Guide To Using Your Microwave

When it comes to using your microwave there are some basics that you need to remember to obtain the optimum results that you are seeking.

Safety:
Always observe manufacturer's instructions when operating your microwave oven. It's important to keep the oven interior clean from spills and splatters, especially around doors and seals. Food buildup can impede cooking time and effiency.

If your microwave is not functioning correctly, get it check by a professional before using it again.

Heating Consistency:
To assure thorough results; rotate, stir or rearrange large amounts of food and/or containers halfway through the cooking cycle. Microwave ovens with a carousel feature do this automatically for you.

Standing Time:
Foods removed from microwave ovens often require a few minutes of "standing time" prior to serving.

Steaming:
Microwave steamers and roasters require a quarter inch of water or other liquid at the bottom of the microwave cookware unit. Some foods will require you to monitor the cooking progress and to add water to prevent drying.

High Fat Foods:
Avoid microwave foods with high fat content (such as some meat & pork products) in microwave and storage containers not designed for those foods.

Timing:
Compact and other low-watt microwave ovens (600 watt or less) may require longer cooking times than some recipes or packaging instructions call for.

Cleaning:
Fill microwave safe glass container with 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute. The steam will help loosen stuck on food products & splatters for easy cleaning. The Lemon also is a natural deodorizer.

Proper Microwave Containers:
You should only use proper microwave safe containers in your microwave. Just because a container is made of plastic doesn't mean its microwave safe.

Make sure any paper products such as paper plates, paper towels, etc. that you use in your microwave are also designated safe for microwave use.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys cooking, baking and entertaining family and friends in her home. You can visit Shelly's online cooking and recipe site at wahmshelly.blogspot.com for free cooking tips and recipe ideas.

Print This Article Comment on Article Email to Friends Ezine Ready

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated