OPERATION. Panasonic NN-S635, NN-SA646, NN-S654

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 11

Display Window

Control Panel

NN-S654

* The control panel of

NN-S635/SA646 has the same key layout as NN-S654.

Inverter Turbo Defrost

Pad

(

☛ page 13)

Popcorn

Pad (

☛ page 12)

Auto Reheat

Pad

(

☛ page 15)

Auto Cook

Pads

(

(

☛

☛ page 15)

Keep Warm

Pad page 11)

Number Pads

Timer

Pad (

☛ page 17)

Clock

Pad (

☛ page 10)

Stop/Reset

Pad

Before cooking:

One tap clears memory.

During cooking:

One tap temporarily stops the cooking process.

Another tap cancels all your instructions and time of day or colon appears in the

Display Window

.

Serving/Weight

Pad

(

☛ page 15)

More/Less

Pad

(

☛ page 12)

Power Level

Pad

(

☛ page 11)

Quick Min

Pad

(

☛ page 11)

Start

Pad

One tap allows oven to begin functioning. If door is opened or

Stop/Reset

Pad is pressed once during oven operation,

Start

Pad must be pressed again to restart oven.

Beep Sound:

When a pad is pressed correctly, a beep will be heard.

If a pad is pressed and no beep is heard, the unit did not or cannot accept the instruction.

When operating, the oven will beep twice between programmed stages. At the end of any complete program, the oven will beep 5 times.

9

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 12

Starting to Use

Your Oven!

1.

Display Window

• Plug into a properly grounded electrical outlet.

The oven automatically defaults to the imperial measure system

(oz/lb).

2.

If you wish to use metric system (g/kg):

• Press

Start

to convert to metric. Verify your selection in the display window.

3.

• Press

Stop/Reset

.

➤

Colon appears in the display window.

Child Safety Lock

This feature prevents the electronic operation of the oven until cancelled. It does not lock the door.

To Set:

• Press

Start

3 times.

“Child” appears in the display window.

➤

"Child" continues to be displayed until

Child Lock is cancelled. Keypads may be pressed but the microwave will not start.

To Cancel:

• Press

Stop/Reset

3 times.

➤

The display will return to colon or time of day when

Child Lock has been cancelled.

NOTE:

You can set Child Lock feature when the display shows a colon or time of day.

Setting the Clock

Example: To set 11:25 a.m. or p.m.

1.

• Press

Clock

once.

➤

Colon flashes.

2.

• Enter time of day using the number pads.

➤

Time appears in the display window; colon continues flashing.

3.

• Press

Clock

.

➤

Colon stops flashing; time of day is entered.

NOTES:

1. To reset the clock, repeat step 1-3.

2. The clock will retain the time of day as long as the oven is plugged in and electricity is supplied.

3. Clock is a 12 hour display.

4. Oven will not operate while colon is flashing.

10

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 13

Selecting Power

& Cook Time

Example: To cook at P 6 (MEDIUM) power for 1 minute 30 seconds

1.

Press 5 times.

2.

• Press

Power Level

until the desired power level appears in the display window.

• Set Cooking Time using number pads.

3.

• Press

Start

.

➤

Cooking will start.

The time in the display window will count down.

Press once twice

3 times

4 times

5 times

6 times

7 times

8 times

9 times

10 times

Power Level

P10 (HIGH)

P9

P8

P7 (MEDIUM-HIGH)

P6 (MEDIUM)

P5

P4

P3 (MEDIUM-LOW)/DEFROST

P2

P1 (LOW)

NOTES:

1. For more than one stage cooking, repeat steps 1 and 2 for each stage of cooking before pressing

Start

Pad. The maximum number of stages for cooking is 5.

When operating, two beeps will sound between each stage. Five beeps will sound at the end of the entire sequence.

2. When selecting P10 (HIGH) power for the first stage, you may begin at step 2.

3. When selecting P10 (HIGH) power, the maximum programmable time is 30 minutes. For other power levels, the maximum time is 99 minutes and 99 seconds.

4. For reheating, use P10 (HIGH) for liquids, P7 (MEDIUM-HIGH) for most foods and P6 (MEDIUM) for dense foods.

5. For defrosting, use P3 (MEDIUM-LOW).

DO NOT OVER COOK.

