---anyway, porridge---microwave. chicken---microwave, pork---microwave, fish----microwave, casserole---microwave, boiled spuds----microwave.eggs,soup----stove-top, canning---stovetop. Our m.w. is convection oven type, and it's perfectly possible to do most of the cooking in it.
And Alice, your vinegar-bicarb works a treat....
Boab