  Parmesan and Romano Edible Cheese Bowls

  Go ahead and tell everyone you just finished a gourmet cooking class — they’ll never suspect you made these gorgeous lacy cheese bowls in the microwave. Fill them with romaine, bacon bits and creamy dressing for a cool spin on Caesar salad. GET THE RECIPEMonica at TheYummyLife.com

• Easy Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramellows

  Put these chewy sweets in a pretty package and you’ve got a gift that looks and tastes like it came from the finest confectioner in town. Sprinkle with pink Himalayan or Maldon salt for an added fancy factor. GET THE RECIPERook No. 17

• Mini Lemon Meringue Pies

  Fill pre-made mini tarts with lemon curd and meringue for no-bake pies that are ready almost as fast as you can eat them. GET THE RECIPEMy Baking Addiction

• Tomato Chips

  Gorgeous and healthy, these microwave tomato chips are perfect atop pasta or chili, alongside your favourite grilled cheese, or eaten as a snack. Top them with goat cheese for a savoury cracker experience. GET THE RECIPERunning to the Kitchen

• Microwave Potato Chips

  Potato chips without added fats or oils? With a microwave, it IS possible. Go gourmet with creative salts and seasonings. GET THE RECIPEOne Good Thing by Jillee

• Chocolate Popcorn

  Pop this chocolaty treat into a pretty cone and you’ve got a guest-worthy snack. This two-ingredient wonder is great for bridal and baby showers, sporting events, or any time you need a quick dose of chocolate. GET THE RECIPELa receta de la felicidad

• Homemade Sweet Potato Chips

  What works for potatoes works even better for sweet potatoes. Amp the health factor on your microwave chips with these beta-carotene boosting beauties. Enjoy them on their own or as garnish for your favourite sweet potato soup. GET THE RECIPEStephanie Lynn Liebert

• Microwave Poached Eggs

  Poached eggs are special eggs: they’re pleasing to behold and pleasant to ingest. They’re also impossibly fussy to prepare — so fussy that most people skip poaching in favour of a quick boil or fry. Not anymore. GET THE RECIPEBreakfast to Bed

• Microwave Chocolate Lava Cakes in a Jar

  If you know how to stir brownie mix, you have the skills to make these rich and impressive desserts. Substitute your favourite dark chocolate if you can’t find the Dove bar listed in the ingredients. GET THE RECIPECelebrations At Home

• One-Minute Microwave Quiche in a Jar

  Cut down on prep time and dishes with this one-minute wonder. Make it your work lunch and inspire colleague envy. GET THE RECIPEFull-thyme Student

• Six-Minute Microwave Caramels

  This super easy recipe goes from childhood favourite to gourmet delight just as fast as you can top it with good quality salt, artful halved nuts or dollops of dark chocolate. GET THE RECIPESpend with Pennies