This oven requires less time to cook than an older unit. Over cooking will cause food to dry out and may cause a fire. A microwave oven’s cooking power tells you the amount of microwave power available for cooking.

11

Quick Min Feature

This feature allows you to set or add cooking time in 1 minute increments up to

10 minutes.

To Set Cooking Time:

1.

2.

• Press

Quick Min

until the desired cooking time (up to 10 minutes) appears in the display window.

Power Level is pre-set at P10.

Press

Start

.

Cooking begins and the time will count down.

At the end of cooking,

5 beeps sound.

NOTES:

1. If desired, you can use other power levels. Select desired power level before setting cooking time.

2. After setting the time by

Quick Min

Pad, you cannot use Number Pads.

3.

Quick Min

Pad can be used to add more time during manual cooking.

Keep Warm Feature

This feature will keep food warm for up to

30 minutes after cooking.

Example: To keep 2 cups of gravy warm

1.

• Press

Keep Warm

.

2.

to

• Set warming time, up to 30 minutes.

3.

• Press

Start

.

➤

Keep Warm will start. The time in the display window will count down.

NOTE:

Keep Warm

can be programmed as the final stage after cook time/s have been manually entered. It cannot be used in combination with sensor or auto features.

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 14

Popcorn Feature

Example: To pop 3.5 oz. of popcorn

1.

Press once

• Press

Popcorn

until the desired size appears in the display window.

Press once twice

3 times

Weight

3.5 oz (99 g)

3.0 oz (85 g)

1.75 oz (50 g)

2.

(see

More/Less

Feature.) or

Optional

3.

• Press

Start

.

➤

After several seconds, cooking time appears in the display window and begins to count down.

NOTES ON POPCORN FEATURE:

1. Pop one bag at a time.

2. Place bag in oven according to manufacturers’ directions.

3. Start with popcorn at room temperature.

4. Allow popped corn to sit unopened for a few minutes.

5. Open bag carefully to prevent burns, because steam will escape.

6. Do not reheat unpopped kernels or reuse bag.

NOTE:

If popcorn is of a different weight than listed, follow instructions on popcorn package.

Never leave the oven unattended.

If popping slows to 2 to 3 seconds between pops, stop oven.

Overcooking can cause fire.

REMARKS:

When popping multiple bags one right after the other, the cooking times may vary slightly. This does not affect the popcorn results.

More/Less Feature

For Popcorn:

By using the

More/Less

Pad, the programs can be adjusted to cook popcorn for a longer or shorter time if desired.

: Adds time

: Subtracts time

More 2 = Adds Approx. 20 secs.

More 1 = Adds Approx. 10 secs.

original setting

Less 1 = Subtracts Approx. 10 secs.

Less 2 = Subtracts Approx. 20 secs.

Press

More/Less

pad before pressing

Start

.

For Auto Reheat/Cook:

Preferences for food doneness vary with each individual. After having used the

Auto

Reheat/Cook

feature a few times, you may decide you would prefer your food cooked to a different doneness.

: Adds time

: Subtracts time

More 1 = Adds Approx. 10% time original setting

Less 1 = Subtracts Approx. 10% time

Press

More/Less

pad before pressing

Start

.

12

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 15

Inverter Turbo Defrost Feature

This feature allows you to defrost foods such as: meat, poultry and seafood simply by entering the weight.

Example: To defrost 1.5 pounds of meat

Place food on microwave safe dish.

1.

• Press

Inverter Turbo

Defrost

.

2.

3.

• Enter weight of the food using the number pads.

• Press

Start

.

Defrosting will start.

The time will count down. Larger weight foods will cause a signal midway through defrosting. If 2 beeps sound, turn over, rearrange foods or shield with aluminum foil.

Conversion Chart:

Follow the chart to convert ounces or hundredths of a pound into tenths of a pound. To use Inverter Turbo Defrost, enter the weight of the food in lbs. (1.0) and tenths of a lb. (0.1). If a piece of meat weighs 1.95 lbs. or 1 lb. 14 oz., enter 1.9 lbs.

