National Microwave Oven Day

Celebrate National Microwave Oven Day (Dec 6) — Quick, Cozy, and Completely Useful | Good Thyme Gal

Today, December 6th, we’re tipping our spatulas to a tiny kitchen hero: the microwave oven. National Microwave Oven Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate a gadget that quietly changed home cooking, making food faster, reducing waste, and opening the door to creative, budget-friendly meals. At Good Thyme Gal, we love recipes and tips that make good food accessible, low-stress, and kind to your time and wallet, and the microwave does exactly that.

Why National Microwave Oven Day Matters

The microwave gets a bad rap (hello, soggy leftovers), but its real superpowers are worth celebrating:

• Accessibility & equity: Microwaves are affordable and common in small apartments, dorms, and anywhere a full stove isn’t practical. That makes cooking possible for people with limited space, budget, or time.

• Time-saver for busy lives: From reheating leftovers to steaming veggies or making a single-serve meal, the microwave helps people eat at home more often—healthier and cheaper than takeout.

• Food-waste warrior: Quick steaming or reviving leftovers in the microwave keeps food from being tossed. A 30–60 second steam can rescue limp greens or reheat grains beautifully.

• Energy-efficient for small portions: When cooking for one, a microwave often uses less energy than firing up a whole oven, good for the planet and your bills.

• Gateway to confidence: For kitchen beginners, microwave cooking builds skills and confidence. A successful, tasty microwave meal can be a huge boost.

All of these fit right into Good Thyme Gal’s mission: equitable, joyful cooking that makes home food realistic and rewarding for everyone.

Recipe: Good Thyme Gal’s Microwave Veggie Frittata in a Mug (Equitable + Quick)

A single-serve, protein-packed breakfast or light dinner you can customize with whatever’s in your fridge.

Serves: 1 | Prep & Cook: 6–8 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs (or ¼ cup chickpea flour + ¼ cup water for vegan)

• 2 tbsp milk or plant milk

• 3 tbsp chopped vegetables (spinach, bell pepper, frozen corn, or scallions)

• 1 tbsp grated cheese or nutritional yeast (optional)

• Pinch salt & pepper

• 1/8 tsp dried thyme or a few fresh leaves, chopped

• 1 tsp olive oil or a small patter of butter

Directions

1. Lightly oil a large microwave-safe mug. Add chopped veggies and microwave 30–45 seconds to soften.

2. In a bowl or the same mug, whisk eggs (or chickpea mix), milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in softened vegetables and cheese/nutritional yeast.

3. Microwave on high for 60–90 seconds. Stop and check at 60 seconds. Egg should be set but still tender. If needed, microwave an additional 15–20 seconds.

4. Let rest 1 minute (it will finish cooking). Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, hot sauce, or a spoonful of salsa. Enjoy straight from the mug or plated with toast.

Chef tips: Use leftover roasted veg or canned beans to stretch the meal. For even cooking, stir once halfway through. If your microwave is powerful, reduce time slightly.

How This Fits Good Thyme Gal

National Microwave Oven Day celebrates practical cooking, and Good Thyme Gal celebrates making good food possible for everyone. The microwave helps us:

• Cook affordably and quickly without sacrificing flavor.

• Reduce food waste by reheating & repurposing leftovers.

• Feed one or two people without excess energy or expense.

• Empower new cooks to make satisfying dishes with minimal equipment.

So this December 6th, celebrate by trying a new microwave recipe, rescuing leftovers with a quick steam, or teaching a friend a mug-meal trick. Tag @Chrstyleeb when you make it, I love seeing your kitchen wins!