I'm a pretty decent cook and I try to be creative and even invent new recipes once in awhile...But I go through periods where everything starts to taste like "cardboard" or ?? Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this?...I am under stress right now and worried about my son's health...And I still miss my husband's cooking and being "spoiled" once in awhile. Most nights it's "just me" and I eat alone. I do okay for long periods. Then I go into "cardboard phases." YUK!...I guess stress can affect our taste buds. Has anyone else ever gone through anything like this? Thanks!

I experience it every time I eat a store freezer section pizza...

I assume you are referring to your own cooking. Some people get in ruts and eat the same dishes over and over.

STOP IT!

Get on the web and find some completely different recipes from what you are used to eating. If they contain good ingredients that you like, the end product will probably something you like also.

Spice up your life!! Add peppers and make it hot. They are good for you, can't hurt you, and will add some zip!

Then stop eating store freezer section pizza.

Thanks...Do you know of a simple and easy "sweet treat" I can make in the microwave? Just curious...I live in the desert and in the "hot spot" of the nation! It's too hot to turn the oven on in this heat. (Even with the air-conditioner on!)...The heat probably affects my appetite too!...I keep saying I'm going to buy a convection oven but never do!...You're probably right about being in a rut! (In many different ways!) Thanks for taking the time to write!

Do you ever "doctor-up" your store-bought pizza? (Add more toppings and cheese etc.?)

No I stopped buying them cuz I don't like cardboard...

You need to get a copy of Barbara Kafka's book Microwave Gourmet. They can be had on amazon for as little as a dollar.

Check this out. http://allrecipes.com/recipes/everyday-cooking/campus-cooking/microwave/top.aspx

Thanks for the link and tip about the book.

i think you have an overdose of MSG its in everything

except your home cooked meals

Thanks...Do you know of a simple and easy "sweet treat" I can make in the microwave? Just curious...I live in the desert and in the "hot spot" of the nation! It's too hot to turn the oven on in this heat. (Even with the air-conditioner on!)...The heat probably affects my appetite too!...I keep saying I'm going to buy a convection oven but never do!...You're probably right about being in a rut! (In many different ways!) Thanks for taking the time to write!



When I had to live in a hotel these were indeed my favorites. Hope you do enjoy Claire.

NO BAKE CHEESECAKE

30 graham crackers
2 tbsp of pure cane sugar
3/4 stick of unsalted sweet butter, melted
1 3 oz pkg. of lemon Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1-8 oz. pkg. of soften cream cheese
1 cup of pure cane sugar
1 tbsp. of vanilla
juice of 1 lemon
Zest from one lemon
1 large can evaporated milk (chilled)

Combine graham crackers and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan, saving half of the crumbs for the top. Dissolve Jell-O in hot water and cool.
Beat together sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, zest, and lemon juice for 1 minute on medium speed.
Clean the beaters and bowl. Whip evaporated milk and slowly combine in the Jell-O and cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours. Sprinkle crumbs on top.
Fruit may be added for variety (blueberries, peaches, sliced strawberries, etc). Stir in just before pouring into pan.




MICROWAVE BUTTER TOFFEE

1 cup of pure cane sugar
1/2 cup of un-salted sweet butter
1/4 cup of water
1 tbsp of vanilla
2/3 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup of Hershey’s toffee bits


Combine sugar, butter and water in a deep 2 quart bowl. Microwave, uncovered 4 minutes. Stir.

Microwave uncovered, 4 to 6 minutes, or until candy reaches the hard crack stage, 300 degrees. Stir in vanilla.

Pour onto greased cookie sheet.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand until chips are softened; spread evenly over toffee. Dot the top with the Hershey’s toffee bits.

Refrigerate to set. When cool, break into pieces.



CRUNCHY CHERRY DESSERT IN MICROWAVE

1 1/2 cup of sifted flour
1 cup of light brown sugar
3/4 cup of quick cooking oats
1/2 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of sea salt
1/2 cup of unsalted sweet butter
1 can of cherry pie filling

Combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, soda and salt. Cut in butter, blend until particles are small.

Pat half of mixture into 8"x8"x2" glass baking dish.
Cover crumb layer evenly with pie filling. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling.
Microwave on high, uncovered for about 15 minutes. Rotate dish every 5 minutes. Serve warm or cold.

I try not eat the same stuff every week, as that make me feel bored of food. Store bought Pizza does taste kinda rubbish. I agree. That's why I just orderPizza from a Takeout place, as you american's call em :) Have you tried adding tomato puree or cheese? How about pepper? Sugar? Salt? Meat? You could play around with different textures, too.

