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dense, thick areas are cooked thoroughly.
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Stir foods from outside to center of dish once or twice
during cooking, if possible.
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Turn foods over once during microwaving to speed
cooking of such foods as chicken and hamburgers.
Large items like roasts must be turned over at least
once.
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Rearrange foods such as meatballs halfway through
cooking both from top to bottom and from right to left.
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Add standing time. Remove food from Microwave
Built-in Drawer and stir, if possible. Cover the food
during standing time which allows the food to finish
cooking without overcooking.
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Check for doneness. Look for signs indicating that
cooking temperatures have been reached.
Doneness signs include:
- Food steams throughout, not just at edge.
- Center bottom of dish is very hot to the touch.
- Poultry thigh joints move easily.
- Meat and poultry show no pinkness.
- Fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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A good microwave cookbook is a valuable asset.
Check it for microwave cooking principles, tech-
niques, hints and recipes.
about utensils and coverings
It is not necessary to buy all new cookware. Many pieces
already in your kitchen can be used successfully in your
new Microwave Built-in Drawer. Make sure the utensil
does not touch the interior walls during cooking.
Use these utensils for safe microwave cooking and reheating:
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glass ceramic (Pyroceram
®
), such as Corningware
®
.
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heat-resistant glass (Pyrex
®
)
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microwave-safe plastics
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microwave-safe paper plates
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microwave-safe pottery, stoneware and porcelain
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browning dish (Do not exceed recommended preheat-
ing time. Follow manufacturer’s directions.)
These items can be used for short time reheating of
foods that have little fat or sugar in them:
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wood, straw, wicker
DO NOT USE
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metal pans and bakeware
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dishes with metallic trim
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non-heat-resistant glass
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non-microwave-safe plastics (margarine tubs)
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recycled paper products
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brown paper bags
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food storage bags
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metal twist-ties
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.
The following coverings are ideal:
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Paper towels are good for covering foods for reheat-
ing and absorbing fat while cooking bacon.
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Wax paper can be used for cooking and reheating.
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Plastic wrap that is specially marked for microwave
use can be used for cooking and reheating. DO NOT
allow plastic wrap to touch food. Vent so steam can
escape.
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Lids that are microwave-safe are a good choice
because heat is kept near the food to hasten cooking.
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Oven cooking bags are good for large meats or foods
that need tenderizing. DO NOT use metal twist ties.
Remember to slit bag so steam can escape.
How to use aluminum foil in your Microwave
Built-in Drawer:
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Small flat pieces of aluminum foil placed smoothly on
the food can be used to shield areas that are either
defrosting or cooking too quickly.
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Foil should not come closer than one inch to any
surface of the microwave oven.
accessories There are many microwave accessories
available for purchase. Evaluate carefully before you
purchase so that they meet your needs. A microwave-
safe thermometer will assist you in determining correct
doneness and assure you that foods have been cooked
to safe temperatures. Gaggenau is not responsible for
any damage to the Microwave Built-in Drawer when
accessories are used.
about Safety
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Check foods to see that they are cooked to the United States
Department of Agriculture's recommended tempera-
tures.
145˚F - Fish.
160˚F -
Pork, ground beef/veal/lamb, egg dishes
165˚F -
For leftover, ready-to-reheat refrigerated,
and deli and carry-out “fresh” food. Whole,
pieces and ground turkey/chicken/duck.
To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in a
thick or dense area away from fat or bone. NEVER leave
the thermometer in the food during cooking, unless it is
approved for microwave use.
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ALWAYS use potholders to prevent burns when han-
dling utensils that are in contact with hot food. Enough heat
