24
Cooking Charts
Convenience Category
Amount
Suggestions
Popcorn
1.75 oz,
3.0 oz,
3.5 oz.
Cook a single “microwave-only” bag of popcorn at a time. Use caution when
removing and opening the hot popcorn bag from the oven. Let microwave
oven cool down at least 5 minutes before using again.
Beverage
1 2 3
Cups
120, 240,
360 ml.
Use a microwave-safe measuring cup or mug; do not cover. Place the
beverage in the microwave. After heating, stir well. Let oven cool for at least
5 minutes before using again. Beverages heated with the beverage
category may be very hot. Remove the container with care.
Microwave Terms
Convenience cooking suggestions
Term
Definition
Arcing
Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing Is caused by:
Ÿ
The metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching the microwave walls.
Ÿ
The metal or foil touching the side of the oven.
Ÿ
Foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas).
Ÿ
Metal such as twist-ties, poultry pins, gold-rimmed dishes.
Ÿ
Recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces.
Covering
Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce cooking time. Venting plastic
wrap or covering with waxed paper allows excess steam to escape.
Shielding
In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked foods to prevent over-browning. When
micro waving, you use small strips of foil to shield thin parts, such as the tips of wings and legs on
poultry, which would cook before larger parts.
Standing Time
When you cook with regular ovens, foods such as roasts or cakes are allowed to stand to finish
cooking or to set. Standing time is especially important in microwave cooking. Note that a
microwave cake is not placed on a cooling rack.
Venting
After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap by turning back one corner so
excess steam can escape.
