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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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