AEG MCD2660E, MCD2661E User Manual

0 (0)

MCD2660E / MCD2661E

Microwave oven with grill Mikrowellengerät mit grill Four á micro-ondes avec gril Magnetronoven met grill Horno Microondas con grill

Operating instructions Gebrauchsanweisung Notice d’utilisation Gebruiksaanwijzing Instrucciones de Manjo

UK

D

F

NL

E

PERFEKT IN FORM UND FUNKTION

Dear Customer,

Thank you for buying an AEG microwave oven and putting your trust in the AEG brand name.

Before using your AEG microwave oven for the first time, please read the instruction book thoroughly. This will enable you to take advantage of all the features that the appliance offers. It will also ensure trouble-free operation and minimize unnecessary service calls.

Important information concerning your safety or the operation of your appliance is noted by this symbol and/or mentions words such as «Warning», «Take care». Be sure to follow all instructions carefully.

Throughout the manual, this symbol guides you step by step when operating the appliance.

This symbol indicates further information concerning the use of the appliance.

The clover indicates energy-saving tips and hints for environmentally friendly use of your appliance.

In the event of malfunctioning, please follow the instructions given in the section «What to do if...»

UK

Contents

 

Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . .2 - 4

Oven & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .5

Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .6

Before operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .7

Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .7

What are microwaves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . .8

Suitable ovenware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .8 - 9

Tips & advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 - 14

Microwave power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .15

Microwave cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .16

Grill & dual grill cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .17

Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18 - 19

Auto cook & defrost operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20 - 21

Auto cook & defrost charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22 - 24

Recipes for auto cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25 - 26

Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27 - 29

Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

30 - 44

Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .45

What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .46

Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .47

Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .47

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .48

Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . .48

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

49 - 50

1

Important safety instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

To avoid the danger of fire

The microwave oven should not be left unattended during operation. Power levels that are too high or cooking times that are too long may overheat foods resulting in a fire.

The electrical outlet must be readily accessible so that the unit can be unplugged easily in an emergency.

The AC power supply must be 230 V, 50 Hz, with a minimum 16 A distribution line fuse, or a minimum 16 A distribution circuit breaker.

It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only this appliance be provided.

Do not store or use the oven outdoors.

If food being heated begins to smoke, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. Turn off and unplug the oven and wait until the food has stopped smoking. Opening the door while food is smoking may cause a fire.

Only use microwave-safe containers and utensils. See Page 8 - 9.

Do not leave the oven unattended when using disposable plastic, paper or other combustible food containers.

Clean the waveguide cover, the oven cavity, the turntable and turntable support after use. These must be dry and free from grease. Built-up grease may overheat and begin to smoke or catch fire.

Do not place flammable materials near the oven or ventilation openings. Do not block the ventilation openings.

Remove all metallic seals, wire twists, etc., from food and food packages. Arcing on metallic surfaces may cause a fire.

Do not use the microwave oven to heat oil for deep frying. The temperature cannot be controlled and the oil may catch fire.

To make popcorn, only use special microwave popcorn makers.

Do not store food or any other items inside the oven. Check the settings after you start the oven to ensure the oven is operating as desired.

See the corresponding hints in this operation manual.

To avoid the possibility of injury

WARNING:

Do not operate the oven if it is damaged or malfunctioning. Check the following before use:

a)The door; make sure the door closes properly and ensure it is not misaligned or warped.

b)The hinges and safety door latches; check to make sure they are not broken or loose.

c)The door seals and sealing surfaces; ensure that they have not been damaged.

d)Inside the oven cavity or on the door; make sure there are no dents.

e)The power supply cord and plug; ensure that they

are not damaged.

Never adjust, repair or modify the oven yourself. It is hazardous for anyone other than a competent person to carry out any service or repair operation which involves the removal of a cover which gives protection against exposure to microwave energy.

Do not operate the oven with the door open or alter the door safety latches in any way.

Do not operate the oven if there is an object between the door seals and sealing surfaces.

Do not allow grease or dirt to build up on the door seals and adjacent parts. Follow instructions for “Care and Cleaning”, Page 45. Failure to maintain the oven in a clean condition could lead to a deterioration of the surface that could adversely affect the life of the appliance and possibly result in a hazardous situation.

Individuals with PACEMAKERS should check with their doctor or the manufacturer of the pacemaker for precautions regarding microwave ovens.

To avoid the possibility of electric shock

Under no circumstances should you remove the outer cabinet.

