16
Cooking Instructions
Cooking Techniques
Stirring
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.
Arrangement
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 thin or
delicate parts toward the center of the turntable.
Shielding
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.
Turning
Turn foods over midway through cooking to expose all parts to
microwave energy. This is especially important with large items such as
roasts.
Standing
Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat and continue
to cook for a few minutes after the oven stops. Let foods stand
to complete cooking, especially foods such as roasts 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 and test the temperature before serving.
Adding 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.
Venting
After covering dish with plastic wrap, you vent plastic wrap by turning
back one corner so excess steam can escape.
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