Microwave Cooking

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Microwave Cooking
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How it Works

• Electromagnetic wave emitted by a magnetron tube
  and set in motion by a fan or turn table
• Some areas get more microwaves, resulting in
  uneven cookingrotating helps cook evenly
• Microwaves are attracted to water, fat, and sugar
  molecules causing them to vibrate and heat

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Waves are emitted from an opening in the metal
case. Waves are then reflected off the sides and
penetrate food in the process.
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Safety Features

• Seal around door
• Door Safety Switch/Short Circuit Safety Switch
  (turns off when you open the door)
• Do not attempt to use if the door does not seal
  properly, is bent, or hinges or latches are
  broken!

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Utensils

• Best to use glassware, china, or ceramic dishes
• Plastic and paper are good for reheating, but not
  for prolonged cooking. They cannot withstand high
  temperatures.
• Make sure steam can escape or have room to build
  up
• Avoid wax coated materials, delicate glass and
  anything containing metal

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Is it safe to use?

• Put an empty container in the microwave for 1
  minute. Safe cookware should still be cool.
• or
• Measure 1 cup of water and put it in the dish in
  question. Cook for 1 ½ -2 min.
• If the dish stays cool, it is safe
• to use in the mirowave.

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Shapes and Arrangements

• Foods cook around the outside edges first.
  Position heavier/denser portions on the outside.
• Centers should be left empty, except when cooking
  1 item.
• Use a glass or bowl to keep the center open

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Position Items 1 Apart

3 items
2 items
5 or more items
4 items
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Shapes Etc. (cont.)

• Rotate dish(es) ¼ turn once or twice during
  cooking
• Round shapes cook more evenlycorners have more
  energy passed through them and may overcook
• High/tall foods close to the top also receive
  more energy

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Cooking / Reheating

• Defrost and various power levels indicate the
  auto shutoffs at certain intervals
• Stir while cooking to prevent uneven cooking
• Cooking times will differ for every appliance as
  well as volume of food, size, and cooking utensil

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Cooking Tips

• Covering while microwaving evokes similar results
  from conventional cooking-steam is retained to
  tenderize food and shorten cooking time.
• Shield some portions that are particularly
  sensitive to overcooking.

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Standing Time

• Recipes allow for standing time.
• This is the amount of time that it takes for the
  food molecules to stop vibrating after the
  microwave process ends.
• Cooking continues during this period of time, so
  it is factored into the recipes time requirement.

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Guidelines for Using Foil

• Food quantity is much greater than foil/skewers
• Metal/foil is grounded along the bottom of
  microwave

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Browning

• Foods cooked in a microwave often do not have
  time to brown/crisp.
• Additional ingredients can be used to create a
  browning effect

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Browning Alternatives

• Teriyaki/soy sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Melted Butter
• Worcestershire/steak sauce
• Bread crumbs
• Shredded Cheese
• Brown Sugar
• Nuts
• Jellies, Preserves, and Glazes

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Benefits

• Time Savings-cook 3-4 times faster than ovens
• Energy SavingsUsed up to 14 electricity of
  conventional oven and less power for a shorter
  period of time
• No preheating
• Auto-turn off
• Quick and easy cleanup