AMC4080AA_eng.fm Page 12 Thursday, March 11, 2004 9:12 AM
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.
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.
Arrangement
General Tips
� � Dense foods, such as potatoes, take longer to heat than lighter foods. Foods with a delicate texture should be heated at a low power level to avoid becoming tough. Altitude and the type of cookware you are using can affect cooking time. When using a new recipe, use the minimum cooking time and check the food occasionally to prevent overcooking. Foods with a non-porous skin or shell, such as potatoes, eggs, or hot dogs, should be pierced to prevent bursting. Frying with heating oil or fat is not recommended. Fat and oil can suddenly boil over and cause severe burns. Some ingredients heat faster than others. For example, the jelly inside a jelly doughnut will be hotter than the dough. Keep this in mind to avoid burns. Home canning in the microwave oven is not recommended because all harmful bacteria may not be destroyed by the microwave heating process. Although microwaves do not heat the cookware, the heat is often transferred to the cookware. Always use pot holders when removing food from the microwave and instruct children to do the same.
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.
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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. �
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