Cooking Techniques - Oster OGYM1401 User Manual

COOKING UTENSILS GUIDE (continued)
NOT RECOMMENDED
Glass jars and bottles -- Regular glass is too thin to be used in a microwave. It can shatter and cause damage and
injury.
Paper bags -- These are a fire hazard, except for popcorn bags that are designed for microwave use.
Styrofoam plates and cups -- These can melt and leave unhealthy residue on food.
Plastic storage and food containers -- Containers such as margarine tubs can melt in the microwave.
Metal utensils -- These can damage your microwave. Remove all metal before cooking.
Note:
z
Should you wish to check if a dish is safe for microwaving, place the empty dish in the microwave and microwave
on high for 30 seconds. A dish that becomes very hot should not be used.

COOKING TECHNIQUES

Your microwave makes cooking easier than conventional cooking, provided you keep these considerations in mind:
STIRRING
z
Stir foods such as casseroles and vegetables while cooking to distribute heat evenly.
z
Food at the outside of the dish absorbs more energy and heats quicker, so stir from the outside to the center.
z
The microwave will turn off when you open the door to stir your food.
ARRANGEMENT
z
Arrange evenly shaped foods, such as chicken pieces or chops, with the thicker, meatier parts towards the
outside of the turntable where they receive more microwave energy.
z
To prevent overcooking, place delicate areas, such as asparagus tips, towards the center of the turntable.
SHIELDING
z
Shield food with narrow strips of aluminum foil to prevent overcooking.
z
Areas that need shielding include poultry wing tips, the ends of poultry legs, and corners of square baking
dishes.
z
Use only small amounts of aluminum foil, as larger amounts may damage your microwave.
TURNING
z
Turn foods over midway through cooking to expose all parts to microwave energy.
z
This is especially important when cooking large foods such as roasts.
12