Magic Chef MCD1311ST User Manual - Page 18

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 Turning Turn foods oven midway through cooking to expose all parts to microwave energy. This is especially important with large items such as roasts. Standing Standing Foods cooked in the microwave build up internal heat and cotinue 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. 17