Do you own a microwave? Probably, since it is estimated that over 90% of the nation's households have one. But did you know that recent research has shown that because of the lack of power that it uses, compared with conventional cooking methods, the microwave works out the cheapest of all the cooking appliances? And with energy costs spiralling to unthinkable levels, it seems that the microwave's moment has come - and not before time. Because of its energy efficiency isn't it time to use it every day creatively rather than just warming up leftovers?

There are countless dishes that are done beautifully, and completely, in a microwave. Vegetables cook perfectly, losing fewer nutrients than in a pan and fish is generally regarded better done in the microwave than poached or steamed.

So with that in mind this collection of both time-honoured and newly created microwave-compatible favourites is here for you to enjoy - they represent years of mid-week and special occasion eating developed by the author for her husband and herself, for the numerous occasions when a speedy dish was required to feed a friend at lunch, and for the many occasions when eating alone. We hope you will enjoy the selection.