These microwave recipes are from “Microwave Gourmet” by Barbara Kafka.

Shrimp and Vegetable Risotto

3 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup chopped scallion (white part only)

2 celery stalks, chopped

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

2 cups arborio rice

4 cups fish broth, clam broth or chicken broth

3/4 pound asparagus, trimmed, peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and cut in half crosswise

3/4 cup fresh shelled English peas or frozen green peas, defrosted

1 to 2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup chopped scallion (green part only)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat butter and oil in a 14 by 11 by 2 inch dish, uncovered, at 100 percent power for 3 minutes. Add scallion whites, celery, parsley and rice and stir to coat. Cook, uncovered at 100 percent power for 4 minutes.

Stir in broth and cook, uncovered, at 100 percent power for 12 minutes. Add asparagus, shrimp and peas and stir well. Cook, uncovered for 12 minutes more. Remove from oven. Stir in salt and pepper. Cover loosely with paper towels and let stand for 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with scallion greens and serve.

Serves 6 as main course and 10 as a first course.

Flounder and Broccoli For One

1 flounder or catfish fillet

Kosher salt, pepper

3 broccoli stalks with florets, stems no longer than 2 inches

2 tablespoon heavy cream

1 tablespoon soft garlic and herb cheese, at room temperature

1 tablespoon fish or chicken broth

2 teaspoon minced shallots

1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

Sprinkle the skin side of the fillet with salt and pepper. Tuck the thin end of the fish underneath the thicker end and center on a large microwave-safe dinner plate. Arrange broccoli stalks in spoke fashion around the fish with the florets toward the center of the plate.

Stir together cream, cheese, broth, shallots and cornstarch until blended. Pour mixture over fish and broccoli. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100 percent power for 2 minutes 30 seconds. Check for doneness. If necessary add more time in 15 second intervals.

Remove from oven. Uncover and serve hot. Serves 1.