Cooking a meal shouldn’t mean slaving away at the stove, followed by a mammoth clean-up. Nadia D’Andrea shows you how to make simple meals using one handy tool: the humble mug.

Microwaveable Apple crumble

Ingredients

1 medium-sized green apple, thinly sliced

1tbsp of brown sugar

For topping

1tsp of brown sugar

1 tbsp of melted butter

3 tbsp rolled oats

½ tsp of cinnamon

Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Method

1. Place the apple slices in the mug and coat well with cinnamon and brown sugar.
2. Cook in a microwave on high for three minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix butter, oats and sugar together, then add cinnamon to taste.
4. Once apples are cooked, place oat mixture on top and cook for 1 minute.
5. Let cool for one minute, then add a scoop of ice cream and enjoy.

Omelette in a mug

Ingredients

2 tbsp bacon or pancetta pieces

2 eggs

1 medium-sized mushroom, cut into small pieces

¼ capsicum, cut into small pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Cook the bacon pieces in the microwave on high for three minutes or until almost fully cooked.
2. Add capsicum, mushrooms and eggs. Whisk with a fork till combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on high for 3-4 minutes or until eggs are light and fluffy.

Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Ingredients

½ cup of Macaroni*

1/3 cup of milk

Pinch of stock to taste**

¼ cup of grated cheese, Tasty or Mozzarella (both work fine)

Slices of spring onion (optional)

Method

1. Place macaroni in a large mug and cover with boiling water till the water sits 2 cm above pasta.
2. Cook for two minutes and then stir, ensuring the pasta does not clump.
3. Cook for a further two minutes, stir, then drain water.
4. Add milk and stock/salt to pasta, stir and cook on high for one minute.
5. Add cheese, stir, and cook for another two minutes. Top with fresh spring onions and enjoy.

Bonus- you can add cooked bacon pieces to the mac and cheese for extra yumminess

*I used the brand Barilla which cooks for 7 minutes

**I use Vegeta, but chicken stock works well