Sugar-Coated Peanuts

Ingredients:

1 cup hot water
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 pound (500 g) raw peanuts

Microwave Method:

1. Place water, sugar and food coloring into a large heat-proof bowl. Heat for 3 minutes on HIGH.
2. Add peanuts. Stir well (using a wooden spoon).
3. Cook for 18-20 minutes on HIGH, stirring every 5 minutes until sugar crystallizes around peanuts.
4. Turn out immediately onto a large metal tray. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Note: Turn nuts out of bowl immediately before sugar has crystallized, otherwise they will set in the bowl.

Pita Crisps

Makes: 48

Ingredients:

2 large pita breads
4 ounces (125 g) butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Split pita bread in half horizontally.
2. Soften butter for 20-30 seconds on HIGH
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)
4. Stir garlic, basil and Parmesan cheese into butter.
5. Spread butter mixture evenly over 4 slices of pita bread.
6. Cut each pita bread into 12 wedges.
7. Place onto greased pizza trays.
8. Place 1 tray on turntable and 1 tray on High Rack. Cook for 7-8 minutes on CONVECTION. Repeat until all pita crisps are cooked.
9. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
10. Serve with drinks or as nibbles.

Variations:

1. Substitute 1 teaspoon chili powder and 2 tablespoon fresh parsley for garlic and basil.
2. Delete garlic and basil. Spread pita bread with butter and Vegemite. Sprinkle with cheese.