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-ST657 W, NN-ST677M manual Menu Planning for Microwave Cooking, Increasing & Decreasing Recipes, Cooking for One
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NN-ST657S, NN-ST657 W, NN-ST667W, NN-ST677M specifications

The Panasonic NN-ST677M, NN-ST657W, NN-ST667W, and NN-ST657S are part of Panasonic's innovative lineup of microwave ovens, each designed to enhance cooking convenience while delivering superior performance. These models are distinguished by their advanced technologies, user-friendly features, and sleek designs, making them ideal for modern kitchens.

One of the standout features across these models is the inverter technology. Unlike traditional microwaves that use a power on/off mechanism to control cooking power, Panasonic's inverter technology provides a seamless flow of cooking power at all settings. This ensures that food is cooked evenly, preventing hot spots and overcooked edges. The inverter system is particularly effective for delicate tasks like defrosting and reheating, where consistent temperatures are crucial.

The NN-ST677M, for example, boasts a spacious 34-liter capacity, making it suitable for families and those who often cook in larger quantities. It features a sleek silver finish that complements any kitchen decor. This model is equipped with a variety of auto-cook programs, allowing users to prepare a wide array of meals with just a touch of a button.

The NN-ST657W and NN-ST667W are similarly designed, offering 25-liter capacities. These models provide multiple power levels, giving users the flexibility to customize cooking according to their specific needs. The stylish white and silver finishes of the NN-ST657W and NN-ST667W, respectively, make them attractive additions to any countertop.

On the other hand, the NN-ST657S features a stainless-steel finish that adds a touch of elegance to its robust functionality. This model is user-friendly, thanks to its intuitive control panel and easy-to-read display. The inclusion of a child lock function further enhances safety in family households.

In all four models, the turntable design ensures that food is cooked uniformly, while the easy-to-clean interiors simplify maintenance. Panasonic has also integrated a variety of cooking modes, such as grill and combination heating, providing users with versatile cooking options.

To conclude, the Panasonic NN-ST677M, NN-ST657W, NN-ST667W, and NN-ST657S stand out for their advanced inverter technology, spacious designs, and aesthetic finishes. With their user-friendly controls and safety features, these microwaves are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cooking experience in a fast-paced world. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or preparing a gourmet meal, these models deliver exceptional results and convenience.
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