Cookbook author extraordinaire Beth Hensperger has unlocked the secrets of the microwave, and in Not Your Mother's Microwave Cookbook, she reveals all the tools you need to put speedy, sophisticated, delicious, from-scratch meals on the table morning, noon, and night.

Your day of microwave cooking might begin with an Avocado-Cream Cheese Omelet, Family-Style Cream Maple-Cranberry Oatmeal, or a Cereal Bowl Vegetable Frittata. Come lunchtime, enjoy a satisfying Cream of Roasted Tomato Soup with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich or a One-Minute Apple Quesadilla. For dinner, try the Petrale Sole Amandine or Barbeque Chicken Thighs, accompanied by Asparagus in Wine or Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary.

And for entertaining, how about Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip with Pita Crisps or the indulgence of Hot Chocolate with Vanilla Whipped Cream for a Crowd? Even dessert-lovers get their due with Lemon Panna Cotta, Coconut-Macadamia Shortbread, and much more.

If you've been using your microwave just for basic kitchen tasks, you don't know what you're missing. Take a fresh look at that powerful little oven on your countertop: For mealtimes made easy, there's simply no better solution.

Discover even more modern takes on classic techniques and dishes from the Not Your Mother's series: Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Recipes for Two; Not Your Mother's Fondue; Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook, Revised and Expanded; Not Your Mother's Casseroles Revised and Expanded Edition; and Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook Revised and Expanded Edition.