Steaming is a quick and easy way to make nutrious dishes packed with flavor. Steaming is also a healthy alternative to sauteeing and frying.

Now, with the steam bags offered by most makers of plastic sandwich, storage and freezer bags, steaming in the microwave can help busy families produce tastey dishes or full meals in a matter of minutes.

Here are some tasty recipes to try using microwave steaming bags.

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 to 3 tablespoons slivered almonds

1. In a large steaming bag (such as Ziploc's Zip 'n Steam bags) combine the broccoli, butter, ground ginger, and salt.

2. Shake the bag gently to mix the ingredients and then place the bag in the microwave.

3. Cook on full power for 2 to 3 minutes. (The shorter the time, the crisper the result.)

4. Allow the bag to stand for at least one minute; gently shake the bag to distribute the butter and seasonings.

5. Carefully open the bag; pour the contents in a bowl and sprinkle with slivered almonds.

4 ears of fresh sweet corn, shucked, de-silked and cleaned

1 tablespoon butter

Chopped parsley

1. Combine the corn and butter in a large steamer bag.

2. Seal the bag and place in the microwave.

3. Cook on full power for 5 minutes.

4. Allow the bag to stand for at least 1 minute before opening.

5. Gently shake the bag to distribute the butter evenly over the corn.

6. Remove the corn from the bag and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.

7. Salt to taste.

Variations: After removing the corn from the bag, sprinkle with feta cheese crumbles instead of the parsley.

4 to 6 red potatoe, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. In a large steamer bag, combine the ingredients; seal the bag and shake gently to mix well.

2. Cook in the microwave on high (full power) for 7 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

3. Allow the bag to stand for 1 minute before handling; gently shake the bag to distribute the seasonings.

4. Carefully open the bag and pour the contents into a serving dish.

5. Sprinkle with chopped chives to garnish, if desired.

6. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

7, Serve with sour cream, if desired.