Ounces

0

1 - 2

3 - 4

5

6 - 7

8

9 - 10

11 - 12

13

14 - 15

Hundredths of a Pound

.01 - .05

.06 - .15

.16 - .25

.26 - .35

.36 - .45

.46 - .55

.56 - .65

.66 - .75

.76 - .85

.86 - .95

Tenths of a Pound

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

Defrosting Tips & Techniques

Preparation For Freezing:

1. Freeze meats, poultry, and fish in packages with only 1 or 2 layers of food. Place wax paper between layers.

2. Package in heavy-duty plastic wraps, bags (labeled “For Freezer”), or freezer paper.

3. Remove as much air as possible.

4. Seal securely, date, and label.

To Defrost:

1. Remove wrapper. This helps moisture to evaporate. Juices from food can get hot and cook the food.

2. Set food in microwave safe dish.

3. Place roasts fat-side down. Place whole poultry breast-side down.

4. Select power and minimum time so that items will be under-defrosted.

5. Drain liquids during defrosting.

6. Turn over (invert) items during defrosting.

7. Shield edges and ends if needed. (See Cooking Techniques).

After Defrosting:

1. Large items may be icy in the center. Defrosting will complete during STANDING TIME.

2. Let stand, covered, following stand time directions on page 14.

3. Rinse foods indicated in the chart.

4. Items which have been layered should be rinsed separately or have a longer stand time.

13

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 16

Defrosting Tips & Techniques

(continued)

FOOD

DEFROST

TIME at P3 mins (per lb)

Fish and Seafood

[up to 3 lbs. (1.4 kg)]

Crabmeat

Fish Steaks

Fish Fillets

Sea Scallops

Whole fish

Meat

Ground Meat

Roasts

[2 1 /

2

-4 lbs. (1.1-1.8 kg)]

Chops/Steak

Ribs/T-bone

Stew Meat

Liver (thinly sliced)

Bacon (sliced)

Poultry

Chicken, Whole

[up to 3 lbs. (1.4 kg)]

Cutlets

Pieces

Cornish Hens

Turkey Breast

[5-6 lbs. (2.3-2.7 kg)]

6 to 8

6 to 8

4 to 8

4 to 6

6

4 to 6

4 to 6

4 to 6

4 to 6

4 to 5

4 to 8

4

4 to 6

4 to 6

4 to 6

6 to 8

6

DURING DEFROSTING

AFTER DEFROSTING

Stand Time Rinse

Break apart/Rearrange

Turn over

Turn over/Rearrange/Shield ends

Break apart/Remove defrosted pieces

Turn over

Turn over/Remove defrosted portion/Shield edges

Turn over/Shield ends and defrosted surface

Turn over/Rearrange/Shield ends and defrosted surface

5 min.

10 min.

30 min. in refrig.

Turn over/Rearrange/Shield ends and defrosted surface

Break apart/Rearrange/

Remove defrosted pieces

Drain liquid/Turn over/

Separate pieces

Turn over

5 min.

- - - -

YES

NO

20 min. in refrig.

Turn over/Shield

Break apart/Turn over/

Remove defrosted Pieces

Break apart/Turn over/Shield

Turn over/Shield

Turn over/Shield

5 min.

10 min.

20 min. in refrig.

YES

14

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 17

Auto Reheat

Feature

This feature allows you to reheat 1 to 4 servings of cooked, refrigerated food without setting power and time.

Example: To reheat 2 servings of casserole

1.

2.

Press twice

• Press

Auto Reheat

until the desired number of servings appears in the display window.

(see

More/Less

Feature)

(

☛ page 12) or

Optional

3.

• Press

Start

.

➤

Cooking begins and the time will count down.

Press Auto

Reheat pad to indicate number or servings

Average

Serving

Size once twice

3 times

4 times

4-6 oz.

8 oz.

12 oz.

16 oz.

