Your microwave makes cooking easier than conventional cooking, provided you keep these
considerations in mind:
S
TIRRING
Stir foods such as casseroles and vegetables while cooking to distribute heat evenly. Food at the outside
of the dish absorbs more energy and heats more quickly, so stir from the outside to the center. The oven
will turn off when you open the door to stir your food.
A
RRANGEMENT
Arrange unevenly shaped foods, such as chicken pieces or chops, with the thicker, meatier parts toward
the outside of the turntable where they receive more microwave energy. To prevent overcooking, place
delicate areas, such as asparagus tips, toward the center of the turntable.
S
HIELDING
Shield food with narrow strips of aluminum foil to prevent overcooking. Areas that need shielding include
poultry wing tips, the ends of poultry legs, and corners of square baking dishes. Use only small amounts
of aluminum foil. Larger amounts can damage your oven.
T
URNING
Turn foods over midway through cooking to expose all parts to microwave energy. This is especially
important with large foods such as roasts.
S
TANDING
Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat and continue to cook for a few minutes after
heating stops. Let foods stand to complete cooking, especially foods such as cakes and whole
vegetables. Roasts need this time to complete cooking in the center without overcooking the outer areas.
All liquids, such as soup or hot chocolate, should be shaken or stirred when cooking is complete. Let
liquids stand a moment before serving. When heating baby food, stir well at removal and test the
temperature before serving.
A
DDING MOISTURE
Microwave energy is attracted to water molecules. Food that is uneven in moisture content should be
covered or allowed to stand so that the heat disperses evenly. Add a small amount of water to dry food
to help it cook.
COOKING TECHNIQUES
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