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FOOD CHARACTERISTICS & MICROWAVE COOKING
Stirring
Stirring is one of the most important of all
microwaving techniques. In conventional cooking,
food is stirred for the purpose of blending.
Microwaved food, however, is stirred in order to
spread and redistribute heat. Always stir from the
outside towards the centre as the outside of the
food heats first.
Turning over
Large, tall foods such as roasts and whole
chickens should be turned so that the top and
bottom will cook evenly. It is also a good idea to
turn cut up chicken and chops.
Placing thicker portions facing outwards
Since microwaves are attracted to the outside
portion of food, it makes sense to place thicker
portions of meat, poultry and fish to the outer
edge of the baking dish. This way, thicker
portions will receive the most microwave energy
and the food will cook evenly.
Shielding
Strips of aluminium foil (which block microwaves)
can be placed over the corners or edges of
square and rectangular food to prevent those
portions from overcooking. Never use too much
foil and make sure the foil is secured to the dish
or it may cause ‘arcing’ in the oven.
Elevating
Thick or dense foods can be elevated so that
microwaves can be absorbed by the underside
and centre of the foods.
Piercing
Foods enclosed in a shell, skin or membrane are
likely to burst in the oven unless they are pierced
prior to cooking. Such foods include yolks and
whites of eggs, clams and oysters and whole
vegetables and fruits.
Testing if cooked
Food cooks so quickly in a microwave oven, it is
necessary to test it frequently. Some foods are
left in the microwave until completely cooked, but
most foods, including meats and poultry, are
removed from the oven while still slightly
undercooked and allowed to finish cooking during
standing time. The internal temperature of foods
will rise between 3°C and 8°C during standing
time.
Standing time
Foods are often allowed to stand for 3 to 10
minutes after being removed from the microwave
oven. Usually the foods are covered during
standing time to retain heat unless they are
supposed to be dry in texture (some cakes and
biscuits, for example). Standing allows foods to
finish cooking and also helps flavour blend and
develop.
To Clean Your Oven
1 Keep the inside of the oven clean
Food spatters or spilled liquids stick to oven walls
and between seal and door surface. It is best to
wipe up spillovers with a damp cloth right away.
Crumbs and spillovers will absorb microwave
energy and lengthen cooking times. Use a damp
cloth to wipe out crumbs that fall between the
door and the frame. It is important to keep this
area clean to assure a tight seal. Remove greasy
spatters with a soapy cloth then rinse and dry. Do
not use harsh detergent or abrasive cleaners.
The glass tray can be washed by hand or in the
dishwasher.
2 Keep the outside of the oven clean
Clean the outside of your oven with soap and
water then with clean water and dry with a soft
cloth or paper towel. To prevent damage to the
operating parts inside the oven, the water should
not be allowed to seep into the ventilation
openings. To clean control panel, open the door
to prevent oven from accidentally starting, and
wipe a damp cloth followed immediately by a dry
cloth. Press STOP after cleaning.
3 If steam accumulates inside or around the
outside of the oven door, wipe the panels with a
soft cloth. This may occur when the microwave
oven is operated under high humidity conditions
and in no way indicates a malfunction of the unit.
4 The door and door seals should be kept clean.
Use only warm, soapy water, rinse then dry
thoroughly.
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE MATERIALS, SUCH
AS CLEANING POWDERS OR STEEL AND
PLASTIC PADS.
Metal parts will be easier to maintain if wiped
frequently with a damp cloth.