Never spill or insert any objects into the door lock openings or ventilation openings. In the event of a spill, turn off and unplug the oven immediately and call an authorised AEG service agent.

Do not immerse the power supply cord or plug in water or any other liquid.

Do not allow the power supply cord to run over any hot or sharp surfaces, such as the hot air vent area at the top rear of the oven.

2

UK

Important safety instructions

Do not attempt to replace the oven lamp yourself or allow anyone who is not authorised by AEG to do so. If the oven lamp fails, please consult your dealer or an authorised AEG service agent.

If the power supply cord of this appliance is damaged, it must be replaced with a special cord. The exchange must be made by an authorised AEG service agent.

To avoid the possibility of explosion and sudden boiling:

WARNING: Liquids and other foods must not be heated in sealed containers since they are liable to explode.

Never use sealed containers. Remove seals and lids before use. Sealed containers can explode due to a build up of pressure even after the oven has been turned off.

Take care when microwaving liquids. Use a widemouthed container to allow bubbles to escape.

Microwave heating of beverages can result in delayed eruptive boiling, therefore care has to be taken when handling the container.

To prevent sudden eruption of boiling liquid and possible scalding:

1.Stir liquid prior to heating/reheating.

2.It is advisable to insert a glass rod or similar utensil into the liquid whilst reheating.

3.Let liquid stand in the oven at the end of cooking time to prevent delayed eruptive boiling.

Do not cook eggs in their shells, and whole hard boiled eggs should not be heated in microwave ovens since they may explode even after microwave cooking has ended. To cook or reheat eggs which have not been scrambled or mixed, pierce the yolks and the whites, or the eggs may explode. Shell and slice hard boiled eggs before reheating them in the microwave oven.

Pierce the skin of such foods as potatoes, sausages and fruit before cooking, or they may explode.

To avoid the possibility of burns

Use pot holders or oven gloves when removing food from the oven to prevent burns.

Always open containers, popcorn makers, oven cooking bags, etc., away from the face and hands to avoid steam burns.

To avoid burns, always test food temperature and stir before serving and pay special attention to the temperature of food and drink given to babies, children or the elderly.

Temperature of the container is not a true indication of the temperature of the food or drink; always check the food temperature.

Always stand back from the oven door when opening to avoid burns from escaping steam and heat.

Slice stuffed baked foods after heating to release steam and avoid burns.

Keep children away from the door and accessible parts that may become hot when the grill is in use. Children should be kept away to prevent them burning themselves.

Do not touch the oven door, outer cabinet, rear cabinet, oven cavity, ventilation openings, accessories and dishes during GRILL mode, DUAL GRILL mode and AUTO COOK operation as they will become hot. Before cleaning make sure they are not hot.

To avoid misuse by children

Warning: Only allow children to use the oven without supervision when adequate instructions have been given so that the child is able to use the oven in a safe way and understands the hazards of improper use.

Do not lean or swing on the oven door. Do not play with the oven or use it as a toy.

Children should be taught all important safety instructions: use of pot holders, careful removal of food coverings; paying special attention to packaging (e.g. self-heating materials) designed to make food crisp, as they may be extra hot.

Other warnings

Never modify the oven in any way.

This oven is for home food preparation only and may only be used for cooking food. It is not suitable for commercial or laboratory use.

To promote trouble-free use of your oven and avoid damage.

Never operate the oven when it is empty except where recommended in the operation manual, see page 17 note 2. Doing so may damage the oven.

When using a browning dish or self-heating material, always place a heat-resistant insulator such as a porcelain plate under it to prevent damage to the turntable and turntable support due to heat stress. The preheating time specified in the dish’s instructions must not be exceeded.

3

Important safety instructions

Do not use metal utensils, which reflect microwaves and may cause electrical arcing. Do not put cans in the oven.

Only use the turntable and the turntable support designed for this oven. Do not operate the oven without the turntable.

To prevent the turntable from breaking:

(a)Before cleaning the turntable with water, leave the turntable to cool.

(b)Do not put hot foods or hot utensils on a cold turntable.

(c)Do not put cold foods or cold utensils on a hot turntable.

Do not place anything on the outer cabinet during operation.

Do not use plastic containers for microwaving if the oven is still hot from using the GRILL mode, DUAL GRILL mode and AUTO COOK operation, because they may melt. Plastic containers must not be used during above modes unless the container manufacturer says they are suitable.

