For Men Only: Mastering the Microwave

Ignoring the sexist angle of this bookand it is not easy, for all the ""celebrity'' recipes are contributed by menthe male or female novice cook, microwave oven at hand, can learn how to prepare a wide range of recipes of varying difficulty. The guide provides microwave essentialshow to defrost food in the oven, make breakfasts, appetizers and dessertsas well as kitchen basicshow to carve a turkey, separate eggs and test vinegar for spoilage. Recipes, graded by difficulty and expense, reflect a variety of cultures and include nachos, antipasto, tandoori chicken and jambalaya, as well as Ronald Reagan's onion wine soup and Bob Hope's favorite chicken hash. Serving suggestions, calories per serving and freezing information also accompany the dishes. Beginners will particularly want to peruse the substitution chart and the lists of utensils and staple ingredients, and the ambitious can learn how to steam towels and heat plates for elegant entertaining. Williamson, a microwave cookery columnist, and Kelly, an electrical engineer, use cake mixes, instant puddings and canned soup, which may not be the makings of haute cuisine but will help readers turn out good meals fast. Illustrations. Author tour. (May)