LG MV1604ST Owner's Manual - Page 22

COOKING Appetizers / Sauces / Soups Meat Cooking Appetizers: Tips and Techniques Recommended • Crackers, such as melba toast, shredded wheat, and crisp rye crackers are best for microwave use. Wait until party time to add the spreads. Place a paper towel under the crackers while they cook in the microwave oven to absorb extra moisture. • Arrange individual appetizers in a circle for even cooking. • Stir dips to distribute heat and shorten cooking time. Cooking Sauces: Tips and Techniques • Use a microwavable casserole or glass measuring cup that is at least 2 or 3 times the volume of the sauce. • Sauces made with cornstarch thicken more rapidly than those made with flour. Cooking Soups: Tips and Techniques • Cook soups in a microwavable dish which holds double the volume of the recipe ingredients to prevent boil-over, especially if you use cream or milk in the soup. • Generally, cover microwaved soups with VENTED plastic wrap or a microwavable lid. • Cover foods to retain moisture. Uncover foods to retain crispness. • Avoid overcooking by using the minimum suggested time. Add more time, if necessary, only after checking the food. Cooking Meat: General Directions • Prepare the meat for cooking. - Defrost completely. - Trim off excess fat to avoid splattering. - Place the meat, fat side down, on a microwavable rack in a microwavable dish. - Use oven cooking bag for less tender cuts of meat. - Arrange the meat so that thicker portions are toward the outside of the dish. - Cover the meat with waxed paper to prevent splattering. • Tend the meat as it cooks. - Drain juices as they accumulate to reduce splattering and keep from overcooking the bottom of the meat. - Shield thin or bony portions with strips of foil to prevent overcooking. NOTE: Keep the foil at least 1 inch from the oven walls, and do not cover more than one-third of the meat with foil at any one time. • Let the meat stand covered with foil 10-15 minutes after you remove it from the oven. The internal temperature of the meat may rise from 5-10°F during standing time. The Meat Cooking Table on the next page provides detailed directions, Power Level, and Cooking Time settings for most cuts of meat. Not Recommended • Appetizers with a crisp coating or puff pastry are best done in a conventional oven with dry heat. • Breaded products can be warmed in the microwave oven but will not come out crisp. • Cook sauces made with cornstarch or flour uncovered so you may stir them 2 or 3 times during cooking for a smooth consistency. • To adapt a conventional sauce or gravy recipe, reduce the amount of liquid slightly. • Stirring occasionally will help blend flavors, distribute heat evenly, and may even shorten the cooking time. • When converting a conventional soup recipe to cook in the microwave, reduce the liquid, salt, and strong seasonings. - 22 -