·Plastic — Use only if labeled “Microwave Safe”. Other plastics can melt.

·Straw, wicker, and wood — Use only for short-term heating, such as warming dinner

rolls for a few seconds; baskets and bowls may be flammable.

Not Recommended

·Glass jars and bottles — Regular glass is too thin to be used in a microwave. It can

shatter and cause damage and injury.

·Paper bags — These are a fire hazard, except for popcorn bags that are designed for

microwave use.

·Styrofoam plates and cups — These can melt and leave an unhealthy residue on food.

·Plastic storage and food containers — Containers such as margarine tubs can melt in

the microwave.

·Metal utensils — These can damage your oven. Remove all metal before cooking.

Note: Should you wish to check if a dish is safe for microwaving, place the empty dish in the oven and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. A dish which becomes very hot should not be used.

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

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