More surprises from the microwave

I'm really learning not to be afraid of my microwave. Dinner last night, much to everyone's surprise was made entirely in the microwave. First, a pork tenderloin, trimmed of the silver skin, got rubbed with a little olive oil and a Jamaican jerk rub. In a covered baker, microwave for 9 minutes (yes, NINE minutes--not a typo). Let the meat rest for 10 minutes still covered. At this point, it will be perfect, although it can rest a little longer if you need it to.

I actually did the potatoes first, as follows: cut 4 Yukon Gold potatoes in half and put them in a covered baker with a bout 1/3 cup milk. Microwave on high for 10 minutes. Move the potatoes around (outside to the inside and vice-versa), add about 4 ounces light cream cheese, maybe another 1/2 to 1 cup of milk, salt and pepper and return it to the microwave for another 6-8 minutes. Then roughly break everything up with a masher or wooden spoon. These won't be like mashed potatoes--more like creamed or even scalloped potatoes. You could add some shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and the like. (I actually got the idea to do this from a baked potato chowder recipe. I figured less milk would give me a great potato side dish rather than a chowder and I was right.)

Finally, I just micro-steamed some broccoli florets with a little butter, salt, and pepper. Voila! dinner was on the table in about 30 minutes.