JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 08 June 2019 – Some call it winter and others call it the season of comfort food. There are a few combinations that work well together and of course the guilt that goes with it. However, this winter you can effortlessly satisfy your craving for tasty dishes but choose a healthier twist. And because you’d rather spend time under a blanket on the couch or under a duvet you can harness the power of the microwave to whip up healthy, delicious meals in no time.

“The microwave is an incredible example of human-centred technology and it makes everyone’s life a little tranquil. The Samsung Hotblast for example, has revolutionary functions, which are tailor-made to help you do what you can’t, “says Tracy Gordon, Head of Product Marketing – Home Appliances at Samsung South Africa.

Here are few examples of wholesome, healthy food made to be enjoyed in no time:

Microwave Butternut Squash Risotto | Serves 4

This easy risotto is a good source of vitamin C, counts as one of your 5-a-day and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients
250g risotto rice
700ml hot vegetable stock
1 medium butternut squash
Big handful grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
Extra handful sage leaves, roughly chopped

Method

Tip the rice into a large bowl, then add 500ml of the hot vegetable stock. Cover with cling film and microwave on High for 5 mins. Meanwhile, peel and cut the squash into medium chunks. Stir the rice, then add the squash and the rest of the stock. Re-cover with cling film, then microwave for another 15 mins, stirring halfway, until almost all the stock is absorbed and the rice and squash are tender. Leave the risotto to sit for 2 mins, then stir in the parmesan and sage. Serve topped with more grated cheese.

Easy Sweet & Sour Chicken | Serves 4

This easy sweet and sour chicken will be a hit with everyone and whipped up in half an hour.

Ingredients
9 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 tbsp malt vinegar
4 tbsp dark muscovado sugar
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 skinless and boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
1 small onion, roughly chopped
2 red peppers, seeded and cut into chunks
227g 8oz can pineapple pieces in juice, drained
100g sugar snap peas, roughly sliced
Handful salted, roasted cashew nuts (optional)

Method

In a large microwaveable dish, mix the ketchup, vinegar, sugar and garlic thoroughly with the chicken, onion and peppers. Microwave, uncovered, on High for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is starting to cook and the sauce is sizzling. Stir in the pineapple pieces and sugar snap peas and return to the microwave for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then stir in the cashews, if you’re using it and serve.

Microwave Banana Pudding | Serves 4-6

This dessert is tasty, filled with the goodness of bananas and only takes 20 minutes to make.

Ingredients
100g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
2 ripe bananas
100g light muscovado sugar
100g self-rising flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk
Icing sugar, toffee sauce and ice cream, to serve

Method

Put the butter in a 1-litre baking dish and microwave on High for 30 secs-1 min until melted. Add 1½ bananas, mash into the melted butter, then add the sugar, flour, cinnamon, eggs and milk. Mix together well. Slice the remaining banana over the top, then return to the microwave and cook on High for 8 mins until cooked through and risen. Serve warm, dusted with icing sugar, if you like, with a drizzle of toffee sauce and a scoop of ice cream.

There you have it. A few good reasons to embrace winter and your microwave and if you’re looking for a microwave that does the job even better than you expect trust the Samsung Hotblast. It’s simple to cook entire meals deliciously and in no time. The HotBlast has multiple air holes blowing out powerful hot air, which reduces cooking time. The SLIM FRY technology ensures that your food is perfectly crisp on the outside and delicious and juicy on the inside. Additionally, this versatile microwave has a wider grill, making it easier to brown food fast and evenly. The turntable is wider, measuring 345mm, making it easier to prepare bigger portions of food. And with its ECO Mode power it significantly reduces energy consumption with its low standby power. The HotBlast is a must-have for every kitchen. Its intelligent features and stylish design makes it indispensable, no matter which way you use it or what season.

Recipes sourced from:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3005/microwave-butternut-squash-risotto

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1472/easy-sweet-and-sour-chicken

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/408657/microwave-banana-pudding

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 08 April 2019 – One of the best parts of April are the opportunities to turn the many public holidays into super long weekends. And on those carefree days there is no reason to spend hours ‘sweating’ in the kitchen to feed kids, family and friends. In fact, this Easter you can hit the “easy button” with a few simple, tasty meals cooked completely in your microwave.

“The microwave is an iconic example of technology designed for convenience. It saves time and money without compromising quality. At Samsung, we are committed to creating products that make life easier. Our customers already experience this with the Samsung Hotblast. Its innovative functions are tailor-made to make life simpler, “says Tracy Gordon, Head of Product – Home Appliances at Samsung South Africa.

When you’re trying to satisfy the cravings of little ones, teens or group of family and friends, each of these simple recipes work with just a few ingredients, your microwave and surprisingly little effort.

