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18
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Always keep the oven clean – avoid spill-overs
and do not forget to clean under the glass tray
and the inside of the door.
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Preferably use round or oval casseroles with a lid
when cooking in your microwave oven.
•
Do not use metal or metal decorated casseroles.
Certain plastic materials can melt and be warped
by hot food.
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Cover the food when cooking. Use a glass lid, a
plate or grease proof paper.
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Pastry, bread and the like can be defrosted
directly in a bread basket or on a paper towel.
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If frozen food is heated in its packaging, the
packaging should be opened. Packaging
containing metal or metal decoration must not be
used unless specifically recommended for use in
the microwave. Remove metal clips and wire ties.
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Smaller pieces of aluminium foil can be used to
cover parts that easily over cook such as chicken
legs.
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Food with peel or skin should be pierced with a
fork – e.g. potatoes and sausages. Do not boil
eggs in the microwave oven as they can explode.
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Put large, thick pieces close to the edge of the
casserole and try to cut the food in to even sized
pieces. Always place the food in the centre of the
oven.
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The food will be evenly cooked if you stir or turn it
a few times.
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Always set a shorter cooking time than indicated
in your recipe to avoid over cooking. The larger
the amount of food the longer it takes.
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Use little or no water for vegetables.
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Use less salt and spices than for ‘normal’ cooking.
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Season afterwards.
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Allow a few minutes ‘standing’ time after the oven
has switched off to ensure complete and even
cooking results.
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Always ensure food is piping hot throughout
before serving.
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Use pot holders or gloves when taking dishes and
food from the oven.
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Softening Honey
If you have a jar of honey which has
crystallised, remove lid and place the jar in the
oven, microwave on medium power for 2
minutes.
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Melting Chocolate
Break 100g of chocolate into squares, place in
a bowl and heat on high power for 1-2
minutes and stir well.
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Softening or Melting Butter
Melting takes a few seconds on high power.
Softening is best done more gently on low
power.
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Freshen or Warm Bread
Use medium power for few seconds.
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Peeling Garlic easily
Heat 3 or 4 cloves of garlic on high power for
15 seconds. Squeeze at one end until the
clove pops out.
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Fruit Juice
Citrus fruits will yield more juice if they are
heated on high power for 15 seconds before
squeezing.
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Cooking Porridge
Porridge is easily cooked in the serving dish
with no sticky pan to wash. Follow food
manufacturers’ recommendations.
Microwave Hints
Microwave Tips