NOTE:

If you are unsure how to connect your oven, please consult an authorised, qualified electrician.

Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer can accept any liability for damage to the oven or personal injury resulting from failure to observe the correct electrical connection procedure.

Water vapour or drops may occasionally form on the oven walls or around the door seals and sealing surfaces. This is a normal occurrence and is not an indication of microwave leakage or a malfunction.

4

UK

Oven & accessories

1

2

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

5

9

8

7

6

10

 

 

 

 

1.

Grill heating element

 

2.

Front trim

15

3.

Oven lamp

4.

Control panel

 

5.

Door opening button

 

6.

Waveguide cover

11

 

 

7.Oven cavity

8.

Seal packing

14

 

9.

Door seals and sealing surfaces

12

 

 

10.Fixing points (4 points)

11.Ventilation openings

12.

Outer cover

13

13.

Rear cabinet

 

14.

Power supply cord support clips

 

15.

Power supply cord

 

ACCESSORIES:

16

Check to make sure the following accessories are

 

provided:

 

(16) Turntable (17) Turntable support (18) High rack

17

(19) Low rack (20) 4 fixing screws (not shown)

 

• Place the turntable support in the seal packing on

 

the floor of the cavity.

 

Then place the turntable on the turntable support.

To avoid turntable damage, ensure dishes or containers are lifted clear of the turntable rim when removing them from the oven.

NOTE: When you order accessories, please mention two

items: part name and model name to your dealer or 18 authorised AEG service agent.

19

5

AEG MCD2660E, MCD2661E User Manual

Control panel

1 Digital Display

2 Indicators

The appropriate indicator will flash or light up, just above each symbol according to the instruction.

1 When an indicator is flashing, press the appropriate button (having the same symbol) or carry out the necessary operation.

2

 

Stir

 

 

 

 

Turn over

 

 

Weight/power level

 

 

Grill

3

 

Microwave

 

 

Cooking in progress

4

3

TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER knob

5

4

AUTO COOK button

 

 

 

Press to select one of the 2 automatic programmes.

6

5

AUTO COOK PLUS GRILL 1 button

7

 

Press to select one of the 2 automatic programmes.

6

AUTO COOK PLUS GRILL 2 button

 

 

Press to select one of the 4 automatic programmes.

8

7

AUTO DEFROST button

 

Press to select one of the 4 automatic programmes.

 

 

 

8

COOKING MODE button

 

 

Press to select either microwave, grill or dual grill, or

 

 

use to set the clock.

9

1. press once to select microwave function.

2. press twice to select the grill.

103. press three times to select dual grill mode, microwave with grill.

9 START/QUICK button

10 STOP button

11 DOOR OPENING button

11

6

Before operation

Plug in the oven.

1.The oven display will flash:

2.Press the STOP button, the display will show:

x1

3.To set the clock, see below.

4.Heat the oven without food. (See page 17 note 2).

UK

Using the STOP button

Use the STOP button to:

1.Erase a mistake during programming.

2.Stop the oven temporarily during cooking.

3.Cancel a programme during cooking, touch twice.

Setting the clock

There are two setting modes: 12 hour clock and 24 hour clock.

1.To set the 12 hour clock, hold the COOKING MODE button down for 3 seconds. will appear in the display.

2.To set the 24 hour clock, press the COOKING MODE button once more after

Step 1, in the example below

will appear in the display.

To set the clock, follow the example below.

Example: To set the 24 hour clock to 23:35.

x1 and hold for

3 secs.

1. Choose the clock function.

Choose the 24 hour

2. Set the hours. Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/

(12 hour clock).

clock.

POWER knob until the correct hour is

 

 

 

 

 

 

displayed (23).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x1 and hold for 3 seconds

x1

 

 

 

3. Press the COOKING

4. Set the minutes. Rotate the

5. Press the COOKING

MODE button to

 

TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER

MODE button to start

change from hours to

 

knob until the correct

the clock.

minutes.

 

minute is displayed (35).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x1

 

x1

NOTES:

 

 

 

1.

You can rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER knob

 

after the power is reinstated. If this

 

clockwise or counter-clockwise.

occurs during cooking, the programme will be

2.

Press the STOP button if you make a mistake during

erased. The time of day will also be erased.

3.

programming.

4. When you want to reset the time of day, follow the

If the electrical power supply to your microwave oven

above example again.

