COOKING GUIDE
Utensils
METAL
1) Frozen Precooked Foods in Foil Containers
When cooking foods in foil containers, the container should be no more than 1/2” deep. The best method to use is, after removing the foil cover, return the metal container to the paper box or package it came in and place this entire unit in the microwave oven. There must be more food than metal, and the metal container must not touch the oven walls.
2) Metal Skewers
Small metal skewers may be used if there is a large proportion of food to the amount of metal. If arcing does begin, stop the oven, remove the food and change to a wooden skewer.
Whenever using metal foil, foil containers or metal skewers, be sure that the metal does not touch the sides of the oven.
GLASS, GLASS-CERAMIC, CERAMIC AND CHINA UTENSILS
Most glass, glass ceramic, ceramic and china utensils are excellent for use in microwave ovens. Heatresistant glassware, unless it has metallic trim or metal portions, can almost always be used in the microwave oven, no matter whether it is clear or opaque. However, you must be careful not to use delicate glassware since it might crack from the heat of the food but not from the microwaves.
Most dinner plates, unless they have metallic trim, are acceptable for heating foods.
Utensils with metallic trim or metal parts, such as screws, bands, handles, etc. must be avoided. Cracked or crazed glazes or chips are also indications that a dish should not be used. Ceramic mugs or cups with glued on handles are also not recommended for use in a microwave oven.
PAPER GOODS
For low heat cooking, such as reheating or very short cooking times and for foods with low fat, sugar or water content, paper is a good utensil for microwave oven use. Napkins, towels, plates, cups, cartons, paper freezer wrap and the paper pulp board that some meats come packed in are also convenient utensils for use in the microwave oven. Cardboard can also be used. Paper is used in the microwave oven as a moisture insulator. Wax coated paper plates and cups should be avoided since the high temperatures that the foods reach may cause the wax to melt. Plastic coated dishes, however, are fine for use in the microwave oven.
Wax paper and paper towels provide an excellent loose cover for foods and help prevent spatters. Do not use paper towels, plates or other utensils made from recycled paper. Recycled paper products may contain certain impurities which could cause the paper to ignite during microwave heating. Some paper products may contain harmful substances.
PLASTIC AND FOAM UTENSILS
Plastic and foam dishes and containers should not be used for cooking foods with high fat or high sugar content since the heat of the food is too hot for the plastic and may cause it to melt or lose its shape. Cooking pouches designed to withstand boiling and freezing for conventional cooking, work well in the microwave oven. Do not close plastic cooking pouches with the metal tie wraps provided, since they get very hot and will melt the plastic wrap. Any closed pouch or cooking container should be pierced so that steam is allowed to escape. Do not attempt to cook in plastic storage bags as they will not withstand the heat of the food. Plastic wrap may be used to cover foods during
WICKER, WOOD AND STRAW
Wicker, wood and straw may be used in the oven for short periods of time; however, they should not be used for high fat or high sugar content foods since the heat of the food could possibly char the utensil. Wooden handle scrapers and spatulas may be left in the microwave oven during cooking.
