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Microwave Terms
Term | Definition |
Arcing | Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is |
| caused by: |
| • the metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching the |
| microwave walls. |
| • metal or foil touching the side of the oven. |
| • foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like |
| antennas). |
| • metal such as twist ties, poultry pins, |
| • recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces. |
Covering | Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce |
| cooking time. Venting plastic wrap or covering with wax paper |
| allows excess steam to escape. |
Shielding | In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked foods to |
| prevent |
| foil to shield thin parts, such as the tips of wings and legs on poultry, |
| which would cook before larger parts. |
Standing Time | When you cook with regular ovens, foods such as roasts or cakes are |
| allowed to stand to finish cooking or to set. Standing time is |
| especially important in microwave cooking. Note that a microwaved |
| cake is not placed on a cooling rack. |
Venting | After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap by |
| turning back one corner so excess steam can escape. |
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