Microwave Oatmeal Bars
Prep/Total Time: 20 minutes + Chilling | Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine oats and brown sugar
• Stir in butter and corn syrup. Press into a greased 9-in. square microwave-safe dish
• Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 minutes
• Rotate a half turn; microwave 1-1/2 minutes longer
• Sprinkle with chocolate chips
• Microwave at 30% power for 4-1/2 minutes or until chips are glossy; spread chocolate evenly over top
• Refrigerate 15-20 minutes before cutting

Honey-Lemon Chicken Enchiladas
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes | Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 2 cans (About 280g each) green enchilada sauce
• 12 corn tortillas (15cm), warmed
• 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions and chopped tomatoes, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. Add chicken and toss to coat
• Pour 1 can enchilada sauce into a greased microwave-safe 11×7-in. dish
• Place 1/4 cup chicken mixture off centre on each tortilla
• Roll up and place in prepared dish, seam side down
• Top with remaining enchilada sauce
• Microwave, covered, on high 11-13 minutes or until heated through
• Sprinkle with cheese. If desired, top with green onions and tomatoes

Mini Burgers with The Works
Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes | Makes: 1 Dozen

Ingredients

• 1/4-pound ground beef
• 3 slices process American cheese
• 4 slices white bread (heels of loaf recommended)
• 2 tablespoons prepared Thousand Island salad dressing
• 2 pearl onions, thinly sliced
• 4 baby dill pickles, thinly sliced
• 3 cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced

Directions

• Shape beef into twelve 1-in. patties
• Place on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels
• Cover with another paper towel; microwave on high for 1 minute until meat is no longer pink
• Cut each slice of cheese into fourths; set aside
• Using a 1-in. round cookie cutter, cut out six circles from each slice of bread
• Spread half of the bread circles with dressing
• Layer with burgers, cheese, onions, pickles and tomatoes.
• Top with remaining bread circles; secure with toothpicks

When it comes to bigger meals, you can also trust your microwave to do the job. With the Samsung Hotblast, you can cook entire meals deliciously and in no time. The HotBlast has multiple air holes blowing out powerful hot air, which reduces cooking time. The SLIM FRY technology also ensures that your food is perfectly crisp on the outside and delicious and juicy on the inside. Additionally, this versatile microwave also has a wider grill, making it easier to brown food fast and evenly. The turntable is wider, measuring 345mm, making it easier to prepare bigger servings of food; and with its ECO Mode power it significantly reduces energy consumption with its low standby power. The HotBlast is a must-have for every kitchen. Its intelligent features and stylish design makes it indispensable.

Recipes sourced from:
https://www.tasteofhome.com

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 12 February 2019 – We all know microwaves make cooking easier and helps save a lot of time in the kitchen. In fact, if you’re just using yours to heat up your frozen dinners, you’re missing out on a whole lot of features. Besides a convection tool, it can be a crafting companion; a baker’s assistant and so much more. And with the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, most of us don’t have the time or energy to come home from work and spend hours in front of a stove to prepare hearty and healthy meals. There are however other surprising ways that the kitchen’s best friend can make a difference.

“The microwave is an incredible example of human-centred technology and it makes everyone’s life a little easier. The Samsung Hotblast for example, has revolutionary functions, which are tailor-made to help you do what you can’t, “says Tracy Gordon, Head of Product Marketing – Home Appliances at Samsung South Africa.

Five more reasons to love your microwave

Disinfect Sponges
According to Good Housekeeping*, microwaving a sponge can kill 99.9% of most household germs including E. coli and salmonella. Simply saturate your sponges with water and pop them in the microwave for 60 seconds.

D.I.Y Heating Pads
Make your own inexpensive heating pad with a pair of tube socks and a handful of rice. Cut the foot off an old tube sock, sew the end together, fill it with rice and then sew the top closed. Add a few drops of lavender to the rice for that extra soothing touch. Just a minute or two in the microwave will do the trick.

Fresh Bread
There’s no need to throw away that loaf of bread that’s a little chewy. All you need to do is wrap it in a moist paper towel and pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds. The moisture from the towel will soak into your bread.

Peeled Garlic
Microwave your garlic bulbs for 15 seconds and they’ll come off much more easily. That steam will break down the bond between the clove and the skin, making peeling effortless.

Citrus Juicing
Microwave an orange or lemon for 10-15 seconds. This will make it easier to juice and get every last drop.

But if you want to simply use your microwave to whip up a tasty meal in no time, you can trust the Samsung Hotblast to do the job. It’s simple to cook entire meals deliciously and in no time. The HotBlast has multiple air holes blowing out powerful hot air, which reduces cooking time. The SLIM FRY technology ensures that your food is perfectly crisp on the outside and delicious and juicy on the inside. Additionally, this versatile microwave has a wider grill, making it easier to brown food fast and evenly. The turntable is wider, measuring 345mm, making it easier to prepare bigger portions of food. And with its ECO Mode power it significantly reduces energy consumption with its low standby power. The HotBlast is a must-have for every kitchen. Its intelligent features and stylish design makes it indispensable, no matter which way you use it.

