MICRO-STEAMED GREEN BEANS WITH OLIVES AND ALMONDS SERVES 2 OR 3 8 ounces green beans, ends trimmed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup chopped kalamata or other olives 2 tablespoons slivered or sliced almonds, toasted 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon lemon juice (from 1 lemon) Place the green beans in an even layer on a large microwave-safe plate and season with salt and pepper Lay a triple layer of damp paper towels on top of the beans, completely covering them, or cover with a clean damp kitchen towel Microwave on high power until the beans are bright green and tender but still crisp, 2½ to 6 minutes, depending on the power of your microwave Transfer to a large bowl Toss the beans with the olives, almonds, olive oil, parsley, and lemon juice Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve MICRO-STEAMED CORN WITH GARLIC-CHILI BUTTER Corn is pretty much custom-made for the microwave The husks trap in steam as it heats up, effectively creating a steam chamber inside, cooking the kernels quickly and efficiently All you need for an ear of microwaved corn is a quick buttery spread you can whip up as it cooks SERVES 4 4 ears corn in the husk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated on a Microplane (about ½ teaspoon) 2 tablespoons sliced scallions 1 teaspoon chili powder Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Place the corn on microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power until cooked through, about 6 minutes Meanwhile, combine the butter, garlic, scallions, and chili powder in a small bowl and mash with a fork until smooth Season to taste with salt and pepper Husk the corn and remove the silks Rub with the butter and serve immediately ... WITH GARLIC-CHILI BUTTER Corn is pretty much custom-made for the microwave The husks trap in steam as it heats up, effectively creating a steam chamber inside, cooking the kernels quickly and efficiently All you need for an ear of microwaved corn is... a quick buttery spread you can whip up as it cooks SERVES 4 4 ears corn in the husk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 small clove garlic, minced or grated on a Microplane (about ½ teaspoon) 2 tablespoons sliced scallions... Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Place the corn on microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power until cooked through, about 6 minutes Meanwhile, combine the butter, garlic, scallions, and chili