Actually, you can cook more than leftovers in a microwave. I have a wonderful recipe for homemade macaroni and cheese that’s made in the microwave (except for the cooking of the macaroni itself). Most people have not tried anything beyond leftovers and frozen meals so they incorrectly assume you cannot.

The best microwave cookbook I’ve ever seen was the one that came with my mom’s late 1970s Litton microwave (my macaroni and cheese recipe is from that cookbook). This wasn’t some odd recipes included with the instruction manual, but an actual hardbound cookbook. Unfortunately, I am not sure you can buy it without scouring garage sales, used book stores, or eBay.

My only other suggestion would be to check Amazon for microwave cookbooks and read the reviews associated with each cookbook. I’ve found the Amazon reviews quite helpful in determining whether a product or book is worth the money or not.

Good luck!

Other than corn and popcorn, I really didn’t use my microwave for much except reheating leftovers. I used the crockpot a lot which was quick and easy, but the toaster oven and hotplate were the two things I used the most.

Tell your relative to invest in a toaster oven with temperature controls. We baked everything in there, from baked potatoes to small roasts. Also, tell her to add at least 2 months to any renovation project…it always takes longer than you think it will. Tell her it will all be worth it in the end. I still have a concrete floor, but I LOVE my new kitchen.

Best of luck!!

You can cook vegetables in a covered casserole in the microwave oven. You can cook potatoes this way, but you can also roast potatoes on a grill.

I suggest an electic frying pan and maybe a rice cooker to supplement the microwave.

And, you must be able to easily and regularly communicate with the contractor. Lots of contractors are lousy at communication, and what do you do if you see some work that you think is not right, or you want to change a design along the way, or when problems arise (which they will)?

You may also want to hire an architect to help you develop the plans for your remodeling, especially if it is extensive. That way, the contractor has an exact blueprint to follow.

So how do you find these people? Recommendations help a lot. Do you know of anyone who has had extensive remodeling done? Or maybe someone in your neighborhood with a sign out front that says the home is being remodeled by X contractor?

In a planned community there is usually an organization that will supply recommendations if you call them. Otherwise, look for big adds in the Yellow Pages under Home Remodeling, or something similar. But whomever you consider, make sure to get references and contact several people who have had work done by the contractor. You can learn a lot that way. Ask about promptness, accessibility, communication, quality of the work, and how well they resolved any problems that arose.

Whole house remodeling is not for the faint of heart. Even if you hire a contractor, you will need to stay involved and look over the work regularly to insure that the job is getting done according to your expectations and standards.

But the result can be beautiful and well worth your effort! Good Luck!!

Here’s the formal explanation of what exactly a Designer is qualified to do:

The Professional Interior Designer is qualified by education, experience, and examination to enhance the function and quality of interior spaces.

For the purpose of improving the quality of life, increasing productivity, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the Professional Interior Designer:

*analyzes the client’s needs, goals, and life and safety requirements;
*integrates findings with knowledge of interior design;
*formulates preliminary design concepts that are appropriate, functional, and aesthetic;
*develops and presents final design recommendations through appropriate presentation media;
*prepares working drawings and specifications for non-load bearing interior construction, materials, finishes, space planning, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment;
*collaborates with professional services of other licensed practitioners in the technical areas of mechanical, electrical, and load-bearing design as required for regulatory approval;
*prepares and administers bids and contract documents as the client’s agent;
*reviews and evaluates design solutions during implementation and upon completion.
************************************************

You can get on the ASID website to search for designers in your area. (ASID) American Society of Interior Design or (IIDA) International Interior Design Association.
Good Luck!!