 

is interrupted, the display will intermittently show

 

 

 

7

What are microwaves?

What are microwaves?

Like radio and television waves, microwaves are electromagnetic waves.

Microwaves are produced by a magnetron inside the microwave oven, and these vibrate the molecules of water present in the food. The friction this causes produces heat, which ensures that the food is defrosted, heated or cooked through.

The secret of the reduced cooking times is the fact that the microwaves penetrate the food from every direction. Energy is used to the full. In comparison, the energy from a conventional hob passes from the burner through the pan and so to the food.

This method wastes a great deal of energy.

The characteristics of microwaves

Microwaves penetrate all non-metal objects made of glass, china, earthenware, plastic, wood or paper. This is why the microwaves never make these materials hot. Dishes become hot only because the food inside them is hot.

The food absorbs the microwaves and is heated. Microwaves cannot pass through objects made of metal and so they are deflected. For this reason metal objects are not normally suitable for microwave cookery. There are exceptions where you can actually make use of the fact that the microwaves cannot pass through metal. If you cover food with aluminium foil at specific points while it is defrosting or cooking, you can prevent those parts from getting too warm, too hot, or overcooked. Please check out the advice given in the guide.

Suitable ovenware

Glass & ceramic glass

Heat-resistant glass utensils are very suitable. The cooking process can be observed from all sides. They must not, however, contain any metal (e.g. lead crystal), nor have a metallic overlay (e.g. gold edge, cobalt blue finish).

Ceramics

Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed, since with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into the ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat up and may make it shatter. If you are not certain whether your utensil is suitable for the microwave, carry out the utensil suitability test. (See page 9).

Porcelain

Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have a gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain any metal.

Plastic utensils

Heat resistant plastic utensils which are suitable for use in the microwave can be used to thaw, heat and cook food. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Paper utensils

Heat resistant paper made for use in a microwave oven is also suitable. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Kitchen paper

can be used to absorb any moisture which occurs in short heating methods, e.g. of bread or products in bread crumbs. Insert the paper between the food and the revolving plate. The surface of the food will

stay crispy and dry. Covering greasy food with kitchen paper will catch splashes.

8

Suitable ovenware

Microwave cling film

This, or heat-resistant film, is very suitable for covering or wrapping. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Roasting bags

Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are not suitable for fastening them since the roasting bag foil might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with string and pierce

it several times with a fork. Non heat-resistant food wraps are not recommended for use in a microwave oven.

The right utensils for combined operation

For combined operation (Microwave + grill) and grill operation, you can use any heat-resistant accessories, e. g. porcelain, pottery, glass. It is possible to use metal accessories only for a simple grill operation.

Browning dish

A special microwave dish made from ceramic glass with a metal alloy base, which allows food to be browned. When using the browning dish a suitable insulator, e.g. a porcelain plate, must be placed between the turntable and the browning dish. Be careful to adhere exactly to the pre-heating time given in the manufacturer's instructions. Excessive pre-heating can damage the turntable and the turntable stand or can trigger the safety-device which will switch off the oven.

UK

Metal

Generally speaking, metal should not be used, since microwaves do not pass through metal and therefore cannot reach the food. There are, however, exceptions:

small strips of aluminium foil may be used to cover certain parts of the food, so that these do not thaw too quickly or begin to cook (e.g. chicken wings). Small

metal skewers and aluminium containers (e.g. of readycooked meals) can be used. They must, however, be small in relation to the food, e.g. aluminium containers must be at least 2/3 to 3/4 filled

with food. It is recommended that you transfer the food into a dish suitable for use in the microwave. When using aluminium containers or other metal utensils there must be a gap of approx. 2 cms between them and the walls of the cooking area, otherwise the walls could be damaged by possible arcing.

NO UTENSIL SHOULD HAVE A METAL overlay, or metal parts such as screws, bands or handles..

Utensil suitability test

If you are not sure whether your utensil is suitable for use in your microwave oven, carry out the following test: Place the utensil into the oven. Place a glass container filled with 150 ml of water on or next to the utensil.

Switch on the oven at 900 W power for 1 to 2 minutes. If the utensil stays cool or just warm to the touch, it is suitable. Do not use this test on a plastic utensil. It could melt.

9

Tips & advice

Before you start...

To make it as easy as possible to use the microwave oven we have put together a few hints and tips for you. Only switch on the oven when the food is already inside.

