Microwave terms, Term Definition

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Microwave terms.

Term	Definition
Arcing	Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by:
	■ 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, gold-rimmed dishes.
	■ 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 over-browning. When microwaving,
	you use small strips of 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.