Homemade Breads Good Complement To Quick, Easy Microwave Muffin Meatballs

Whether it’s a microwave oven or a bread machine, kitchen appliances need lots of tender loving care.

Microwaves are not very difficult to operate. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, modify cooking times based on wattage, and clean out crumbs and spills regularly. With a little experience you’ll have successful results in no time.

Bread machines, however, are another story.

I’ve tried four bread machines in the past year. The first one produced the best bread ever, but there was a major drawback: It vibrated around the counter and shook the entire kitchen, and had to be blocked off with other appliances to keep it in place.

Programmed to produce bread for breakfast, the machine jumped off the counter one time at 4 a.m. I raced downstairs, plugged the machine back in and went back to bed. There was a great loaf of bread for breakfast, but the honeymoon was over.

The second machine, same model as the first, hummed quietly. However, the results were inconsistent, even with the same recipes.

The third machine had its definite quirks. The dough would not rise. I altered amounts of ingredients, purchased new yeast, even contacted the company. Nothing worked.

Machine No. 4 made great white bread. The motor was not powerful enough for whole-wheat bread, unfortunately, and even a cup of whole-grain flour produced a dense loaf. Back it went, too.

Sometimes you do everything possible to make an appliance work. You follow instructions, measure ingredients carefully and double check everything, to no avail. When all else fails, stick with the appliances you are familiar with.

If that great loaf of bread from your bread machine is ready when you walk in the door tonight, take a few minutes to make these microwave meatballs. Add some instant mashed potatoes, coleslaw and a bowl of fatfree sorbet.

And remember: Machines, like people, need a lot of patience and loving attention.

Microwave Muffin Meatballs

1 pound lean or extra-lean ground beef

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup instant oatmeal

1/2 cup nonfat milk

1/2 cup chili sauce

1 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes

Salt, pepper

Spray microwave muffin pans with vegetable spray. Combine all ingredients, adding salt and pepper as desired. Spoon into 6-8 muffin tins, patting down into pan.

Cook on HIGH 8-12 minutes until done, rotating 1/2 turn halfway through cooking. Let rest 2-4 minutes.

Yield: 6-8 meatballs (3-4 servings).

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