COOKING GUIDE
COOKING UTENSILS |
| COOKING TECHNIQUES |
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Recommended Use
Glass and
Microwave browning dish - Use to brown the exterior of small items such as steaks, chops, or pancakes. Follow the directions provided with you browning dish. Microwaveable plastic wrap - Use to retain steam. Leave a small opening for some steam to escape and avoid placing it directly on the food.
Wax paper - Use as a cover to prevent spattering. Paper towels and napkins - Use for short term heating and covering; they absorb excess moisture and prevent spattering. Do not use recycled paper towels, which may contain metal and can catch fire. Paper plates and cups - Use for
Limited Use
Aluminum foil - Use narrow strips of foil to prevent overcooking of exposed areas. Using too much toil can damage your oven, so be careful.
Ceramic, porcelain, and stoneware - Use these if they are labeled “Microwave Safe”. If they are not labeled, test them to make sure they can be used safely. Never use dishes with metallic trim.
Plastic - Use only if labeled “Microwave Safe”. Other plastics can melt.
Straw, wicker, and wood - Use only for
Not Recommended
Glass jars and bottles - Regular glass is too thin to be used in a microwave, and can shatter.
Paper bags - These are a fire hazard, except for popcorn bags that are designed for microwave use. Styrofoam plates and cups - These can melt and leave an unhealthy residue on food.
Plastic storage and food containers - Containers such as margarine tubs can melt in the microwave. Metal utensils - These can damage your oven. Remove all metal before cooking.
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Stirring
Stir foods such as casseroles and vegetables while cooking to distribute heat evenly. Food at the outside of the dish absorbs more energy and heats more quickly, so stir from the outside to the center. The oven will turns off when you open the door to stir your food.
Arrangement
Arrange unevenly shaped foods, such as chicken pieces or chops, with the thicker, meatier parts toward the outside of the turntable where they receive more microwave energy. To prevent overcooking, place thin or delicate parts toward the center of the turntable.
Shielding
Shield food with narrow strips of aluminum foil to prevent overcooking. Areas that need shielding include poultry
Turning
Turn foods over midway through cooking to expose all parts to microwave energy. This is especially important with large items such as roatsts.
Standing
Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat and continue to cook for a few minutes after the oven stops. Let foods stand to complete cooking, especially foods such as roasts and whole vegetables. Roasts need this time to complete cooking in the center without overcooking the outer areas. All liquids, such as soup or hot chocolate, should be shaken or stirred when cooking is complete. Let liquids stand a moment before serving. When heating baby food, stir well and test the temperature before serving.
Adding Moisture
Microwave energy is attracted to water molecules. Food that is uneven in moisture content should be covered or allowed to stand so that the heat disperses evenly. Add a small amount of water to dry food to help it cook.