Jeff...YUM! Thanks so much for the great microwave recipes! Do you have any recipes for chocolate microwave "sweet treats?" Thanks!...My husband was the "baker" in our family when he was alive. He made all kinds of breads and desserts...I just left all the baking up to him because he enjoyed it so much! But now my "baker" is "gone" and I need to build-up my own skills and confidence when it comes to baking!...It's too hot to turn the oven on for long right now. But "Fall" will be here before too too long. (Hopefully anyway!)...For now I'll start with the microwave. Thanks so much for sharing your great recipes!

Claire;
I have prepared these recipes for many years. Wish you enjoy them.

MICROWAVE MOIST CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

1/4 cup of cocoa
2/3 cup of hot water, divided
3/4 cup of plus 2 tbsp. flour
1 cup of pure cane sugar
1/2 tsp of baking soda
2 tsp. of vanilla
1/4 tsp of baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup of plus 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 egg

Grease round micro-proof baking dish, 7 1/4 x 2 1/4 or 8 x 1 1/2 inches. Line the bottom with plastic wrap.

Microwave cocoa and 1/3 cup water in bowl in HIGH power 40 to 50 seconds or until slightly thickened.

In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add oil, remaining 1/3 cup hot water, egg, vanilla and chocolate mixture; beat until batter is smooth and well blended.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Microwave on HIGH 5-6 minutes without turning until cake begins to pull away from sides. Let stand 5 minutes. Invert onto plate. Remove plastic wrap and cool. Frost the cake.

Some moist spots may remain on cake after microwaving, but will disappear on standing.




EASY MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE FUDGE

1 (12 oz.) pkg. Nestles Toll House semi sweet morsels
1 (14 oz.) can condensed milk
1 1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large glass bowl; combine semi sweet morsels, and condensed milk.

Microwave; The mixture on high for 3 minutes.

Stir until morsels melt and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla.

Spread evenly onto foil lined 8 inch square pan.

Chill until firm or about 2 hours. Make about 1 1/4 lb. fudge.





MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE CANDY

8 oz. chocolate chips
1 can of sweeten condensed milk
2 cups of chopped pecans

Cook chocolate chips on high for 2 minutes.

Stir in condensed milk and pecans.

Drop on wax paper. Turn when dried on top.



CHOCOLATE TURTLES IN MICROWAVE

1 lb. of pecan halves
1 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels
1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate morsels
butter

Place pecans halves in "6" groups of 3 in a ring, in a buttered pie plate.

Top each group with a caramel.

Microwave on high (100%) 2 or 3 minutes or just until caramel is soft, but NOT melted.

Turn dish half turn, half way through cooking.


MICROWAVE PEANUT OR PECAN BRITTLE


I first prepared this in 800 watt Microwave. With a 1000 watt Microwave I cut the power to 75%


1 cup of pure cane sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup, light
1 cups peanuts, roasted, salted, shelled
1 tsp of salted sweet butter
1 tbsp of vanilla
1 tsp of baking soda

Combine sugar and corn syrup in a 2-quart microwave-safe dish, and microwave on high for 4 minutes.
Rub skins away from peanuts (if any remain) using a clean terry towel.

Stir in roasted peanuts, and microwave on HIGH for three to five minutes, or until lightly brown. Add butter and vanilla to syrup, stirring well.

Microwave on high; for 1 - 2 minutes more. Stir baking soda into mixture and mix until foamy.

Pour onto a greased cookie sheet. Allow to cool. Break into pieces when fully cooled.

Caution: Boiling sugar is very hot and will burn easily!

Jeff...Thanks! Wow! You're really a "whiz" when it comes to the microwave! I'm looking forward to trying your recipes. It will be nice to bring my son some "treats" once in awhile. He's in an acute care facility. Neither one of us like packaged "stuff" very much!...Thanks so much!

Claire;

When you get stuck in a hotel room for three or more months you get a little creative. I do not like to cook in the microwave, but when you must, prepare some good stuff. Just watch the power with the microwave you can burn sugar in a heart beat.

Do hope you enjoy these. My prayers do go out to you and to your son Claire.

Thanks for the great recipes! And prayers too!

You are as always, welcomed.

hi, got a microwave recipe for " 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake." If u r interested leave a message and I'll post the recipe.

I've had that. It's good.