A Man, a Can, a Microwave 50 Tasty Meals You Can Nuke in No Time by Eric Metcalf

by David Joachim

Excellent Book

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Reference

Hardcover

First published April 28, 2004

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I'm all about homemade from scratch cooking, but this cookbook was just awesome. I will definitely hold on to it for my son when he goes to college. It's perfect for hungry people with little skill or little interest in cooking. It may not be fresh ingredients, but if all you have is a piece of meat and some pantry food, than this is the book for you.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each of the 50 practical recipes in this chunky cardboard cookbook features photographs of four packaged ingredients with a big +(plus)sign connecting them vertically (like a math problem) followed by a line (again, like a math problem) and a photo of the finished dish.

Here's an example (without the photos): Teriyaki Beef with Broccoli
1 top round London broil 1" thick (about 1 1/4 lb)
+
12-oz can ginger ale
+
10-oz package frozen broccoli, thawed
+
5-oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained
____________________

Also: 1/2 cup light teriyaki sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 sliced scallions, 1/2 tsp ted-pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 Tbsp water

(photo of dish)

In a side bar there are "how to make it" instructions.
Makes 6 servings
per serving 206 calories 8g fat (34%of calories), 3 g saturated fat, 20 g protein, 13 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 288 mg sodium
Extra credit: add a drained 5-oz can of bamboo shoots and serve over rice

Personally, I prefer traditional cooking over "nuking" so I would have to hazard my own adjustments in preparation. However, I am of the minority here. Blast away, y'all!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one even more. Definitely more foods that I'd be willing to eat (and throwing in a microwave? GENIUS!).
I like to cook, but I'm not very good at it. Make it simplistic and it's a winner for me. So I'm not a guy, but that's okay, I'll call the book "A Wo-Man, a Can and a Microwave".

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice cookbook not only for bachelors but for mothers with small space or little time. I have only tried a recipe or two but we enjoyed them. Plan to dig this back out before I make the grocery list next month. Plus I absolutely love the thick cardboard style pages that wipe off if I splatter or the kids try to help.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

great and easy recipes to throw together on those lazy nights

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicely printed. But too many brands. And way too localized.