> wrote in message
> First, might you suggest any cookbooks or websites with:
> 1 - basic instructions for microwave use
> 2 - recipies for preparable-at-lunchtime or cook-ahead-and-reheat
> _hearty_ main dishes (The interior of my new workplace is cooled into
> the 60's, tho 'twas 90 F outside)

I take a lunch every day and reheat it in the MW. We usually cook dinner
with the intention of having leftovers for lunch over the next day or so.

Why take the time to cook during lunch when all you have to do is put the
cooked food in the machine and push a button?

We use the Rubbermaid containers that have a partition in them and the cover
locks on well. Just put in that scoop of mashed potato, cut the pork chop
into three or four sections so it reheats more evenly, and a scoop of
veggies along side. Depending on the power, one or two minutes is all you
need for a good lunch.

I do take a small potato sometimes if we had none cooked. I just nuke it
for three minutes, cut in half and put it in the container with the rest of
the food reheating to finish it off.

No veggies cooked? No problem, just put in some frozen peas or corn and
they will heat up enough with the rest of the meal so no added cooking is
needed.

Remember that sugar and fat heat faster than other foods. That means sweet
sauces (barbecue sauce, etc) can start to burn before the meat is heated or
a fatty piece of meat will heat a bit faster than a potato. If you have
gravy, give it a stir half way through cooking

If you freeze meals, put them in to defrost first, then reheat. Otherwise
the outside gets hot while the inside is still frozen. This is especially
true with dense foods like lasagna.


>
> Second, advice on recognizing microwave-safe containers? Have
> collection of miscellaneous food-storage-tubs, etc, etc. Don't want
> to buy new ones, but don't want puddle of melted plastic to be my
> fault..

For reheating, most any will do, but the Rubbermaid are my favorite. Glad
is OK too. I don't like the margarine tubs and stuff if I can avoid it. Be
sure to vent any containers while they are heating.

Buy a frozen microwavable meal and take a look at how it is packaged. They
keep each portion about the same size for even heating. They use sauces to
help heat also.

Try a few and you'll be doing it every day. Eating out is $5 to $10 a day,
bringing leftovers is about $1 or less.