The holiday season is officially here (just in case the store decorations that went up in October didn't give you enough warning). During the seasonal rush, run to your microwave to make candy in just minutes. All of these recipes are great for gift-giving, too... and no candy thermometer or preheating required!

Microwave Tips:

• When you try a new microwave recipe, jot down the results right on the recipe so that next time you will know the changes or adjustments you need to make.
• For best results, use metal measuring cups for both liquid and dry measurements. The glass measuring cups normally used for liquid measurement allow too much variation in amounts, producing variations in result.
• All microwaves are not created equal. These recipes are designed to work in a standard household microwave with a power rating between 600-700 watts. Mini-microwaves and/or commercial microwaves are not recommended.

Quick & Easy Microwave Candy Recipes

• Butter Toffee
• 2-Minute Fudge
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Microwave Hard Candy
  

Quick Cook Microwave Cooking Covers

Specifically designed to make microwave cooking safer and more efficient, these durable cooking covers speed up cooking time, eliminate spattering and automatically vent steam. Most importantly, the Quick Cook Microwave Cooking Covers are non-toxic, unlike a lot of plastic and foam that many people regularly use in their microwave ovens. Dishwasher safe and reusable, each set comes with two (2) cooking covers (10" x 10" and 8" x 8").

Kellie and Loretta are chief Lazy Gourmets at LazyGourmets.com. For more great microwave recipes, subscribe to Lazy Gourmets Microwave. Sent twice monthly, the focus is on minute meals from the microwave.