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Menu Planning for

Microwave Cooking

How to Keep Everything Hot at The Same Time Plan your meals so that the food will not all need last minute cooking or attention at the same time. The special features of microwave cookery make it easy to serve meals with everything piping hot. Cooking of some foods may be interrupted while you start others, without harming the nutritional value or flavour of either.

A recipe which requires standing time can be microwaved first and another food cooked while it stands. Dishes prepared in advance can be reheated briefly before serving.

It does take some experience and time to cook with confidence. Microwaves are fast so you will have to do some experimenting. You might find you will use your conventional range in conjunction with your microwave oven. For example, while cooking the roast in the microwave oven, you can be cooking the vegetables and gravy on the range top. This can also be done the other way around. Prepare your meals as follows.

1.Firstly, cook the most dense item (roast or casserole). Drain and retain meat juice from joints then cover with foil.

2.Cook the potatoes, rice or pasta.

3.Cover with foil for standing.

4.Cook greens and other vegetables.

5.Cover with foil for standing.

6.Cook the gravy with the retained meat juices, stock and thickening.

7.Carve the roast and serve the vegetables and gravy.

While you are learning to plan meals, you may get a bit behind time. Don’t worry. Dinner servings may be reheated on P7, for 1 to 2 minutes per serving.

If you prefer not to use foil, cover food with saucepan lids. A metal lid will retain the heat for at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, how can you cook all the vegetables at the same time? Simply place potatoes and pumpkin in one dish and less dense vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans and peas in another. Sprinkle greens with water. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Cook on P10 for cooking times refer to vegetable cooking chart on page 19. Fresh and frozen vegetables can be mixed on a vegetable platter, but remember frozen vegetables are not as dense as fresh vegetables, as they have been blanched before freezing.

If vegetables are cut to a similar size, they can be cooked in separate ramekins or small dishes at the same time.

Increasing & Decreasing Recipes

Increasing

•To increase a recipe from 4 to 6 servings, increase each ingredient listed by half.

•To increase a recipe from 4 to 8 servings, double each ingredient listed.

•For larger quantities of a recipe, a large dish should be used. Make sure that the dish is deep enough to prevent the recipe from boiling over during cooking.

•Make sure to cover, stir or rearrange food as directed in the recipe and always check the food during cooking.

•Increase standing times by 5 minutes per 500g.

•Use the same Power Level recommended in the original recipe.

•Increase the cooking times by: 1⁄3 of original cooking time for 6 servings; and an extra 1⁄2 of original cooking time for 8 servings.

Decreasing

•To decrease a recipe from 4 to 2 servings, decrease each ingredient listed by half.

•For small quantities, a small dish should be used. Make sure that the dish is large enough to prevent the recipe from boiling over during cooking.

•Use the same Power Level recommended in the original recipe.

•Decrease the cooking times by 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 of the original cooking time.

Cooking for One

•To decrease a recipe from 4 to 1 serving, quarter each ingredient listed.

•A smaller dish should be used, making sure that the dish is still large enough to prevent the recipe from boiling over.

•Use the same Power Level recommended in the original recipe.

•Quarter the original cooking times, then add extra time, if needed.

•Make sure to cover, stir or rearrange food as directed in original recipe and always check the food during cooking.

Converting Recipes from

Other Sources

When the recipe is written with a wattage different than your oven, adjust the cooking time by approximately 10% per 100 watts, e.g. 6 minutes would be adjusted by 36 seconds. Alternately, adjust the power level by one level. If your wattage is higher than the recipe: (1) Adjust time downward or (2) Adjust power level downward. If your wattage is lower than the recipe: (1) adjust time upward or

(2) adjust power level upward (when possible).

Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques

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Panasonic NN-ST676M, NN-ST656W manual Menu Planning for Microwave Cooking, Increasing & Decreasing Recipes, Cooking for One
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NN-ST666W, NN-ST656W, NN-ST676M specifications

The Panasonic NN-ST656W is a sleek and efficient countertop microwave that offers an array of cutting-edge features designed to make cooking faster and more convenient. This model is well-suited for both busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike, providing a blend of technology, performance, and usability.

One of the standout features of the NN-ST656W is its Inverter Technology. Unlike traditional microwaves that use a turn-on and turn-off method of heating, the Inverter Technology delivers a steady stream of cooking power. This ensures that food is heated evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes without the risk of hot spots. This technology is particularly beneficial when reheating delicate items such as seafood or sauces, where gradual heating maintains the integrity of the food.

Another impressive characteristic of the NN-ST656W is its spacious 23-liter capacity, which allows for larger dishes and meal preparations. The microwave is equipped with a turntable for uniform cooking, helping to make the most of its ample cooking space. The model includes various auto-cook menus that take the guesswork out of cooking. Users can select from a range of pre-programmed settings tailored for popular food items, making meal preparation quick and straightforward.

The NN-ST656W also emphasizes user-friendliness with its intuitive touch control panel. The bright LCD display makes it easy to navigate through settings and cooking modes, while the child lock feature ensures safety in households with young children.

The microwave operates quietly, making it a suitable addition to any kitchen environment. Additionally, it is designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping to reduce electricity consumption without compromising performance.

In terms of aesthetics, the Panasonic NN-ST656W features a modern, streamlined design that will complement any kitchen decor. Its white finish adds a touch of elegance and simplicity, making it not just an appliance but a stylish component of your kitchen.

Overall, the Panasonic NN-ST656W is a robust microwave that combines powerful cooking technology with practical features and an attractive design. Whether you are reheating leftovers or preparing a complex meal, this microwave offers the versatility and performance needed to simplify your cooking experience.
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