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Microwaves penetrate the surface of the food to a depth of about two to three centimetres and then the heat is gradually conducted in a random pattern. Some parts of food matter cook faster than others. Special microwave techniques are used to promote
fast and even cooking. Some of these techniques are similar to those used in conventional cooking, but because microwaves produce heat very quickly these following techniques are extremely important. It’s a must for you to be familiar with the following tips.
Food Characteristics
Size and Quantity
Small portions cook faster than large portions. As you increase the quantity of food you put into the microwave oven, you must also increase your cooking time. The microwave oven has the same power regardless of quantity; thus the power is divided between more items and so it takes longer to cook.
As a general guide, if you double the quantity of food suggested in the recipe, add half the time suggested again.
Liquid Content
Low moisture foods take a shorter time to cook than foods with a lot of moisture.
Shape
Uniform sizes cook more evenly. To compensate for irregular shapes, place thin pieces towards the centre of the dish and thicker pieces towards the outer edge of the dish.
Bone and Fat
Bones conduct heat and cause the meat next to them to be heated more quickly. Large amounts of fat absorb microwave energy and the meat next to these areas may overcook.
Starting Temperature
Food which has been sitting at room temperature takes less time to cook than refrigerated or frozen food.
Density and Composition
Porous, airy foods (cakes and breads) take less time to cook than heavy compacted foods (meat and vegetables). Recipes high in fat and sugar content cook more quickly.
Key to Symbols Used in Recipes
Recipes displaying these symbols may be cooked using these features.
•(S) Sensor Cook / except
•Å Auto Cook / only for
•
Recipe Prompting 
/ only for
Techniques for Preparation
Timing
A range of cooking times is given in each recipe for two reasons. First, to allow for the uncontrollable differences in food shapes, starting temperatures and personal preferences. Secondly, these allow for the differences in electrical voltage input which changes during peak load periods. Always remember that it is easier to add time to undercooked food. Once the food is overcooked, nothing can be done. For each recipe, an approximate cooking time is given.
Stirring
Stirring is often necessary during microwave cooking. We have noted when stirring is helpful in the recipes. Always bring the outside edges towards the centre and the centre portions to the outside.
Rearranging or Turning
Some foods should be turned in the container during cooking. For example, because of the different thicknesses in the breast and back sections of poultry, it is a good idea to turn poultry over once to ensure more even cooking. Rearranging or turning over uneven shaped food in the dish should be done as suggested to ensure a satisfactory result. Rearrange small items such as chicken pieces, prawns, hamburger patties, steak or chops. Rearrange pieces from the centre to the edge of the dish.
Cooking in Layers
This microwave oven is not designed to cook more than 1 layer of food. Cooking in 2 layers may not always be successful, it takes longer and may be uneven. You can successfully reheat two dinner plates of food at one time but remember to increase the reheating time and use a microwave warming rack.
Piercing of Foods
Pierce the skin or membrane of foods when cooked whole in the microwave oven. This allows steam to escape. If the skin has not been pierced, food may burst.
Cured Meats
Cured meats may overcook in some areas due to the high concentration of salts used in the curing process. So take care when cooking different brands of bacon as cooking times may vary slightly.
Microwave Recipe Preparation and Techniques
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