Time will vary depending on size and wattage of oven

NOTES:

For best results, follow these recommendations:

1. All foods must be previously cooked.

2. Foods should always be covered loosely with plastic wrap, wax paper or casserole lid.

3. All foods should have a covered stand time of 3 to 5 minutes.

4. DO NOT reheat bread and pastry products using Auto Reheat. Use manual power and time instead.

5. DO NOT reheat beverages.

6. Times are based on an approximate serving size of 4 oz.

7. A plate of food is normally 3-4 servings.

Auto Cook

Feature

These are tested and pre-timed (based on the power rating of this oven) for the quantity of food listed in the chart on page

16. Locale, power fluctuations and personal tastes are not taken into account.

Should you prefer your food cooked differently, use power and time method shown on page 11.

Example: To cook a 10 oz. Frozen Entrées

1.

Press 3 times

2.

• Press until the desired food number appears in the display window.

3.

Press twice or

Optional

4.

• Press

Serving/Weight

until the desired serving/weight appears in the display window.

(see

More/Less

Feature)

(

☛ page 12)

• Press

Start

.

➤

Cooking begins and the time will count down.

15

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 18

Auto Cook Chart

Pad

Breakfast

Recipe

1. Oatmeal

2. Beverages

3. Bacon

Serving/Weight

0.5, 1 cup

(40, 80 g)

Hints

Place inside a microwave safe serving bowl with no cover. Follow manufacturers’ directions for preparation.

1, 2 cups This feature allows you to reheat 1 cup (250 ml) or

(250, 500 ml) 2 cups (500 ml) of room temperature beverages without setting power and time.

NOTE:

1.Use a microwave safe cup.

2.Heated liquids can erupt if not mixed with air.

Do not heat liquids in your microwave oven without stirring before and halfway through heating.

3.Care must be exercised not to overheat liquids when using the Beverage feature. It is programmed to give proper result when heating

1 cup (250 ml) or 2 cups (500 ml) of liquid, starting from room temperature. Overheating will cause an increased risk of scalding, or water eruption. Refer to page 2, item 18.

4 slices (3.2-4 oz) Place slices of bacon on top of paper-towel-lined

(90-110 g) microwave safe dish. Cover with paper towel.

6 slices (4.8-5.8 oz) Time may vary by brand and weight. If bacon is not

(135-165 g) cooked to your liking, continue to heat by manually

10 slices (8.1-9.5 oz) adding more time.

(230-270 g)

14 slices (11.6-13 oz)

(330-370 g)

Lunch 4. Soup

5. Frozen Pizza

(single)

6. Frozen

Entrées

1, 2 cups Pour soup into a microwave safe serving bowl.

(250, 500 ml) Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap. Stir after cooking.

8 oz.

(225 g)

Follow manufacturers’ directions for preparation.

8, 10, 20, 32 oz. Follow manufacturers’ directions for preparation.

(225, 300, 600, 900 g) After 2 beeps, stir or rearrange. Be careful when removing the film cover after cooking. Remove facing away from you to avoid steam burns.

If additional time is needed, continue to cook manually.

Snack

Side Dish

Dinner

7. Hot Dog

8. Potatoes

1, 2, 3, 4 hot dogs Make 3 slits on each Hot Dog. Place Hot Dog on paper plate or microwave safe dish leaving space between each. Times may vary by size and manufacturer.

1, 2, 3, 4 potatoes Pierce each potato with a fork 6 times spacing

(6 - 8 oz. each) around surface. Place potato or potatoes around

(170 - 225 g) the edge of paper-towel-lined glass tray

(Turntable), at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Do not cover. Let stand 5 minutes to complete cooking.

9. Fresh

4, 8, 12, 16 oz.

All pieces should be the same size. Wash thor-

Vegetables

(110, 225, 340, 450 g) oughly, add 1 tbsp. of water per

1

/

2 cup of vegetables, and cover with lid or vented plastic wrap.

Do not salt/butter until after cooking.

10. Frozen

6, 10, 16 oz.

Wash thoroughly, add 1 tbsp. of water per 1 /

2

Vegetables

(170, 300, 450 g) cup of vegetables, and cover with lid or vented plastic wrap. Do not salt/butter until after cooking.

(Not suitable for vegetables in butter or sauce.)

After 2 beeps, stir or rearrange.

11. Frozen

Dinners

11, 16 oz. Follow manufactures’ directions for covering or

(300, 450 g) removing covers. Do not use frozen foods packaged in foil trays.

