Meals by Microwave

Chili Con Queso

Total Prep Time: 15 minutes

You Will Need
1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/2 cup chunky-style salsa
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Tortilla chips

What to Do
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Cover and microwave on high for

6-7 minutes or until cheese is melted, stirring

occasionally. Serve with tortilla chips.

Yields: 2 3/4 cups

Editor’s Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Sour Cream Beef ‘N’ Beans

Total Prep Time: 30 minutes or less

You Will Need
1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese,      divided
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained
1 1/2 cups crushed corn chips
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
Additional corn chips

What to Do

1. Crumble beef into an ungreased 2-quart microwave-safe dish; cover with waxed paper. Cook on high for 5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, stirring twice; drain. Stir in the beans, enchilada sauce, 1 cup of cheese, chilies, crushed corn chips and onion; mix well. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until heated through, stirring once.

2. Top with the sour cream and remaining cheese. Heat, uncovered, at 70% power for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with corn chips.

Serves: 4-6

Chicken in Baskets
Total Prep Time: 25 minutes

You Will Need
1 package (10 ounces) frozen pastry shells
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken      soup, undiluted
1 package (9 ounces) frozen diced cooked chicken,      thawed
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
3/4 cup milk

What to Do
Bake pastry shells according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the soup, chicken, vegetables, and milk. Cover and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes or until bubbly. Cut

the top off each pastry shell; fill with chicken mixture. Replace tops.

Serves: 3

Editor’s Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Lemony Shrimp ‘N’ Asparagus
Total Prep Time: 30 minutes

You Will Need
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into

     1 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons water
3/4 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and      deveined
1/4 cup soy sauce
5 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
Hot cooked rice (optional)

What to Do

1. In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine the asparagus, red pepper, garlic, and water. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Add shrimp; cover and cook for 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and asparagus is tender. With a slotted spoon, remove shrimp and vegetables; keep warm.

2. Add soy sauce, lemon juice and peel to the microwave dish. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir into soy sauce mixture.

3. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Return the shrimp mixture to the bowl; toss to coat. Serve with the rice if desired.

Serves: 4

Editor’s Note:This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Asparagus Ham Roll-Ups
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes

You Will Need
16 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 flour tortillas (8 inches)
4 thin slices deli ham
8 slices Swiss cheese

What to Do
Place asparagus in a shallow microwave-safe dish; add 1/2 inch of water. Cover and microwave on high for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse in cold water. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise over each tortilla. Top each with one slice of ham, two slices of

cheese, and four asparagus spears; roll up.

Serves: 4

Editor’s Note: This recipe was tested in a 1,100-watt microwave.

Originally Published in Reader's Digest