Panasonic NN-C2000W manual Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques, Food Characteristics

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Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques

Microwaves penetrate the surface of the food to a depth of about two to three centimeters and then the heat is gradually conducted in a random pattern. Some parts of food matter cook faster than others. Special microwaving 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 they are extremely important. It's a must to be familiar with the following tips.

Cooking Guide

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 only 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 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 compact foods (meat and vegetables). Recipes high in fat and sugar content cook more quickly.

Key to Symbols Used in Recipes

CConvection

GGrill

MC

Manual Combination

AAuto Menu

RRecipe Prompting

No symbol Microwave only

Techniques for Preparation

Timing

A range of cooking times is given in each recipe for two reasons. Firstly, 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, steak or chops. Rearrange pieces from the centre to the edge of the dish.

Cooking in Layers

Cooking in layers is not always successful as it takes twice as long to cook as a single layer and cooking 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 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.

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Contents NN-C2000W Operating Guide and Cookbook Frenchs Forest NSW Table of Contents Safety Instructions Before OperationInstallation and Earthing Instructions Food General InstructionsGeneral Use Microwaves and How They Work Cookware and Utensil GuidePlastics Browning DishesMetal Jars and BottlesCookware and Utensil Chart Microwave Grill Convection CombinationFeature Diagram Ceramic TrayFeature Diagram Control Panel Timer padRecipe Prompting padOven Accessories Select menu Set the weightCooking Modes Heating Source MicrowaveLet’s Start to Use Your Oven PlugQuick Guide to Operation To Use Child Safety Lock To CancelTo Set Clock Operation Guide on the ScreenTo Reheat / Defrost / Cook by Micro Power and Time Micro PowerPower Level Example of UseReheat by setting Power and Time -- Frozen Convenience Foods To Defrost Turbo DefrostDefrost by Setting Time Defrosting Chart by setting timePreparation for Freezing Defrosting TechniqueTo Cook on Grill Place a heatproof glass or ceramic dish underTo Cook on Convection Level ConvectionSelect Setting To Cook on Combination Convection & MicrowaveLevel Examples of Foods to Cook by Combination ModeCombination Foods Suitable Oven Micro Power Setting For best results, follow these recommendations To Reheat / Cook by Sensor Reheat / Auto MenuMore/Less pads Frozen Vegetables 125 g 1.0 kg Frozen Reheat 200 g 1.2 kgRoot Vegetables 125 g 1.0 kg Weight Cook Auto menu 10 To Cook by Auto MenuBeef Rare To set standing Time Chicken and Baked VegetablesTo Use Recipe Prompting TurnTo Use Quick Min. Pad RecipeBefore Requesting Service ALL These Things are NormalFood Characteristics Key to Symbols Used in RecipesMicrowave Recipe Preparation and Techniques Techniques for PreparationStanding Time CoveringBrowning Handy Hints and Tips How to Keep Everything Hot at The Same TimeMenu Planning for Microwave Cooking Everyday Basics Boiled EggScrambled Eggs Cheesy Ham OmeletteFried Eggs BaconTea CoffeeMuesli Boiled RiceGravy Cheese Sauce RVegetable Soup Baked CustardPopcorn Packet CakeSoups, Snacks and Starters Potato and Leek Soup Pumpkin Soup RPita Chips Crispy Focaccia Fingers GPotato and Corn Soup Crab and Corn SoupSpicy Tomato Soup Mini Quiches CTerrine de Pork Savoury French SticksNachos Supreme Nuts and BoltsQuiche Lorraine C MC FrankfurtersSpinach Quiche MC Roasted NutsLemon Pepper Chicken Wings Mini PizzaCheese Straws C PâtéLuncheon Egg Ring Spinach and Filo Pie CVegetable Bake G Fish and Shellfish Grilling Chart Food Grilling Setting Approximate Cooking Time in minFish and Shellfish Directions for Grilling Fish and ShellfishFish and Shellfish Chart for Microwave Cooking by Time Directions for Cooking Fish and Shellfish by MicrowaveSalmon Mornay G Sweet Scallop Stir FrySalmon Pâté Cheesy Lobster Mornay GLemon Pepper Fish R Thai Fish Cakes GSeafood Marinara Golden Wrapped Fish CBarbecue Fish Skewers G MarinadeOysters Kilpatrick G Smoked Fish aGingered Whole Fish R Garlic Prawns RCooking PoultryDirections for Cooking Whole Poultry by Microwave Directions for Grilling Chicken Pieces Chicken Grilling ChartGrill Setting Approximate Cooking Time Minutes Poultry Chart for Combination Cooking Directions for Cooking Poultry by CombinationPoultry Chart for Microwave Cooking by Time Directions for Cooking Poultry Pieces by MicrowavePepper Chicken Chicken Cacciatore RChicken and Potato Casserole Tarragon Chicken and Mushrooms MCItalian Chicken Casserole MC a Coq au VinChicken Rolls with Honey Mustard Chicken PieApricot Nectar Chicken MC R Chicken Curry RStuffed Roast Chicken MC a Roast Turkey MC aRoast Herb Chicken R MC Chinese Chicken Wings G Roast Honey Duck Orange Sauce MCPlum Glazed Quails Camembert Chicken MCHoney Sesame Drumsticks R Grilled Sweet Chilli and Lime Chicken GPeanut Satay G Soy Chicken and Vegetables RChicken Wings in Lemon Sauce G Warm Chicken SaladMethod To Cook by Microwave DressingMain Fare Meats Directions for Cooking Tender Cuts of Meat by MicrowaveMeat Chart for Microwave Cooking Poultry Power Approx. Cooking Time Minutes per 500 g BeefPork LambMeat Chart for Combination Cooking Combination Setting Cooking TimeDirections for Cooking Meats by Combination Combination CookingMeat Grilling Chart Directions for Grilling MeatLasagne Meat SauceRack of Lamb MC Seasoned Roast Lamb R MCLambs Fry and Bacon Lamb and Mushroom Kebabs GIrish Stew Lamb Chops with Spicy Sauce GGoulash Chilli BeefRoast Beef MC a Yorkshire Pudding CCurried Beef Loaf MC Corned BeefMini Meatballs G Beef StroganoffApricot Meatloaf Chinese Beef and Vegetables RBeef Roll with Spinach Spring Onion Stuffing Beef Bourguignonne MC aHerbed Beef and Mozzarella Roll-up MC C Pepper Pot Beef MC a RVeal and Pineapple Casserole MC a Tomato SauceVeal Paprika Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole MCCrispy Spinach Stuffed Pork MC Barbecued Spare Ribs GVegetable Varieties Fresh VegetablesFrozen Vegetables Dried Beans or PeasFresh Vegetables Chart for Time Cooking Creamed Spinach a Broccoli and Cheese SauceFanned Potatoes C Savoury Brussels Sprouts aFrittata Stuffed TomatoesTomato Vegetable Casserole R Vegetable Curry RCheese and Ham Filled Potatoes a R Cheesy Mashed PotatoesDuchess Potatoes G Mini Baked Potatoes R GSaute Mushrooms Honey Glazed Carrots aPotato Casserole MC G R Tomato and OnionStuffed Capsicum Peppers Corn on the Cob aCurried Creamy Beans Minted Peas aRice, Pasta and Cereal Directions for Cooking Rice and Other Grains by MicrowaveDirections for Cooking Pasta by Microwave Directions for Cooking Hot Cereal by MicrowaveFragrant Coconut Rice R Macaroni and CheeseApprox. Time to Container Amount Boiling Water High Uncovered MinutesChicken Risotto Seasoned Rice RPaella Creamy Bacon Sauce Rice SaladSpaghetti Meat Sauce R Salad dressingPasta Salad a Pesto and Egg NoodlesCakes, Muffins and Biscuits Caramel Banana Cake C aQuick Mix Chocolate Cake Vanilla Poppy seed Cake CMocha Carrot Cake MC Chocolate and Coffee TrufflesRich Fruit Cake C Chocolate Fudge RBanana and Pecan Muffins C Blueberry Muffins C RApricot Pecan Muffins C Apple Spice Muffins CLace Biscuits C Anzac Biscuits CChocolate Chip Cookies C Cinnamon Crisps CSlices, Desserts and Pastries Apple SliceChocolate Brownies C a MC R Apricot Honey Slice RCaramel Coconut Slice a MC Muesli SliceLemon Coconut Meringue Slice a MC Honey Almond BrowniesSpeedy Chocolate Bit Slice C MC a R Honey Oaty Slice MC aPeanut and Sultana Slice MC a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake MCApricot Cheesecake C Zesty CheesecakeHoneycomb Cheesecake Lemon and Pineapple CheesecakeStrawberry Mousse Christmas PuddingButterscotch Pudding a C Pavlova C Baked Alaska Surprise CChocolate Souffle C Lemon Meringue Pie C Scones CApple Pie Peach Crumble R MCMicro Made Extras Mushroom Sauce Chinese Sweet & Sour SauceMint Sauce Hollandaise SauceStrawberry Jam Sweet Apricot JamRhubarb and Berry Jam Orange MarmaladePeach Butter Mango ChutneyLemon Butter Passionfruit ButterCare of Your Microwave Oven

