COOKING TECHNIQUES

Your microwave makes cooking easier than conventional cooking, provided you keep these considerations in mind:

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 delicate areas, such as asparagus tips, toward the center of the turntable.

Shielding

Shield food with narrow strips of aluminum foil to prevent overcooking. Areas that need shielding include poultry wing-tips, the ends of poultry legs, and corners of square baking dishes. Use only small amounts of aluminum foil. Larger amounts can damage your oven.

Turning

Turn foods over midway through cooking to expose all parts to microwave energy. This is especially important with large foods such as roasts.

Standing

Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat and continue to cook for a few minutes after heating stops. Let foods stand to complete cooking, especially foods such as cakes and whole vegetables. Roasts need this time to complete cooking in the center without overcooking the outer areas. All liquids, such as soup or hot chocolate, should be shaken or stirred when cooking is complete. Let liquids stand a moment before serving. When heating baby food, stir well at removal and test the temperature before serving.

Adding moisture

Microwave energy is attracted to water molecules. Food that is uneven in moisture content should be covered or allowed to stand so that the heat disperse evenly. Add a small amount of water to dry food to help it cook.

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