●
Make sure all cookware used in your microwave
oven is suitable for microwaving. Most glass
casseroles, cooking dishes, measuring cups, custard
cups, pottery or china dinnerware which does not
have
trim or
with a metallic sheen can
be used. Some cookware is labeled “suitable for
microwaving”.
If you are not sure if
a dish is
safe, use this test:
Place in the oven both
the dish you are
testing and a glass
measuring cup filled
with one cup
water—set the
measuring cup either in or next to the dish.
Microwave 1 minute at high. If the dish heats, it
should not be used for microwaving. If the dish
remains cool and
the water in the cup heats,
then the dish is microwave-safe.
●
Paper towels, waxed paper and plastic wrap
can be used to cover dishes in order to retain
moisture and prevent spattering. Be sure to vent
plastic wrap so steam can
●
Some microwaved foods require stirring, rotating
or rearranging. Check the Cooking Guide.
●
Steam builds up pressure in foods which are
tightly covered by a skin or membrane.
Pierce potatoes, egg yolks and chicken livers to
prevent bursting.
If you use a meat thermometer while cooking,
make sure it is safe for use in microwave ovens.
POWER LEVELS (1-10)
Variable power levels add flexibility to your
microwave cooking. The power levels on your
microwave oven can be compared to the surface units
on a range. HIGH
10) or full power is
the fastest way to cook and gives you
power.
Each power
gives you microwave energy a
certain percent of the time. Power Level 7 is
microwave energy
of the time. Power
3
is energy
of the time.
A high setting (10) will cook faster but may need
additional attention such as frequent stirring, rotating
or turning over. Most of your cooking will be done on
HIGH (Power
10). A lower setting
cook
more
and with less attention given to stirring
or rotating the food. Some foods may have better
flavor, texture or appearance if one of the lower
settings is used. You may wish to use a lower power
level when cooking foods that have a tendency to boil
over, such as scalloped potatoes.
Rest periods (when the microwave energy cycles o@
give time for the food to
or
heat
to the inside of the food. An example of this is shown
with Power
defrost cycle. If microwave
energy did not cycle off, the outside of the food would
cook before the inside was defrosted.
Here are some examples of uses for various
power levels:
I
LEVEL
BEST USES
I
High 10
Fish, bacon, vegetables,
boiling liquids.
Meal-High 7
cooking of meat and
poultry; baking casseroles
and reheating.
Medium 5
Slow cooking and
such as stews and less tender
cuts of meat.
I
3
Defrosting without cooking;
sauces.
I
Keeping food warm without
butter.
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