12. Fish Fillets

4, 8, 12, 16 oz.

Arrange in a single layer.

(110, 225, 340, 450 g) Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap.

16

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 19

Timer Feature

This feature allows you to program the oven as a kitchen timer. It can also be used to program a standing time after cooking is completed and/or to program a delay start.

To Use as a Kitchen Timer:

Example: To count down 5 minutes.

1.

• Press

Timer

.

CAUTION:

If oven lamp is lit while using the timer feature, the oven is incorrectly programed. Stop oven immediately and re-read instructions.

To Set Delay Start:

Example: To delay the start of cooking for 5 minutes, and cook at P6 power for 3 minutes.

1.

• Press

Timer

.

2.

3.

• Set desired amount of time using number pads.

(up to 99 minutes and

99 seconds).

• Press

Start

.

➤

Time will count down without oven operating.

2.

3.

• Enter desired amount of delay time using number pads. (up to

99 minutes and 99 seconds)

• Enter the desired

Power Level

(see page 11 for directions).

Press 5 times

4.

Set desired cooking time using number pads.

To Set Stand Time:

Example: To cook at P6 power for 3 minutes, with stand time of

5 minutes.

1.

• Enter the desired

Power Level

(see page 11 for directions).

Press 5 times

2.

Set desired cooking time using number pads.

3.

4.

5.

• Press

Timer

.

• Set desired amount of

Stand Time using number pads. (up to

99 minutes and 99 seconds)

• Press

Start

.

➤

Cooking will start.

After cooking, stand time will count down without oven operating.

5.

• Press

Start

.

➤

Delay time will count down. Then cooking will start.

NOTE:

1. When each stage finishes, a two-beep signal sounds. At the end of the program, the oven will beep five times.

2. If the oven door is opened during

Stand Time, Kitchen Timer or Delay

Time, the time on the display will continue to count down.

3. Stand time and Delay start cannot be programmed before any automatic

Function. This is to prevent the starting temperature of food from rising before defrosting or cooking begins. A change in starting temperature could cause inaccurate results.

17

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 20

Microwave Shortcuts

FOOD POWER

To separate refrigerated P10 (High)

Bacon

,

1 pound (450 g)

TIME

(in mins.)

30 sec.

DIRECTIONS

Remove wrapper and place in microwave safe dish. After heating, use a plastic spatula to separate slices.

To soften

Brown Sugar

P10 (High) 20 - 30 sec. Place brown sugar in microwave safe dish

1 cup (250 ml) with a slice of bread. Cover with lid or plastic wrap.

To soften refrigerated

Butter

, P3 (MED-LOW)

1 stick,

1

/

4 pound (110 g)

To melt refrigerated

Butter

, P6 (MEDIUM)

1 stick,

1

/

4 pound (110 g)

To melt

Chocolate

,

1 square, 1 oz. (28 g)

To melt

Chocolate

,

1 /

2 cup (125 ml) chips

To toast

Coconut

,

1

/

2 cup (125 ml)

P6 (MEDIUM)

P6 (MEDIUM)

P10 (High)

To soften

Cream Cheese

, P3 (MED-LOW)

8 oz. (225 g)

To brown

Ground Beef

, P10 (High)

1 pound (450 g)

1 Remove wrapper and place butter in a microwave safe dish.

1 1 /

2

- 2 Remove wrapper and place butter in a microwave safe dish covered with lid or vented plastic wrap.

1 - 1 1 /

2

Remove wrapper and place chocolate in a microwave safe dish. After heating, stir

1 - 1

1

/

2 until completely melted.

Note: Chocolate holds its shape even when softened.

1 Place in a microwave safe dish.

Stir every 30 seconds.

1 - 2

4 - 5

Remove wrapper and place in a microwave safe bowl.

Crumble into a microwave safe colander set into another dish. Cover with plastic wrap. Stir twice. Drain grease.

To cook

Vegetables

,

Fresh

(

1

/

2 lb)

(225 g)

P8

Frozen

(10 oz)

(285 g)

Canned

(15 oz)

(430 g)

P8

P8

3 1 /

2

- 4 All pieces should be the same size. Wash thoroughly, add 1 tbsp of water per

1

/

2 cup of vegetables, and cover with lid or vented plastic wrap. Do not salt/butter until after cooking.

