Ooking Guide Cookingprinciplesand Techniques

:OOKING GUIDE

COOKINGPRINCIPLESAND TECHNIQUES

The advantages of microwave

cooking are speed and efficiency, For warming, heating, and

defrosting, nothing compares. Here are a few tips that will make

microwaving easier and more enjoyable,

Microwave Cooking Principles Because microwave cooking

requires only one-quarter to one- third the time of conventional

cooking, cooking principles become even more important,

Quantity

In microwave cooking, the cooking time is dependent on the amount of

food in the oven. If you double the recipe, plan on doubling the

cooking time.

Density

Dense foods, such as potatoes, need more cooking time, as they take longer for microwave energy

to penetrate and for the heat tobe conducted through them.

Shape and Size

Cut food into uniform shapes and sizes for even cooking in the microwave. When cooking irregular shapes (such as chicken pieces),

place the thicker parts to the outer edge of the dish.

Moisture, Sugar and Fat

Food high in moisture, sugar or fat cook faster. Add a minimum of

liquid to moisten foods. Excessive amounts of water slow cooking,

Starting Temperature

Frozen or refrigerated foods take longer to microwave than food at

room temperature.

Delicate Ingredients Delicate foods such as eggs,

cheese, mayonnaise, etc., cook very quickly, andshould be watched carefully,

Microwave Cooking Techniques Arranging:Arrange food in a

circular pattern, with denser, thicker items at the edge of the dish.

Piercing: Pierce the membrane of foods such as eggs, oysters, snails,

sausages, livers, clams and whole vegetables, so they do not burst.

Pierce pouches when using cook-in- the-bag food items.

Reheating: Cooked food reheats extremely well by using a low level of microwave energy. Place denser

foods near the outer edge of the dish when reheating.

Covering: Most foods will cook and reheat better when covered. Pierce

plastic wrap to vent steam. Stirring: Stir foods to help cook/

reheat more quickly and evenly. Turning Over: To promote even

cooking, turn larger solid items such as roasts or baked potatoes over halfway through the cooking time.

Shielding: Use small, smooth strips of aluminum foil to prevent

corners, thin or bony areas from overcooking.

Standing Time: Foods continue

cooking even after removal from

the oven. Standing time is necessary to allow foods to

complete cookingdefrosting.

Converting Recipes

Microwave recipes will likely call for less liquid and cooking time. Microwave Thermometers Amicrowave-safethermometercan be used to achieve the best results.

Insert the thermometer carefully and properly into the food.

The guide belowgives suggested thermometerreadingsformeatand poultry. Keep in mind that standing

time is essential for most food to

reach its proper temperature.

Internal temperatures should be measured after 5-10 minutes of

standing time.

Guideto InternalTemperatures

145°F(63°C). Rarebeef 150°F(66°C). Vegetables,hotdrinks,

soups,casseroles

160°F(71°C). Medium beef, lamb, veal, pork

170oF(77oC). Well-donebeef, lamb, pork

170°F(77°C). Wholefish 185°F(85°C). Well-done,

poultry piecesor roastedbird