Hands down, our favorite food writer is Mark Bittman, author of The New York Times column “The Minimalist” and the blog “Bitten.”

Bittman makes cooking accessible without dumbing it down. Take, for example, this column on the microwave - which he proposes renaming the “Whiz-Bang Steaming Oven.”

There’s hardly a kitchen in North America without a microwave, and many people with disabilities - especially vision and dexterity issues - favor them because they don’t have to fear touching hot elements.

Bittman provides myriad - and simple - ways to use your microwave for more than reheating leftovers and softening ice cream. Pulling from other cooking writers and inviting tips from readers, he shows you how to make everything from Steamed Chocolate Pudding to South Indian Eggplant Curry.

Cait found Bittman’s tips most informative and she’s been using a microwave for years. Marty, on the other hand, an avowed Luddite, does not own a microwave and believes they are dangerous and contribute to societal disintegration.

On a moment’s notice, Marty can mount her High Pony of Self-Righteousness against microwaves, processed food, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Chinese food imports, disposable technology and the TV show “American Idol.”

As Cait warns: “Don’t get Marty started. You DON’T have that much time!