How do you quickly soften brown sugar?

Quickly soften brown sugar by microwaving it for several seconds in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel. Store the softened brown sugar with apple slices to help keep it soft.

1. Prepare the brown sugar

   Place the hardened block of brown sugar in a bowl large enough to contain the granules after they've softened and separated. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel.

2. Microwave the brown sugar

   Place the bowl in the microwave. Microwave the brown sugar for 20 seconds. Remove the bowl, and break up the block with a fork. Repeat this process until the sugar has softened.

3. Store the brown sugar

   Place the softened brown sugar in a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Add several apple slices to the sugar before sealing the container.