Micro Wave Ovens: Think Beyond TV Dinners
Microwave ovens can be used to prepare a huge variety of dishes from a plethora of recipes. If you've been using your microwave just to heat up those meals from grocery store freezers or to defrost, you're missing out on the great versatility, convenience and speed these appliances have to offer beyond those ho hum TV dinners.
In fact, with a little imagination, coupled with some basic knowledge, you can accumulate a great repertoire of delicious microwave recipes and go on to save tons of time in your busy schedule while at the same time enjoying some epicurean delights. For some of that basic knowledge, read on.
Microwave Ovens Aren't Just for TV Dinners
Using a microwave oven doesn't have to just mean heating up a TV dinner. Although microwaves can vary drastically in the amount of their cooking times, there are some general principles that can be followed.
1. Start with a recipe that you are familiar with. That way, you will know how it is supposed to taste before you start.
2. There are some foods that must be cooked in a conventional oven, such as any pastry dish or dessert that has not been precooked in a regular oven or fried foods.
3. For most dishes, there will be a 1/4 to 1/3 less cooking time in a microwave oven. Start with a shorter time, then test. If it's not cooked through, add more time. Most ovens have an automatic rotating plate; if yours does not have one, you should rotate the food when it's half way done so that it cooks evenly.
4. Reduce salt and other seasonings. Add more seasoning, if necessary, after cooking.
5. When roasting meats, turn the piece of meat over after half of the cooking time. There is no need for basting. Pierce the less tender meats all over with a fork before microwaving.
6. Omit the browning of meat for stews. Reduce the amount of liquid and cut meats and vegetables into smaller pieces than you would normally. Cover tightly before cooking.
7. For steaming, most foods can be microwaved in tightly covered dishes without water. Moisture is drawn from the food itself.
8. Most vegetables can be cooked in just a few tablespoons of water or in their own steam. Do not reduce the amount of water when cooking dried beans or peas.
9. For sauteing, omit the browning and the fat unless you need the fat for flavor. You won't usually need it if you spice the dish correctly. Microwave, covered, at a power setting appropriate for the food. Your users manual should give a list of foods and the temperatures they should be cooked at.
10. For poaching, reduce liquid to one cup or less. Season. Tightly cover dish with plastic wrap before cooking.
11. For casseroles, cut meat and vegetables into smaller cubes and slices. Rotate layered casseroles. Use quick-cooking rice rather than raw rice. Processed and soft cheeses work better than hard cheeses. Casserole topping will not crust or brown. It is better to use corn chips, onion rings or crushed croutons.
12. For stir-frying, use a browning dish that has been preheated. Add oil, meat and long-cooking vegetables first, stirring every two minutes. Remove. Add quick-cooking vegetables. Cook; then, combine all together.
There are too many variables for breads, cakes, cookies, desserts, jams and jellies. It is best to refer to a microwave conversion cookbook or use a recipe specifically for microwave cooking. Cookbooks for microwave ovens are easy to find these days.
You can cook entire meals in the microwave. Simply remember that you don't need as much liquid, your meats won't require browning and the cooking time is reduced drastically.
You, too, can learn how to cook at LearnHomeCooking.com
Shop for brand name Discount Microwave Ovens below:
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Panasonic NN-H765BF Full-Size 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, Black List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $129.99 Used From: $89.99 Average Rating:   |
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Panasonic NN-H765BF full-size 1.6 cu.ft. 1250 Watt, Easy-To-Use Button Control, Multi-Lingual Menu Action Screen, One-Touch Sensor Cooking (19 Categories), One-Touch Sensor Reheat, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Popcorn Key, Quick Minute, More/Less Control, Function Key (Black) |
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Sharp R-305KS 1-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Microwave Oven, Stainless List Price: $139.99 Sale Price: $100.99 Used From: $69.00 Average Rating:  |
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Sharp R-305KS 1100 Watts Stainless Silver Microwave |
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Haier MWM0701TB Compact 2/3-Cubic-Foot 700-Watt Microwave Oven, Black List Price: $54.99 Sale Price: $47.00 Average Rating: |
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Meals made to order. Haier's countertop microwave features 8 one-touch programs that act as your short order cook, automatically setting the time and energy level for different foods. Want more control? All the standard controls are there, too... |
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Panasonic NN-H765WF Full-Size 1-3/5-Cubic-Foot 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, White List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $119.99 Used From: $95.85 Average Rating: |
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Panasonic NN-H765WF full-size 1.6 cu.ft. 1250 Watt, Easy-To-Use Button Control, Multi-Lingual Menu Action Screen, One-Touch Sensor Cooking (19 Categories), One-Touch Sensor Reheat, Inverter Turbo Defrost, Keep Warm, Popcorn Key, Quick Minute, More/Less Control, Function Key (White) |
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Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige 1300-Watt 1-1/5-Cubic-Foot Stainless-Steel Microwave Oven List Price: $179.99 Sale Price: $140.99 Average Rating: |
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Panasonic, prestige 1-1/5 cu feet stainless steel microwave, one-touch sensor cook and reheat, 1300-watt of high power, inverter technology, inverter turbo defrost, programming dial and button panel for easy programming, 13 1/2-inch turntable, 4-digit readout, reflective mirror door, 10-level power settings, interactive mutli-lingual screen, more/less control feature, keep warm feature, popcorn key, quick minute, delay start and timer, 120-volt, stainless front and painted silver wrap. |
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