top 9 ways to get the most out of your microwave

How To Make top 9 ways to get the most out of your microwave

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  TIPS AND SAFETY FACTS: You cannot use metal, most aluminum foil, dishes w/ a metal trim in the microwave. In some ovens, a lightweight foil may be used to shield the parts of food that cook the fastest, such as bony parts of chicken. Check your manual on your model.
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  Stirring or rearranging food during cooking helps ensure even results. Rotating the dish in the oven does the same thing. Using the turntable is an easy way to make sure that food cooks evenly.
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  Paper towels prevent splattering and they absorb grease and moisture. When using paper towels, it is best to use plain white w/out any dye in them.
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  Plastic wrap is often used in micro cooking since it holds in the moisture and heat so well. To prevent chemicals from leaching from the wrap into the food, don't allow plastic to touch the food. Be sure to turn back the corner of plastic to allow steam to vent. Wax or parchment paper makes a good, loose covering when you simply want to hold in some heat. For longer cooking foods, glass lids are preferred. Always be careful of the steam when lifting the lid.
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  Because microwaves w/ the same wattage will perform differently, you cannot depend on cooking time alone as a guide to doneness. Be sure to follow recipes' instructions for stopping to check the progress of cooking, stirring food as required.
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  POWER SETTINGS: Most recipes are tested in ovens with a power level of 650 - 700 watts. If your ovens' maximum is 600 watts or less, adjust the cooking time accordingly - add a minute or so, and rely on tests for doneness. HIGH = 100% MEDIUM HIGH = 70% MEDIUM = 50% MEDIUM LOW = 30% LOW (defrost) = 10%
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  TOP 9 TIME SAVERS: Put your microwave to work in cutting preparation time, even when you are making a recipe by conventional methods. Here are the most useful ways that it can help you. 1.) To get the most juice from citrus, heat in microwave on high power just until warm, about 30 seconds. When you cut and squeeze, you will get more fresh juice. 2.) To cook bacon, place a double sheet of paper towels on a microwave safe or paper plate. Lay the bacon in a single layer and cover w/ another paper towel. Cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, then allow to stand for 5 minutes. Thinly sliced will cook faster than thickly sliced and a few pieces cook faster than a larger amount. 3.) Frozen vegetables packaged in plastic bags can be cooked right in the microwave. Pierce the package several times for venting and cook vegetables for 5 - 8 minutes on high power. 4.) Fresh vegetables wrapped in damp paper towels steam very well in the micro. Use veggies of similar size or density, or cut them into uniform size pieces. Cook on high until tender-crisp; 4 to 5 minutes for 8 ounces of vegetables. 5.) When heating muffins or bread, put in a microwave safe container w/ a tight fitting lid and heat for 20 - 30 seconds on medium-low power. This will keep bread from turning hard. 6.) Butter can be softened on a microwave safe plate; remove the wrapper if it is foil. Heat the butter on medium-low power for 30 - 40 seconds per 4 oz. until spreadable. Cream cheese may be softened the same way. To melt 4 ounces of butter, heat it on medium power for 30 seconds @ a time until completely melted. 7.) Toast nuts in a shallow microwave safe plate. Heat 2 1/2 ounces of shelled nuts on high power until they are lightly browned, 2 1/2 - 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. 8.) To soften ice cream, heat unopened carton on medium-low for 10-20 seconds. 9.) To melt chocolate, place 1 oz. in small bowl. Heat on high power until just shiny, 1-2 minutes. Stir until melted.
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