Testing Utensils; Cooking Techniques - Amana Radarange AMC5108AAB/W Owner's Manual

AMC5108AA_GB.fm Page 20 Thursday, March 11, 2004 9:50 AM
Cooking Instructions

Testing Utensils

If you are not sure whether a dish is microwave-safe or not, you can perform this
test:
1
Fill a glass measuring cup with water and put it inside your oven,
next to the dish you want to test.
2
Press the Start/ +1 Min. button once to heat them for one minute
at High power.
The water should be warm and the dish you are testing should be cool. If the
dish is warm, then it is absorbing microwave energy and is not acceptable for
use in the microwave.

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.
Arrangement
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.
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.
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.
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