Too often we turn to pre-packaged foods from the store that are loaded with unsavory ingredients such as preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors, trans-fats, MSG and high fructose corn syrup.
We do this because it is a quick and easy option.
There are better alternatives.
Here are my recipes for whole grain quesadillas and kale chips.
The first recipe takes less than a minute, start to finish.
The second takes about 5 minutes.
I know, 5 minutes can seem like a lifetime in today's hectic world, but isn't your good health worth it? Whole Grain Quesadillas Corn is a whole grain, something overlooked by many people trying to eat healthier.
Choosing corn tortillas over flour ones can help you get more of the whole grains your body needs.
Most grocery stores sell fresh corn tortillas made with only corn and water.
These usually come in a package with a dozen tortillas; you can individually wrap and freeze any extras so that they are waiting for you in the freezer when you want a quesadilla.
Put one corn tortilla on a microwave safe dish.
Evenly spread 2 tablespoons of the cheese of your choice over the top.
I like a sharp cheddar cheese for this, although a white melting cheese would certainly be more traditional.
Cook at full power until the cheese is melted; this should take about 30 seconds, depending on how powerful your microwave oven is.
Carefully fold the tortilla in half and exert light pressure to seal the quesadilla shut.
This is delicious eaten as is, and even better served with salsa and sour cream.
Kale Chips Take a very dry large leaf of kale and cut or tear it into pieces approximately 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches.
Line a microwave safe plate with parchment paper and spread the kale pieces out on it.
Cook at full power until they are crispy; this should take between 4 and 6 minutes depending on how powerful your microwave oven is.
Sprinkle the kale chips with a little bit of good quality sea salt immediately after cooking them.
You could also top them with the seasoning of your choice.
My favorites for this include garlic granules, onion powder and Parmesan cheese.
The seasonings will stick to the kale chips much more easily if you first lightly spray them with olive oil.
The Best Microwave For Making Whole Grain Quesadillas and Kale Chips Both of these recipes will be best made in a model with a rotating turntable.
The quesadillas require very little room and power; they can be made in any microwave, including a compact model.
The kale chips take a bit more room and would be most easily made in a full-sized unit; however if your microwave is a compact one you could simply do multiple batches.
Visit Microwave Oven Reviews to find the best microwave for these recipes and so much more.