Source
*https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/how-to/a3090/10-things-you-didnt-know-your-microwave-could-do-17372195/

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 10 January 2019 – It’s back to school time and after the carefree days of festive summer, the reality of equipping yourself for food preparation is an unappetising taste of reality. This is where your microwave can come to your aid in a big way. After all, every minute matters in the school run.

“The microwave is an iconic example of technology designed for convenience. However, it’s not always used to its full potential. At Samsung, we are committed to creating products that make life easier. Our customers already experience this with the Samsung Hotblast. Its revolutionary functions are tailor-made for that early morning school rush, “says Tracy Gordon, Head of Product – Home Appliances at Samsung South Africa.

When your little learners need breakfast or lunch for school in a hurry, look no further than your microwave and ingredients you have on hand. Microwaves make cooking easier and help save time in the kitchen. See and experience the roundup of some of the microwave recipes below – if you’re looking for fast and efficient meal ideas, whip up one of these easy recipes using your kitchen’s ultimate quick-cooking tool—the microwave!

OMELETTE IN A MUG (2 Minute Recipe)
Make a super-fast, protein filled tasty omelette in a mug in no time

Ingredients
2 to 3 eggs
1 Tbsp of meat, diced such as ham
1 Tbsp of salsa
1 Tbsp shredded cheese
Olive oil or cooking spray
Salt and pepper
A microwave safe mug

Instructions
Coat your mug with olive oil or cooking spray
Add eggs to mug and whisk together with a fork
Add diced meat, salsa, cheese, salt and pepper
Whisk till all ingredients are completely mixed together
Microwave on high for one minute. Stir and break up any large chunks of egg.
Cook for another 45 to 60 seconds or until eggs are set
Top with a bit more cheese, salt and pepper

APPLE BANANA OATMEAL IN A MUG (5 Minute Recipe)
This is a breakfast packed with nutrition and taste.

Ingredients
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1 Tbsp ground flax seed
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/3 of a banana, mashed
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 of an apple, chopped
2 tsp honey

Instructions
Add oats, flax, egg and milk in a mug
Stir well with a fork
Add banana, cinnamon, apple and honey
Stir again until fully combined
Cook in microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Fluff with a fork
Stir in a little milk or yogurt or nut-butter if desired

MICROWAVE NACHOS (6 Minute Recipe)
These microwave nachos make the perfect after-school snack, tailored to tastes.

Ingredients
50 to 100 grams of tortilla chips (any kind)
1 to 3 cups cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blend, shredded
Optional: 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño peppers
Toppings: sour cream, fresh salsa, black olives (sliced, fresh tomatoes (chopped) and guacamole

Instructions
Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate
There are no set quantities of these nachos
The important thing is to spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on the plate, with just a little overlap
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the chips
Top with the jalapeño slices, if desired
Heat on high for 1 minute, just until the cheese is melted
Watch the nachos as they cook
Let the nachos stand for a few minutes to finish cooking
Serve immediately with preferred toppings

PIZZA IN A MUG (6 Minute Recipe)
When after school hunger strikes, enjoy a tasty pizza in a mug, in a flash.

Ingredients
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/16 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
3 tbsps milk
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp marinara sauce
1 generous tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
5 mini pepperoni
1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil or oregano will work)

Instructions
Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a microwavable mug
Add in the milk and oil with mix together. There might be some lumps but that’s ok
Spoon on the marinara sauce and spread it around the surface of the batter
Sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni and dried herbs
Microwave for 1 minute and 10-20 seconds, or until it rises up and the topping are bubbling
Enjoy straight away

When it comes to bigger meals, you can similarly trust your microwave to do the job. With the Samsung Hotblast, it’s simple to cook entire meals deliciously and in no time. The HotBlast has multiple air holes blowing out powerful hot air, which reduces cooking time. The SLIM FRY technology ensures that your food is perfectly crisp on the outside and delicious and juicy on the inside. Additionally, this versatile microwave has a wider grill, making it easier to brown food fast and evenly. The turntable is wider, measuring 345mm, making it easier to prepare bigger portions of food. And with its ECO Mode power it significantly reduces energy consumption with its low standby power. The HotBlast is a must-have for every kitchen. Its intelligent features and stylish design makes it indispensable.

Recipes sourced from:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/easy-microwave-nachos-recipe-2098752
https://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2-minute-omelette-in-mug/
http://foodwhine.com/2011/06/baked-oatmeal-in-a-mug.html
https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/microwave-mug-pizza/