Panasonic NN-ST680S, NN-ST780S Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques, Food Characteristics

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Microwaves penetrate the surface of the food to a depth of about two to three centimetres and then the heat is gradually conducted in a random pattern. Some parts of food matter cook faster than others. Special microwave techniques are used to promote

fast and even cooking. Some of these techniques are similar to those used in conventional cooking, but because microwaves produce heat very quickly the following techniques are extremely important. It’s a must for you to be familiar with the following tips.

Food Characteristics

Size and Quantity

Small portions cook faster than large portions. As you increase the quantity of food you put into the microwave oven, you must also increase your cooking time. The microwave oven has the same power regardless of quantity; thus the power is divided between more items and so it takes longer to cook.

As a general guide, if you double the quantity of food suggested in the recipe, add half the time suggested again.

Liquid Content

Low moisture foods take a shorter time to cook than foods with a lot of moisture.

Shape

Uniform sizes cook more evenly. To compensate for irregular shapes, place thin pieces towards the centre of the dish and thicker pieces towards the outer edge of the dish.

Bone and Fat

Bones conduct heat and cause the meat next to them to be heated more quickly. Large amounts of fat absorb microwave energy and the meat next to these areas may overcook.

Starting Temperature

Food which has been sitting at room temperature takes less time to cook than refrigerated or frozen food.

Density and Composition

Porous, airy foods (cakes and breads) take less time to cook than heavy compacted foods (meat and vegetables). Recipes high in fat and sugar content cook more quickly.

Techniques for Preparation

Timing

A range of cooking times is given in each recipe for two reasons. First, to allow for the uncontrollable differences in food shapes, starting temperatures and personal preferences. Secondly, these allow for the differences in electrical voltage input which changes during peak load periods. Always remember that it is easier to add time to undercooked food. Once the food is overcooked, nothing can be done. For each recipe, an approximate cooking time is given.

Stirring

Stirring is often necessary during microwave cooking. We have noted when stirring is helpful in the recipes. Always bring the outside edges towards the centre and the centre portions to the outside.

Rearranging or Turning

Some foods should be turned in the container during cooking. For example, because of the different thicknesses in the breast and back sections of poultry, it is a good idea to turn poultry over once to ensure more even cooking. Rearranging or turning over uneven shaped food in the dish should be done as suggested to ensure a satisfactory result. Rearrange small items such as chicken pieces, prawns, hamburger patties, nuts or potatoes. Rearrange pieces from the centre to the edge of the dish.

Cooking in Layers

This microwave oven is not designed to cook more than 1 layer of food. Cooking in 2 layers may not always be successful, it takes longer and may be uneven. You can successfully reheat two dinner plates of food at one time but remember to increase the reheating time and use a microwave warming rack.

Piercing of Foods

Pierce the skin or membrane of foods such as eggs, tomatoes and jacket potatoes when cooked whole in the microwave oven. This allows steam to escape. If the skin has not been pierced, food may burst.

Cured Meats

Cured meats may overcook in some areas due to the high concentration of salts used in the curing process. So take care when cooking different brands of bacon as cooking times may vary slightly.

Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques

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Contents Operating Instruction and Cook Book Fax Frenchs Forest NSWSerial number of this product may be found on Table of Contents Important Instructions Safety InstructionsEarthing Instructions General Use Installation and General InstructionsPlacement of Oven CircuitsMicrowaves and How They Work Cookware and Utensils GuideMetal PlasticsJars and Bottles Straw, Wicker and WoodFeature Diagram Control Panel Start PadLet’s Start To Use Your Oven Operation Guide in the Display WindowPress twice To Use Child Safety LockTo Set Clock Enter Time of DayPower Level Wattage Example of USE To Cook / Reheat / Defrost by Micro Power and TimeSet Cooking Time Set time according to chart on Press Set WeightDefrosting is done on P3 Power To DefrostPreparation for Freezing Defrosting Chart by setting Micro Power at P3Defrosting Tips and Techniques Defrosting TechniqueFood Category Recommended Weight Range More/Less PadDetected by the Sensor To Cook Using Sensor ReheatIf desired Remaining time appearsTo Set Delay Start To Use TimerTo Use as a Kitchen Timer Press once Set desired Amount of delay timeBefore Requesting Service After Cleaning Technical SpecificationsBefore Cleaning Care of Your OvenPanasonic Warranty Should be Retained by the Customer AT ALL TimesFeature How to Operate Quick Guide to OperationMicrowave Recipe Preparation and Techniques Food CharacteristicsTechniques for Preparation Browning CoveringCovering food minimizes the microwave cooking time Standing TimeCooking for One Menu Planning for Microwave CookingIncreasing & Decreasing Recipes Converting Recipes from Other SourcesReheating by Sensor Cook 125 g 1.0 kg General rules for reheating foods by Micro PowerReheat To Operate Press then Press StartReheating by Micro Power Frozen Pre-cooked Foods Volume Starting TemperatureLarge Volume Soups and Snacks HintMethod Soup Ingredients SoupLaksa To serveFish or Shellfish Amount Power APPROX. Cooking Time Cooking Fish and Shellfish by Micro PowerCooking Fish and Shellfish using Micro Power Fish and ShellfishMakes Fresh mussels30 g Butter RashersCooking Poultry by Micro power Cooking Whole Poultry by Micro powerCooking Poultry Pieces by Micro power PoultryPoultry and Eggs Cooking Eggs by Micro powerMinimum weight 400g / Maximum weight 1.0 kg Cooking Chicken Pieces by Sensor CookHint Honey Mustard Glaze Cooking Meat by Micro power Cooking Tender Cuts of Meat using Micro powerCooking Less-Tender Cuts of Meat by Micro power Meat Power APPROX. Cooking TimeGeneral Guide to Curries for Sensor Cook Cooking Curries by Sensor CookTo Operate for Sensor Cook Cups Water Corned silverside Tablespoon Brown sugar White vinegarPeppercorns ⁄4 cup Frozen peasLeg of lamb Onion, slicedClove Garlic, minced 750 g Tablespoon RosemaryVegetables and Legumes Cooking Fresh Vegetables by Micro powerVegetable Quantity Cooking Procedure Time ApproxLegumes Cooking Frozen Vegetables by Micro powerVegetable Quantity Cooking Procedure Cooking Time VegetablesVegetables 500 g by Sensor Cook Cooking Dried Beans and Peas using Micro powerPotatoes 1.0 kg by Sensor Cook Tablespoons Sour cream Salt and pepper Tomato, dicedGreen onions, finely chopped Cut into piecesIngredients To cook by Sensor Cook Lentil Hot Pot Cooking Legumes by Sensor CookChickpea Salad with Coriander Dressing Coriander DressingCooking Rice by Sensor Cook Cooking Rice by Micro powerRice, Pasta and Noodles APPROX. Time Amount To Cook Grain Standing Container TAPCut in strips Stick celery, slicedGreen or red capsicum Green onions, choppedCooking Risotto by Sensor Cook S Rice, PastaNoodles General Quantities For Cooking RisottoFresh Pasta 125 g 625 g Cooking Pasta by Micro powerPasta Dried Pasta 125 g 500 gCook APPROX. Time Amount To Cook Noodles Container Cooking Dried Noodles by Micro powerCooking Fresh Noodles By Sensor Cook 150 g 800 g Instruction100 g Butter Cup Sultanas Brown sugar Milk Egg, beaten Cups Cooking Cakes by Micro powerCakes, Desserts and Slices Variations800 g Apricot halves 340 g ⁄ 2 cup Brown sugar Teaspoon Cinnamon 60 g Butter⁄2 cup Toasted coconut 70 g Butter, melted Cooking Fruit by Micro Power Cored and grated 250 g Mixed dried fruit 400 gCooking apple peeled Makes 24 x 8 cm loaf tinJars and Bottles Sauces and ExtrasSterilizing Jars Ingredients 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons F00039U20QP IP0710-0

NN-ST780S, NN-ST680S specifications

The Panasonic NN-ST780S and NN-ST680S are two impressive models in the Panasonic microwave range, both designed to enhance cooking convenience and efficiency in modern kitchens. These models incorporate cutting-edge features and technologies that distinguish them in the crowded microwave market.

The NN-ST780S offers a powerful 1,250 watts of cooking power, ensuring quick and uniform cooking results. It comes with inverter technology, a hallmark feature of Panasonic microwaves. This technology allows for consistent cooking at lower power settings, unlike traditional microwaves that cycle on and off. This results in more evenly cooked dishes and prevents overcooking, especially for delicate foods like fish or custards.

Additionally, the NN-ST780S is equipped with a 2.2 cubic feet capacity, making it spacious enough for family-sized meals. Its sleek stainless steel design not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also enhances durability. Users will appreciate the easy-to-use control panel that features sensor cooking capabilities, allowing the microwave to automatically adjust cooking times for various foods, ensuring perfect results every time.

On the other hand, the NN-ST680S offers a slightly more compact design while still delivering a respectable 1,000 watts of power. This model also features inverter technology, perfect for users who need a balance of performance and space. With a 1.2 cubic feet capacity, it fits well in smaller kitchens without compromising on cooking versatility.

Both models come with various pre-programmed cooking options that make meal preparation a breeze. They include settings for popcorn, reheat, and defrost functions, catering to a wide array of cooking needs. The LED lighting ensures that users can easily monitor food as it cooks, while the ceramic enamel interior in both models allows for easy cleaning and prevents the absorption of odors.

In summary, the Panasonic NN-ST780S and NN-ST680S microwaves exemplify the blend of technology and design. With their powerful inverter technology, spacious capacities, and user-friendly features, they represent excellent choices for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances. Whether you need quick meals or precise cooking, these microwaves deliver both efficiency and performance.
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