A Guide to Microwave Cooking ZAP IT! A Guide to Microwave Cooking

Advantages of Microwave Cooking Saves time Easy to clean up Energy-efficient Saves nutrients Use little or no added fat Cook & serve in the same dish Ideal for convenience foods

Power & the Microwave Oven Higher power setting = more microwaves produced MW ovens have different power ratings; measured in watts Don’t use an extension cord with a MW oven; it reduces its power MW power is reduced if other appliances are on the same electrical circuit

Power Settings High = 100% Medium-High = 70% Medium = 50% Medium-low = 30% Low = 10%

Defrost To defrost means to remove ice crystals from a food without cooking the food Defrost setting on a MW is usually 30% power Follow a defrost cycle with an equal amount of standing time Cook food immediately after defrosting; do not hold it for later cooking

How does a microwave cook food? Microwaves are short radio waves. They cause the molecules in food to vibrate. Vibration creates friction. Friction creates heat. Heat cooks the food. MW penetrate food about 1½ “ deep. In thicker foods, heat is conducted to the center.

Microwaves travel in a straight path Microwaves are reflected by metal. Microwaves pass through glass, paper, plastic, and wax. Microwaves are absorbed by water, fat and sugar molecules in food. Microwaves are attracted to salt; wait until after cooking to salt the surface of a food.

Cookware for the Microwave YES Glass Most hard plastic Paper Some pottery & china NO Metal Recycled paper Food storage containers, such as margarine tubs

Shape of Cookware Ring shape is best choice. Round is second best choice. Shallow cookware works better than deep. Square or rectangular shape is worst choice because corners overcook before center is finished.

What is arcing? Arcing is an electrical spark inside the microwave oven. It looks like lightning! It occurs when microwaves connect between two points of metal. It can cause a fire if flammable materials are inside the MW. It can damage the microwave oven.

Automatic Features on the Microwave Cook 1/Cook 2 Defrost/Auto defrost Preprogrammed touch pads Sensors Turntable Temperature probe

When should food be covered? Covering - holds in steam keeps food moist shortens cooking time cooks more evenly reduces spatters Cover with – Plastic wrap Waxed paper Paper towel Lid

Special Microwave Techniques Stir, turn or rotate Standing time Pierce Shield Vent

How should I place food in the microwave oven? Arrange foods in a ring. Arrange foods like the spokes of a wheel. Leave space between pieces of food. Arrange with the thickest parts toward the outside of the ring.

Factors that Affect Timing Hot spots Density of the food Shape of the cookware Size of the food pieces Starting temperature of the food Amount of food in the oven at the same time # of watts of the MW oven

Testing dishes & containers Some equipment may not be labeled whether it is MW-safe. To test: Place a Pyrex measuring cup of water in the MW. Place the equipment to be tested NEXT to the measuring cup. Microwave for 1 – 2 minutes. Water should be hot, but equipment being tested should still be room temperature. If it gets hot, do not use it in the MW.

How do I convert my favorite recipes for the microwave? Shorten time to ¼ the conventional time. Reduce the amount of seasonings. of liquid. Compare to a similar recipe.