The following “Chew This!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information and dates.

Exploring Different Cooking Methods Blaise Doubman

I love exploring different cooking methods and I am not too good to admit that yes, I have also explored microwave cooking. Microwave cooking seems to get a bad wrap and an eye roll from most people, and I have to admit, growing up I was more on the side of not cooking in the microwave than actually using one. Yes, Martha Stewart even uses the microwave, despite her attempts to buffalo people that she does not know how to use one. I love you, Martha. Otherwise, why would she have countless recipes that yes, you cook or bake in the microwave. Microwave cooking really started taking off as a trend in the 1980’s and if you look at the cookbooks published in the 1980’s, over half of them either were all about microwave cooking orwere revised and republished with microwave cooking recipes and sections added. Since then, microwave cooking has slowly taken a downhill turn in popularity. However, about five years ago or so, “mug cakes” and “mug meals” really started to take off. I have recipes on my website and in my cookbooks for mug style cakes, brownies, pizza and even mac and cheese. 

It seems that everyone jumped on the “mug” cakes and meals bandwagon and within a short five-year span, countless recipes and cookbooks were published calling for making your entire meal or dessert in a coffee mug. Most of the recipes I have tried online for mug creations, and even those in the popular cookbooks, seem to have avoided anything egg. Which is understandable because eggs can overcook in the microwave and there is something extraordinarily bad about an overcooked egg. They are dry, rubbery and emit a horrible smell. Yuck! So, I set out to find a scrambled egg recipe that would work in the microwave without all the hassle of opening the microwave door and stirring them every 10 seconds because who has the time for that? I discovered that if you add butter at first, melt it and swirl it around the insides of the cup, it creates a barrier so the eggs will not stick. Adding milk gives the eggs a little leeway into not overcooking, while adding a certain fluff factor. You can add just about anything to these eggs too! Shredded cheese and scallions are just the beginning! 

Microwave Scrambled Eggs

Substitute water for the milk if desired. Every microwave is different, so judge best by visual appearance.

1 tablespoon butter

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon milk

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup shredded cheese, optional 

Place butter into microwave safe mug and microwave, on high, 30 seconds. 

Remove mug and gently roll the melted butter up and around the insides of the mug, being sure to coat the walls of the mug with the melted butter.

Add in the large eggs, milk, salt and black pepper. Whisk with a fork until combined. 

Microwave on high, 45 seconds. 

Remove and stir thoroughly, breaking up the eggs. 

Microwave on high an additional 45 seconds. 

Remove and stir gently, checking for egg doneness and any uncooked liquid. 

If needed, place back into the microwave for 15 seconds. This is also the stage where you would add any mix-ins to the eggs, such as shredded cheese, scallions or diced peppers. 

Remove, fluff with fork and pour out onto plate. Season as desired before enjoying. 

Ask and Answer: I received an email from Pastor Bruce Banister, wondering if the addition of banana into cake mix cookies would be possible. Absolutely! My recommendation was to add the mashed banana, along with 4 tablespoons of melted butter and omit the oil all together. Since my answer to his question, I am happy to report that I have heard from Pastor Bruce and he said his cookies, after using my tips, were outstanding! He reported that he used a Duncan Hines moist cake mix, spread it out into a sheet pan and then sprinkled white chocolate chips on the top. It made 24 2-inch squares and they were yummy! Sounds delicious to me! Shoutout and special thanks to Pastor Bruce Banister for the questions and food talk! Very much enjoyed.