I've got some frozen meat in the freezer and dinner is within an hour, what's the best way to defrost?

You can use your microwave's defrost function, just make sure that the edges don't start to cook. You never want to defrost meat at room temperature or under hot water though. Bacteria will begin to multiply if heated. The best way is to defrost under cold water or leave in the refrigerator overnight, but if dinner is within an hour a microwave is your best bet.