I Tried Cooking Gourmet Meals Using an 80s Microwave Cookbook

Ingredients

• 225 g Ritz Cheese Crackers (crushed to fine crumbs)
• 57 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 3 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese (grated; 2 Tbsp for crust, 1 Tbsp for filling)
• 225 g Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 100 g Gruyère Cheese (grated)
• 2 Eggs (large, beaten)
• 120 g Sour Cream (full‑fat for richness)
• 30 g Chives (finely chopped (≈1/3 cup))
• 60 ml Whole Milk (added sparingly to loosen crust if needed)
• 2 Tbsp Black Lumpfish Roe (for topping; optional)
• 2 Tbsp Orange Trout Roe (for topping; optional)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Crust

   Place crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan in a mixing bowl; stir until evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

2. Form Crust in Pan

   Line the silicone cake pan with a parchment circle, then press the cracker mixture firmly into the bottom to form an even crust.

   Time: PT2M

3. Pre‑Cook Crust

   Microwave the crust on HIGH for 5 minutes until the butter is fully set and the edges are lightly golden.

   Time: PT5M

4. Make Filling

   In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Gruyère, beaten eggs, sour cream, chopped chives, remaining 1 Tbsp Parmesan, salt and pepper; whisk until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

5. Add Filling to Crust

   Pour the filling over the pre‑cooked crust, spreading evenly.

   Time: PT1M

6. First Microwave Set

   Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes; the center should be set but still slightly jiggle‑like.

   Time: PT5M

7. Medium Power Finish

   Reduce microwave power to MEDIUM and continue cooking for 10 minutes, checking every 2 minutes; the cheesecake should be firm to the touch.

   Time: PT10M

8. Cool and Chill

   Allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set fully.

   Time: PT1H10M

9. Add Caviar Topping

   Before serving, spoon black lumpfish roe and orange trout roe evenly over the top of the chilled cheesecake.

   Time: PT2M

10. Serve

    Slice into 8 wedges and serve cold as an elegant appetizer.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

12g

Carbohydrates

30g

Fat

22g

Fiber

1g