NN-C2000W specifications

The Panasonic NN-C2000W is an advanced microwave oven that exemplifies the perfect blend of technology, versatility, and user-friendliness. Designed to meet the demands of modern kitchens, this countertop microwave features a sleek and attractive design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor. Its 2.2 cubic feet capacity offers ample space for cooking large meals, making it ideal for families or anyone who enjoys entertaining guests.

One of the standout features of the NN-C2000W is its Inverter Technology. Unlike traditional microwave ovens that use a pulsing mechanism to control power levels, Inverter Technology delivers a steady stream of cooking power. This ensures that food is cooked evenly and retains its moisture, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of dishes. Whether you are defrosting meat, reheating leftovers, or preparing a gourmet meal, this technology guarantees consistent results.

In addition to its innovative cooking technology, the NN-C2000W is equipped with a range of pre-programmed cooking options. These one-touch settings simplify meal preparation by allowing users to select the appropriate cooking function without guesswork. With options for various types of food including popcorn, baked potatoes, and more, cooking has never been more straightforward.

The microwave also features a combination cooking option that engages both microwave and convection heating, expanding the culinary possibilities. This feature allows for baking, roasting, and browning foods, offering the flexibility of traditional oven cooking while harnessing the quickness of a microwave.

With a powerful 1250 watts of cooking power, the NN-C2000W heats food rapidly, significantly reducing cooking times. Additionally, the oven incorporates a child safety lock, ensuring peace of mind for families with young children, and a user-friendly control panel that is easy to navigate.

The NN-C2000W is designed with an easy-to-clean interior and a durable turntable, making maintenance a breeze. Its stylish appearance, advanced cooking technologies, and robust features make the Panasonic NN-C2000W a worthy addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and impressive cooking capabilities for everyday use. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this microwave oven caters to all cooking needs with efficiency and style.