31
COOKING FOOD
CLING FILM AND BAGS
RECOMMENDED USAGE AND TIPS
Remove clips or wire twist-ties
from paper or
plastic bags before placing bag in the oven.
Prick holes in cling film
with a fork or sharp
knife in order to release pressure and avoid an
explosion due to build-up of steam during
cooking.
Microwaves penetrate
the food to a limited
depth. If you are going to cook several items at
the same time, place them in a circle so that as
many pieces as possible are on the outside edge
of the turntable.
Small pieces
cook faster than larger pieces.
Cut food
into equally sized pieces for a uniform
cooking result.
Moisture evaporates
during cooking in a
microwave oven.
A microwave-safe lid
will ensure that less
moisture is lost.
Food will often continue
cooking after the
microwave has stopped. It is therefore important
to allow the standing time to complete the
cooking process.
It is usually important to stir
the food during
cooking in a microwave. When stirring food, you
should move the cooked food from the edges to
the middle, and the less-cooked food from the
middle to the edges.
Place thin slices of meat
on top of each other
or so that they overlap. Thicker slices such as
meat loaf and sausages have to be placed close
to each other.
LIQUIDS
Overheating the liquid
beyond boiling point
can occur without evidence of bubbling. This
could cause hot liquids to suddenly boil over.
To prevent this possibility:
q
Avoid using straight-sided containers with
narrow necks.
w
Stir the liquid before placing the container
in the microwave oven cavity and leave the
teaspoon in the container.
e
Stir again after heating and then carefully
remove the container from the oven.
BABY FOOD
After heating
baby food or liquids in a baby
bottle or in a baby food jar, always stir and check
the temperature before serving.
This will ensure
that the heat is evenly
distributed and the risk of scalding or burns can
be avoided.
Make sure that
any lid or teat has been
removed before the food is heated.
FROZEN FOOD
For best results,
we recommend thawing food
directly on the glass turntable. If necessary, use a
plastic container that is suitable for microwave
cooking.
Boiled food,
stews and meat sauces defrost
better if stirred during the defrosting time.
Separate pieces
as they begin to defrost.
Individual slices defrost more quickly.
HOW TO READ THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE
The table states which functions
are most
suitable for different types of food. Cooking
times, where indicated, start from the moment
when food is placed in the microwave oven
cavity, excluding pre-heating (where required).
Food preparation settings and times
are only
a guide and will vary depending on the amount
of food and what accessories are used. Always
begin by cooking food for the minimum time
required, and then check that it is cooked
through.
For the best results
, carefully follow the advice
in the food preparation table for accessories to
be used (if any).