1. Microwave Cooking

2. How Microwaves Work Microwaves are waves of energy
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Magnetron tube produces microwaves
Food molecules vibrate
Causing friction (heat)
Penetrates 1 ½- 2 in
Center of food cooked by conduction

4. Factors Affecting Cooking Time
Volume/ Quantity
Density of food
Composition of the food
Fat
Sugar
Water
Shape
Temperature of food
Starting temp
Desired final temp

5. Safety Features Interlock switch- microwave won’t work with door open
Tiny holes in the “window” are smaller than the microwave

6. Microwave Safe Materials
Glass
Plastic (of labeled microwave safe)
Ceramics/ Pottery (beware certain glazes)
Paper products
Plastic Wrap
Wax paper
Paper towels
(not recycled ones)

7. Unsafe Materials Aluminum foil wrapped foods
Small amounts for shielding is ok
Containers meant for the freezer or fridge (Ex: butter or cool-whip containers)
Metal
Including utensils

8. Cookware
The containers you cook foods in absorb the heat from the food (conduction)
Microwave safe containers allow microwaves to pass through
To test microwave safeness:
#1 check for a label
#2 Put 1c water in the dish.
Microwave 1 minute
If dish is still cool = safe
If dish is hot = not safe

9. Standing Time
Food keeps cooking even after you take it out of the microwave
Allow some time for the food to equalize in temperature (spread to the center of the food)
So you want to test foods at the minimum recommended cooking time

10. Even Cooking Rotate Arrange food (like spokes on a wheel) Stir food
Round shapes cook more evenly
Stir food
Also good to keep gravies from clumping
Shield food
Elevate food
Even shapes and sizes of food

11. Preventing overcooking
Check the food at the minimum suggested time
Shield with a small piece of foil if food is uneven or has bones

12. Preventing A Mess/Sparking
Arching- a discharge of static electricity that causes a spark
Prick food- pierce foods with a casing with a fork to allow steam to escape
Plastic Bags
Potatoes
Hotdogs

13. In case of FIRE… Push stop Unplug microwave
Leave the microwave door closed

14. What CAN a microwave do? Reheat Shorten cooking time
Defrost/ Thaw frozen foods
Steam (with the proper cover)
Uses less water
Shorter cooking time
Keeps more nutrients in the food
Cook meat
Cook baked products*

15. What CAN’T a Microwave do?
Shorten cooking time on things that need to boil (ex: pasta)
Brown Foods-
To make up for this try:
Serving with a colorful sauce
Add toppings (streusel or frosting)
Brush meats with BBQ sauce
Baking high quality baked goods
Does not brown the food
Over-microwaving can make it tough or rubbery

16. Microwave Care
Use mild, soapy water to clean