Baked Potatoes in the Microwave

Baked Potatoes in the Microwave

4 medium potatoes (or one potato per person)

1.  Scrub potatoes. Dry them. Prick several times with a fork.

2.  On a paper towel in the microwave, arrange potatoes in a circle with none in the center, and at least one inch of space between each potato.

3.  Microwave 10 to 11 minutes. Let stand 3 to 4 minutes after cooking time.

Serve with cheese sauce and steamed broccoli.

Cheese Sauce

1 Tablespoon margarine ½ cup milk

1 Tablespoon flour ¼ cup shredded sharp cheese

¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder

Dash pepper

1.  Grate the cheese onto a plate if it’s not already shredded.

2. Melt the margarine in a small non-stick saucepan on medium heat.

3. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and dry mustard powder and cook for just ½ minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add milk and heat to boiling (this takes 2 or 3 minutes), stirring with a wire whisk till smooth and bubbly.

5. Add cheese. Remove pan from heat and stir sauce till cheese is melted.

Steamed Broccoli

1 small head fresh broccoli.

1.  Place enough water in a medium saucepan so water is 1 inch deep. Place the steamer in the pot and put the lid on. Bring the water to a boil on high heat.

2.  Rinse broccoli. Cut off brown parts. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces.

3.  When water boils, carefully remove lid away from you and place broccoli into the steamer. Place lid back on the pot.

4.  Turn down heat so water simmers. Cook 4 to 5 minutes or until broccoli is fork-tender. Remove steamer from pan with tongs or a fork and place steamer on the counter. Take broccoli out of the steamer and put into a bowl.