COOKING GUIDE
COOKING UTENSILS
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
Thermometers - Use only those labeled “Microwave Safe” and follow all directions. Check the food in several places. Conventional thermometers may be used once the food has been removed from the oven.
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
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.
COOKING TECHNIQUES
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 turn 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
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