How To Toast Nuts

By Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com

For microwave toasting, spread nuts evenly in a flat microwavable dish.
Cook on high power for 3 to 4 minutes for 1/2 cup of nuts or 4 to 5 minutes for 1 cup.
Stir three times during cooking.
For oven toasting, preheat to 375 degrees F.
In a low sided pan, evenly spread nuts.
Bake, stirring occasionally, [...]

How To Soften Cream Cheese

By Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com

Place 1 completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in a microwavable bowl or on a microwavable plate.
Microwave on HIGH for 15 seconds.
Add 15 seconds for each additional package of cheese.

Tips:

Using a plate makes it easier to scrape the cheese off.
You might wish to turn the cheese over halfway through microwaving.

How To Melt Chocolate

By Carroll Pellegrinelli, About.com

Microwave: Place unwrapped chocolate in a microwave-safe dish.
Heat until melted (about 1 to 2 minutes for one chocolate square).
Add 10 seconds per extra square.
Double Boiler: Place unwrapped chocolate in top pan.
Melt over hot water.
Stir for 10 to 12 minutes until melted.
Saucepan: Place unwrapped chocolate in pan.
Melt over very low heat.
Stir constantly.

Tips:

Moisture can [...]

Top Ten Microwave Baking Tips

http://baking.about.com
Want to beat the heat in your kitchen and make your dessert-making prep work easier? Using the microwave is perfect answer. I constantly use my microwave for melting chocolate, toasting nuts and much more. Here are the top ten items you too can prepare in your microwave.

Brown Sugar. To soften – place in container in [...]