microwave conversion tips

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Converting Recipes for Microwave

 

The microwave cooking time may take longer than one-fourth the conventional

cooking time for items normally cooked on top of the stove.

 

After you have some experience with a microwave oven, you'll probably

want to begin

converting some of your favorite recipes for use with the microwave.

You'll be able to

convert some recipes very easily. Others may require more experimentation.

 

Evaporation is a factor…

 

Because microwave ovens cook more quickly and with less evaporation, you

will need

to reduce the moisture in the conventional recipe by one-fourth. For

example, if your

recipe calls for one cup of water, reduce it to three-fourths of a cup.

For this same

reason, you should use herbs and spices sparingly. These flavors don't

evaporate

when they're used in a microwave oven.

 

Determining cooking times…

 

Remember, that one cup of tap water boils in two-and-half to three

minutes. The

average food takes one fourth the time required in a conventional oven.

If your favorite

casserole takes one hour in a conventional oven, it should cook in only

fifteen minutes

in a microwave oven. The microwave cooking time may take longer than

one-fourth

the conventional cooking time for items normally cooked on top of the

stove. In fact,

you find that you save very little time, if any at all, by cooking this

type food in a

microwave oven.

 

Factors which affect the cooking time include:

 

 

The temperature of the food when you begin cooking it

 

the shape of the food

 

the volume of the food

 

the density of the moisture

 

the weight of it

 

and the wattage of your oven.

 

 

Look through your micro-wave cookbooks to find a recipe similar to yours.

This can

sometimes be a big help to you in determining which setting to use in

cooking your

dish. Remember, approximately one fourth of the conventional oven time is

required.

 

If at first you don't succeed…

 

As you experiment with converting your recipes, you may find that you

will have tried

them more than once before you get the best results. Make a note of

changes so you

will remember them the next time.

 

For more information on microwave cooking, contact your local county

Extension office.