3 1 /

2

- 4 Wash thoroughly, add 1 tbsp of water per

1 /

2 cup of vegetables, and cover with lid or vented plastic wrap. Do not salt/butter until after cooking. (Not suitable for vegetables in butter or sauce.)

3

1

/

2

- 4 Empty contents into microwave safe serving bowl. Cover with lid or vented plastic wrap.

18

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 21

Microwave Shortcuts

(continued)

To cook baked

Potato

,

(6 - 8 oz. each)

(170 - 225 g)

1

2

FOOD POWER

P8

P8

TIME

(in mins.)

DIRECTIONS

Pierce each potato with a fork 6 times spacing around surface. Place potato or potatoes around the edge of paper-towel-

3 1 /

2

- 4 lined glass tray (Turntable), at least 1 inch

(2.5 cm) apart. Do not cover. Let stand 5

6 - 7 minutes to complete cooking.

To steam

Hand Towels

- 4 P10 (High) 20 - 30 sec. Soak in water, then wring out excess.

Place on a microwave safe dish.

Heat. Present immediately.

To soften

Ice Cream

,

1 /

2 gallon (2 L)

P3 (MED-LOW)

Cup of liquid

To boil water, broth

, etc.

P10 (High)

1 cup, 8 oz. (250 ml)

2 cups, 16 oz. (500 ml)

1 - 1

1

2

1

1

/

/

2

2

1 /

- 2

- 3

2

Check often to prevent melting.

Heated liquids can erupt if not stirred.

Do not heat liquids in microwave oven without stirring before heating.

Cup of liquid

To warm Beverage

,

1 cup, 8 oz. (250 ml)

2 cups, 16 oz. (500 ml)

P7 (MED-HIGH)

1

2

1

1

/

/

2

2

- 2

- 3

To roast

Nuts

,

1

1

/

2 cups (375 ml)

To toast

1

Sesame Seeds

/

4 cup (60 ml)

To skin

Tomatoes

,

(one at a time)

,

P10 (High)

P10 (High)

P10 (High)

3 - 4 Spread nuts into a 9-inch (23 cm) microwave safe pie plate.

Stir occasionally.

2 - 2 1 /

2

Place in a small microwave safe bowl.

Stir twice.

To remove

Cooking Odors

, P10 (High)

30 sec.

Place tomato into a microwave safe bowl containing boiling water. Rinse and peel.

Repeat for each tomato.

5 Combine 1 to 1 1 /

2 cups (250 - 375 ml) water with the juice and peel of one lemon in a 2 quart microwave safe bowl.

After water finishes boiling, wipe interior of oven with a cloth.

19

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 22

Food Characteristics Cooking Techniques

Bone and Fat

Both bone and fat affect cooking. Bones may cause irregular cooking. Meat next to the tips of bones may overcook while meat positioned under a large bone, such as a ham bone, may be undercooked. Large amounts of fat absorb microwave energy and the meat next to these areas may overcook.

Density

Porous, airy foods such as breads, cakes or rolls take less time to cook than heavy, dense foods such as potatoes and roasts. When reheating donuts or other foods with different centers be very careful. Certain foods have centers made with sugar, water, or fat and these centers attract microwaves (For example, jelly donuts). When a jelly donut is heated, the jelly can become extremely hot while the exterior remains warm to the touch. This could result in a burn if the food is not allowed to cool properly in the center.

Quantity

Two potatoes take longer to cook than one potato. As the quantity of the food decreases so does the cooking time. Overcooking will cause the moisture content in the food to decrease and a fire could result.

Never leave microwave unattended while in use.

Shape

Uniform sizes heat more evenly. The thin end of a drumstick will cook more quickly than the meaty end. To compensate for irregular shapes, place thin parts toward the center of the dish and thick pieces toward the edge.

Size

Thin pieces cook more quickly than thick pieces.

