Cooking Techniques

STANDING TIME

Dense foods e.g. meat, jacket potatoes and cakes, require standing time(inside or outside of the oven) after cooking, to allow heat to finish conducting to cook the center completely. Wrap meat joints and jacket potatoes in aluminium foil while standing. Meat joints need approx. 10-15 minutes, jacket potatoes 5 minutes. Other foods such as plated meal, vegetables, fish etc require 2-5 minutes standing. After defrosting food, standing time should also be allowed. If food is not cooked after standing time, return to the oven and cook for additional time.

STARTING TEMPERATURE

The colder the food, the longer it takes to heat up. Food from a fridge takes longer to reheat than food at room temperature.

LIQUIDS

All liquids must be stirred before and during heating. Water especially must be stirred before and during heating, to avoid eruption. Do not heat liquids that have previously been boiled. DO NOT OVERHEAT.

MOISTURE CONTENT

Many fresh foods e.g. vegetables and fruit, vary in their moisture content throughout the season, particularly jacket potatoes. For this reason cooking times may have to be adjusted. Dry ingredients e.g. rice, pasta, can dry out during storage so cooking times may differ.

DENSITY

Porous airy foods heat more quickly than dense heavy foods.

CLING FILM

Cling film helps keep the food moist and the trapped steam assists in speeding up cooking times. Pierce before cooking to allow excess steam to escape. Always take care when removing cling film from a dish as the build-up of steam will be very hot.

SHAPE

Even shapes cook evenly. Food cooks better by microwave when in a round container rather than square.

TURNING & STIRRING

Some foods require stirring during cooking. Meat and poultry should be turned after half the cooking time.

ARRANGING

Individual foods e.g. chicken portions or chops, should be placed on a dish so that the thicker parts are towards the outside.

QUANTITY

Small quantities cook faster than large quantities, also small meals will reheat more quickly than large portions.

PIERCING

The skin or membrane on some foods will cause steam to build up during cooking. These foods must be pierced or a strip of skin should be peeled off before cooking to allow the steam to escape. Eggs, potatoes, apples, sausages etc, will all need to be pierced before cooking. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOIL EGGS IN THEIR SHELLS.

SPACING

Foods cook more quickly and evenly if spaced apart. NEVER pile foods on top of each other.

COVERING

Cover foods with microwave cling film or a lid. Cover fish, vegetables, casseroles, soups. Do not cover cakes, sauces, jacket potatoes or pastry items.

MCP13E1ST specifications

The Magic Chef MCP13E1ST is a versatile and compact countertop microwave that combines convenience with efficiency, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens, dorms, and offices. This microwave stands out with its sleek stainless steel design, offering a modern aesthetic while being practical for everyday use.

One of the primary features of the MCP13E1ST is its 1.3 cubic feet capacity, which is spacious enough to accommodate a variety of dishes, from reheating leftovers to defrosting meat. The microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of cooking power, ensuring rapid heating and cooking times. With multiple power levels, users have the flexibility to adjust the cooking intensity based on the type of food being prepared, whether it's for softening butter or cooking a frozen pizza.

The MCP13E1ST is equipped with user-friendly controls, including a digital display and a soft-touch control panel. This intuitive interface allows for easy programming of time and cooking functions. Moreover, it features a variety of pre-set cooking options for common foods such as popcorn, pizza, and beverages, streamlining the cooking process. The one-touch buttons enable users to quickly choose their desired cooking mode without hassle.

In terms of safety, the Magic Chef MCP13E1ST boasts a child safety lock, preventing accidental operation by children, ensuring peace of mind for families. The microwave also features a turntable that promotes even cooking by rotating food during the cooking process for optimal results. Its easy-to-clean interior and removable turntable make maintenance manageable, which is essential for busy lifestyles.

Energy efficiency is another significant aspect, as the MCP13E1ST is designed to consume less power while delivering powerful performance. This aspect not only saves on electricity bills but also reduces the environmental footprint of daily cooking practices.

In summary, the Magic Chef MCP13E1ST stands out as a practical, efficient, and stylish countertop microwave. With its reliable cooking power, user-friendly features, safety functions, and energy efficiency, it represents a strong choice for anyone in need of a capable microwave that fits into a compact space without sacrificing functionality.