TIPS & ADVICE

USING A FOOD THERMOMETER TO

DETERMINE COOKING TIME

The internal temperature of food and drink can be ascertained with a food thermometer. The most important temperatures are specified in the temperature table.

Drink / Food

Internal

Internal temp.

 

temperature

after 10 - 15 mins

 

once cooked

standing time

Heating drinks

65-75oC

 

(Coffee, Water, Tea,

 

 

Milk etc.)

75-80oC

 

Heating soup

 

Heating stew

75-80oC

85-90oC

Poultry

80-85oC

Lamb

70o C

70-75oC

Pink

Well done

75-80oC

80-85oC

Roast beef

50-55oC

55-60oC

Rare

Medium

60-65oC

65-70oC

Well done

75-80oC

80-85oC

Pork, Veal

80-85oC

80-85oC

ADDITION OF WATER

Vegetables and other foods with a high water content can be cooked in their own juice or with the addition of a little water. This ensures that many vitamins and minerals are preserved.

FOOD IN SKINS OR SHELLS

Foods such as sausages, chickens, chicken legs, baked potatoes, tomatoes, apples, egg yolks or such like should be pricked or pierced with a fork or small wooden skewer. This will enable the steam which forms to dissipate without splitting the skin or shell.

FATTY FOODS

Fatty meat and layers of fat cook better than lean portions of meat. Before cooking, cover the fatty portions with a piece of aluminium foil or place the food with the fat side down.

BLANCHING VEGETABLES

Before freezing vegetables, they should be blanched. This preserves the quality and flavour at their best. Method: wash and chop the vegetables. Put 250g of vegetables in a dish with 275 ml water and cover. Heat for 3-5 minutes. After blanching,

immerse immediately in cold water to prevent further cooking and then allow to drain. Pack vegetables in an airtight container and freeze.

PRESERVING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

Using the microwave for preserving is quick and easy. There are preserving jars, rubber vacuum seals and suitable seals made of plastic available specially made for microwaves. The manufacturers will supply precise instructions for use.

LARGE AND SMALL QUANTITIES

Microwave times are directly dependent upon the amount of food which you would like to thaw, heat or cook. This means that small portions cook more

quickly than larger ones. As a rule of thumb:

TWICE THE AMOUNT = ALMOST TWICE THE TIME HALF THE AMOUNT = HALF THE TIME

DEEP AND SHALLOW CONTAINERS

Both containers have the same capacity, but the cooking time is longer for the deeper one. You should therefore choose as flat a container as possible with a large surface area. Only use deep containers for dishes where there is a danger of overcooking, e.g. for noodles, rice, milk etc.

ROUND AND OVAL CONTAINERS

Food cooks more evenly in round or oval containers than in containers with corners, since the microwave energy concentrates in the corners and the food in these areas could become overcooked.

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Zanussi ZM266STG manual Using a Food Thermometer to Determine Cooking Time, Addition of Water, Food in Skins or Shells

ZM266STG specifications

The Zanussi ZM266STG is a versatile microwave that enhances kitchen convenience and efficiency. Known for its sleek design and user-friendly interface, this microwave is an ideal addition to modern homes. It combines style and functionality while providing an array of innovative features that cater to various cooking needs.

One of the standout features of the ZM266STG is its powerful microwave function, delivering 900 watts of cooking power. This enables quick heating, defrosting, and cooking of a wide variety of foods, ensuring that meal preparation is both rapid and efficient. The microwave offers multiple power levels, allowing users to select the appropriate setting for their specific food type, resulting in perfectly cooked meals every time.

The microwave's spacious 26-liter capacity is another significant advantage. This generous interior space allows users to accommodate larger dishes or multiple items at once, making it suitable for family meals or entertaining guests. The interior is designed with easy cleaning in mind, featuring a smooth, durable surface that resists stains and odors.

Equipped with a range of pre-set cooking programs, the Zanussi ZM266STG simplifies the cooking process. These programs eliminate the guesswork by automatically adjusting cooking times and power levels based on the type of food being prepared. Whether it's popcorn, pizza, or vegetables, the ZM266STG ensures optimal results with minimal effort.

In addition to its microwave capabilities, the ZM266STG also offers a grill function, providing users with the ability to achieve a crispy, golden-brown finish on meats and other dishes. The combination of microwaving and grilling opens up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing home cooks to experiment with various cooking techniques.

A notable aspect of the Zanussi ZM266STG is its sleek stainless-steel finish, which adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen décor. The intuitive control panel features easy-to-read buttons and a digital display, making operation straightforward for users of all ages. Safety features, including a child lock, ensure peace of mind for families with young children.

In summary, the Zanussi ZM266STG microwave stands out for its impressive power, ample capacity, and user-friendly features. Its combination of microwave and grill functions, along with pre-set cooking options, makes it a versatile kitchen appliance. With a modern design and safety features in place, this microwave is a smart choice for anyone looking to elevate their cooking experience while saving time in the kitchen.