Microwave Cooking Microwaves cause food molecules to vibrate. Vibration causes friction which produces the heat that cooks the food.

Advantages Warms up leftovers Defrosts meat faster retains nutrients tastes better Defrosts meat turn the food separate the pieces allow large items to stand for complete defrosting use immediately Softens brown sugar if used immediately put 1 cup of water in microwave Plumps raisins Freshens snacks and chips Eliminates extra oils and fats in preparing foods

Disadvantages eggs in shells, potatoes, whole fruits - they explode or burst when heat builds up Baked goods - they don’t get a crust on them popcorn - not enough moisture and will become dry quicker large amounts of food - takes too long, not as efficient

What to use when cooking: Acceptable dishes for the microwave: paper plastic glass microwaveable dishes Unacceptable dishes for the microwave: metal dishes with gold or silver on it Acceptable coverings for microwave dishes: paper towels - to absorb moisture, spatters, and spills wax paper - holds in some of the moisture plastic wrap - hold in moisture

Added crumb topping to enhance the pale appearance Baking Tips: Microwave ovens do not bake They cook with moist heat Food stays tender and moist because less evaporation occurs Pale appearance leads to over baking Added crumb topping to enhance the pale appearance

Cooking Tips: 1. Microwaves are attracted to: It’s HOT because it’s SUGAR 1. Microwaves are attracted to: fat sugar water molecules 2. Will increase cooking and standing time: volume of the food quantity or number

More Cooking Tips: 3. Round containers will cook more evenly than food in square containers tend to burn in the corners 4. To help food cook more evenly, stir and rotate foods while cooking turntable

More Cooking Tips: 5. Standing time at the end of cooking allows for foods to continue to cook when removed. 6. To prevent burning yourself from microwave cooking, remember: Foods can create hot containers Items can explode Pierce them with a fork. Lifting the cover or plastic from the food can cause a burn. Hot steam escaping can cause a burn