| In today's world, a microwaveable oven is a necessity | | | | items by adding salt to the food after its removal from |
| in every home. The microwave oven has definitely | | | | the microwave. Salt of the surface area of food items |
| made things easier, and it is practically common | | | | attracts the 'microwaves', which inadvertently result in |
| knowledge that microwave ovens are fast and easy | | | | a rubbery effect. |
| to use. However, if you have only been using your | | | | * A general rule-of-thumb is that, usually six minutes |
| microwave for the occasional reheating job or just for | | | | per pound will adequately cook most meats such as |
| popping corn; then you are definitely missing out on an | | | | meat, poultry and vegetables - seafood will require less |
| excellent cooking tool. | | | | time. |
| This article will highlight helpful cooking tips and pointers | | | | * Recipes which dictate recommended cooking |
| which can help you to make the most of your | | | | temperatures in degrees can be converted to a |
| microwave. | | | | microwave's temperature setting. Basically, a |
| Cooking Tips | | | | microwave on high or 100% power is equivalent to a |
| * When cooking foods that may have some sort of | | | | conventional oven operating at 425 degrees, and an |
| covering such as a shell or skin, it is always a good | | | | oven at 350 degrees would be about the same as a |
| idea to pierce the outer layer. This will prevent the | | | | microwave operating a 50% power. Cooking foods |
| food from exploding as a result of steam build-up. | | | | which would normally take an hour in a conventional |
| * Ensure that the containers used are specifically | | | | oven should take approximately 15 minutes using a |
| designed for use in a microwave oven. Also, when | | | | microwave. |
| preparing foods in a microwave choose a container | | | | * Foods such as cakes which would consist of |
| slightly larger than the one you would have used on a | | | | leavening agents, such as baking powder, should be |
| stove top, for example. | | | | allowed to stand for a few minutes prior to cooking in |
| * To achieve an even distribution of heat, it is | | | | the microwave. This is to allow the rising agents to do |
| recommended that all food portions be approximately | | | | their job. |
| the same size. If this is not possible, then smaller pieces | | | | * Finally, heating 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup |
| should be placed in the centre and larger pieces | | | | of water for about 2-3 minutes or until boiling does |
| arranged around the edge of the container. | | | | wonders in removing grease and other food stains |
| * Incidentally, keeping food covered with a plastic lid or | | | | which may have been splattered on the interior of |
| wrap helps the food to retain moisture which then | | | | your microwave. |
| allows for more even cooking. Leave a small space | | | | So, go ahead - amaze your family with various |
| between the food and the lid and always leave a | | | | microwave recipes. There are tons of cooking tips |
| corner of the container open to allow for excess | | | | available on the internet which will make your venture |
| steam to escape. | | | | into the world of 'microwave cooking' a culinary |
| * Avoid excessive drying of the outer layer of food | | | | success! |