STILL NO STOVE

Well, Ruther's officemate, Yuko-san came over yesterday and checked the stove. Both hot plates are definitely problematic. She said she'll have maintenance come over to have it fixed. Just not sure when though. But I'm not worried. The boys and I have come up with a lot of creative ways in preparing our meals. We still have the rice cooker, the oven toaster and the microwave oven at least. We could prepare a lot of meals there. So yesterday, I researched some recipes especially made for the microwave oven and there were some good ones. I will share some of them here. :)

(http://www.sachikocooking.com/english/en0009.htm)
Baked Potatoes

4 servings
cooking time: 15 minutes

4 potatoes (1 1/2 lb.), washed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

1. Puncture the potato skin with a fork 3 times to prevent it from bursting.
2. Place a bacon rack on the turn table. Arrange the potatoes on the bacon rack, opposite each other leaving the center empty. (There is no need for a cover. The potato skin is a natural wrap.)
3. Cook on HIGH (1200W) for 7 – 8 minutes or until a fork penetrates easily.
4. Cut a cross on top and pinch both ends toward each other to open the potato. Sprinkle with salt and place the cheese on the opening. Cook another minute or until the cheese melts.


Steamed Prawn with Chinese Wine
A low calorie and delicious hors d'oeuvre

4 servings
cooking time: 5 minutes

1/2 pound frozen unshelled shrimp (about a dozen)
2 tablespoons Chinese wine
4 thin slices unpeeled gingerroot
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1 sprig cilantro

1. Semi-defrost the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. The shrimp will turn dark if exposed to air. Dry the shrimp on paper towels. Cut the shells down the back with sharp kitchen scissors and de-vein.
2. Arrange the shrimp in a circle on the edge of a microwave-safe plate, with the tail-ends pointing to the center. Place the ginger slices in the center of the plate and sprinkle wine over all. Cover with a microwave lid.
3. Cook on HIGH(1200W) for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn off the microwave when the shrimp begins to crackle. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and serve.


Donburi Chicken, Egg & Oyako Sauce
Rice bowl dish with chicken and eggs

4 servings
cooking time: 20 minutes

4 cups warm steamed rice
1 pound chicken breast, skinless, boneless and cut into 2-inch strips
2 cups onion, sliced in 1/2 inch chunks
1 1/2 cups carrots, cut in half moon shapes
1 cup mushroom, sliced in half
2 cups watercress sprigs, cut 1 inch long
4 eggs, beaten
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1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon white wine

1. Mix the ingredients in a 3-quart casserole, and stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and mushrooms and place the chicken slices on top. Spoon the Oyako Sauce over the vegetables and chicken.
3. Cover with a vented microwave lid.* Cook on HIGH (1200W) for 9 - 10 minutes.
4. When the chicken is cooked, pour the beaten eggs over the top and cover.
5. Cook on HIGH (1200W) for another 2 - 3 minutes or until the eggs are done.
6. Take the casserole out and add the watercress. In serving bowls, spoon in the rice and spoon the Oyako mix on top.


Fried Rice Donburi with Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Corned Beef
Healthy fried rice with minimum use of oil

4 servings
cooking time: 20 minutes

4 cups steamed rice
1 can (12 oz.) corned beef, cut into 8 pieces (1/2 inch wide)
16 shrimp, shelled and de-veined
2 cups tomatoes, cored and coarsely diced
1/2 cup green peas, canned
1 cup leek, cut 1/3 inches long

4 cups steamed rice
1 can (12 oz.) corned beef, cut into 8 pieces (1/2 inch wide)
16 shrimp, shelled and de-veined
2 cups tomatoes, cored and coarsely diced
1/2 cup green peas, canned
1 cup leek, cut 1/3 inches long

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1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon water

1. Combine the ingredients and mix with the steamed rice.
2. Divide the rice equally into 4, 1-pint casseroles or small bowls.
3. Place the corned beef, shrimp, tomatoes, green peas, and leek on top.
4. Place the bowls on the turn table, leaving the middle empty and cover with a vented microwave lid. Cook on HIGH (1200W) for 10 – 12 minutes.