It is estimated that over 90% of the nation's households own a microwave. 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 and ingredients that are ideal for cooking in a microwave, for one or two people. 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. AUTHOR: Carol Bowen Ball has been a freelance cookery writer, food consultant and broadcaster since the 1980s, having previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes and Gardens and Bird's Eye (as Head of Consumer Affairs). Carol has advised on various projects including the BBC's Masterchef and has contributed to national newspapers, magazines and radio and television programmes. She has written over 100 cookery books on a wide range of subjects ? her latest best-selling title from Grub Street is The Bariatric Bible with recipes and advice for all those having undergone weight-loss surgery.