Piercing

Foods with skins or membranes must be pierced scored or have a strip of skin peeled before cooking to allow steam to escape. Pierce clams, oysters, chicken livers, whole potatoes and whole vegetables. Whole apples or new potatoes should have a 1-inch strip of skin peeled before cooking. Score sausages and frankfurters. Do not

Cook/Reheat whole eggs with or without the shell. Steam build up in whole eggs may cause them to explode, and possibly damage the oven or cause injury.

Reheating SLICED hard-boiled eggs and cooking SCRAMBLED eggs is safe.

Browning

Foods will not have the same brown appearance as conventionally cooked foods or those foods which are cooked utilizing a browning feature. Meats and poultry may be coated with browning sauce,

Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce or shake-on browning sauce. To use, combine browning sauce with melted butter or margarine and brush on before cooking.

For quick breads or muffins, brown sugar can be used in the recipe in place of granulated sugar, or the surface can be sprinkled with dark spices before baking.

Spacing

Individual foods, such as baked potatoes, cupcakes and appetizers, will cook more evenly if placed in the oven equal distances apart. When possible, arrange foods in a circular pattern.

Starting Temperature

Foods that are at room temperature take less time to cook than if they are chilled, refrigerated, or frozen.

20

F00036K82AP 2006.2.13 09:34 Page 23

Cooking Techniques

(continued)

Covering

As with conventional cooking, moisture evaporates during microwave cooking.

Casserole lids or plastic wrap are used for a tighter seal. When using plastic wrap, vent the plastic wrap by folding back part of the plastic wrap from the edge of the dish to allow steam to escape. Loosen or remove plastic wrap as recipe directs for stand time.

When removing plastic wrap covers, as well as any glass lids, be careful to remove them away from you to avoid steam burns.

Various degrees of moisture retention are also obtained by using wax paper or paper towels.

Shielding

Thin areas of meat and poultry cook more quickly than meaty portions. To prevent overcooking, these thin areas can be shielded with strips of aluminum foil. Wooden toothpicks may be used to hold the foil in place.

CAUTION

is to be exercised when using foil. Arcing can occur if foil is too close to oven wall or door and damage to your oven will result.

Cooking time

A range of cooking time is given in each recipe. The time range compensates for the uncontrollable differences in food shapes, starting temperature, and regional preferences. Always cook food for the minimum cooking time given in a recipe and check for doneness. If the food is undercooked, continue cooking. It is easier to add time to an undercooked product. Once the food is overcooked, nothing can be done.

Stirring

Stirring is usually necessary during microwave cooking. Always bring the cooked outside edges toward the center and the less cooked center portions toward the outside of the dish.

Rearranging

Rearrange small items such as chicken pieces, shrimp, hamburger patties, or pork chops. Rearrange pieces from the edge to the center and pieces from the center to the edge of the dish.

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Turning

It is not possible to stir some foods to distribute the heat evenly. At times, microwave energy will concentrate in one area of the food. To help insure even cooking, these food need to be turned. Turn over large foods, such as roasts or turkeys, halfway through cooking.

Stand Time

Most foods will continue to cook by conduction after the microwave oven is turned off.

In meat cookery, the internal temperature will rise 5°F to 15°F (3°C to 8°C), if allowed to stand, tented with foil, for 10 to 15 minutes. Casseroles and vegetables need a shorter amount of standing time, but this standing time is necessary to allow foods to complete cooking to the center without overcooking on the edges.

Test for Doneness

The same tests for doneness used in conventional cooking may be used for microwave cooking. Meat is done when fork-tender or splits at fibers. Chicken is done when juices are clear yellow and drumstick moves freely. Fish is done when it flakes and is opaque. Cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester is inserted and comes out clean.

ABOUT FOOD SAFETY AND

COOKING TEMPERATURE

• Check foods to see that they are cooked to the United States Department of

Agriculture’s recommended temperatures.

TEMP

160˚F

165˚F

FOOD

...for fresh pork, ground meat, boneless white poultry, fish, seafood, egg dishes and frozen prepared food.

...for leftover, ready-to-reheat refrigerated, and deli and carryout “fresh” food.

170˚F

180˚F

...white meat of poultry.

...dark meat of poultry.

To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in a thick or dense area away from fat or bone. NEVER leave the thermometer in the food during cooking, unless it is approved for microwave oven use.