Setting the cooking time

Defrosting, re-heating and cooking times are generally much shorter than in a conventional oven or hob. So you will need to consult this book for the recommended cooking times. It is better to set shorter rather than longer cooking times. Always test the food after the cooking time has elapsed. It is better then to continue cooking it for a little longer, than to have overcooked food.

Starting temperature

Defrosting, re-heating and cooking times depend on the temperature of the food when you start. For example, deep frozen and refridgerated food will need longer than food that is at room temperature. Standard storage temperaturs of food are assumed for re-heating and cooking times (refridgerator temperature of 5° C, Room temperature of approximately 20° C). For defrosting food a starting temperature of -18° C is assumed.

Cook popcorn only in special microwave safe containers. Refer exactly to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use a normal paper or glass container.

Do not cook eggs in the unbroken shells. Pressure builds up inside the shell and this may result in the egg exploding.

Do not heat oil or fat for deepfrying inside the microwave oven. It is impossible to control the temperature of the oil and it may suddenly splash out of the pan.

Do not heat sealed containers such as jars or tins. The pressure inside the container could cause the container to explode. (The exception is when you are making preserves).

Cooking times

All the times given in this book are guidelines, which can be varied according to the initial temperature, weight and condition of the food (water or fat content etc.).

Salt, spices & herbs

Food cooked in your microwave retains its individual flavour better than it does when conventional preparation methods are used. For this reason you should use salt sparingly and normally add it only after cooking. Salt absorbs liquid and dries out the outer layer of food. Herbs and spices can be used as normal.

Types of use

Microwave: you can defrost frozen foods in a short time.

Combined operation: With the combination of microwave and grill you can cook and roast at the same time. Therefore, the advantages of these appliances will combine sensibly and mutually. The heat of the grill quickly seals the pores of the food and the microwave functions for a short time. The food keeps its moisture inside and is crispy on the outside. Grill: Your oven is provided with a quartz grill, which you can also use without microwave operation like any other conventional grill.

Cooking test

The cooking status of meals can be tested as with conventional preparation:

Food thermometer: Each food has a certain interior temperature at the end of the heating process. With a food thermometer you can determine whether the food is hot or cooked enough.

Fork: You can check fish with a fork. If the fish meat is no longer clear and comes easily from the fishbones, it is. If it is over-cooked, it becomes tough and dry.

Wooden skewer: Cakes and bread can be tested by inserting a wooden skewer. If the skewer remains clean and dry after pulling it out they are done.

10

Tips & advice

Using a food thermometer to determine cooking time

The internal temperature of food and drink can be ascertained with a food thermometer. The most important temperatures are specified in the temperature table.

Drink / Food

Internal

Internal temp.

 

temperature

after 10 - 15 mins

 

once cooked

standing time

 

 

 

Heating drinks

65-75o C

 

(Coffee, Water, Tea, Milk

 

 

etc.)

 

 

Heating soup

75-80o C

 

Heating stew

75-80o C

 

Poultry

80-85o C

85-90o C

Lamb

 

 

Pink

70o C

70-75o C

Well done

75-80o C

80-85o C

Roast beef

 

 

Rare

50-55o C

55-60o C

Medium

60-65o C

65-70o C

Well done

75-80o C

80-85o C

Pork, Veal

80-85o C

80-85o C

Addition of water

Vegetables and other foods with a high water content can be cooked in their own juice or with the addition of a little water. This ensures that many vitamins and minerals are preserved.

Food in skin or shells

Foods such as sausages, chickens, chicken legs, baked potatoes, tomatoes, apples, egg yolks or such like should be pricked or pierced with a fork or small wooden skewer. This will enable the steam which forms to dissipate without splitting the skin or shell.

Fatty foods

Fatty meat and layers of fat cook better than lean portions of meat. Before cooking, cover the fatty portions with a piece of aluminium foil or place the food with the fat side down.

UK

Blanching vegetables

Before freezing vegetables, they should be blanched. This preserves the quality and flavour at their best. Method: wash and chop the vegetables. Put 250g of vegetables in a dish with 275 ml water and cover. Heat for 3-5 minutes. After blanching, immerse

immediately in cold water to prevent further cooking and then allow to drain. Pack vegetables in an airtight container and freeze.

Preserving fruit and vegetables

Using the microwave for preserving is quick and easy. There are preserving jars, rubber vacuum seals and suitable seals made of plastic available specially made for microwaves. The manufacturers will supply precise instructions for use.

Large & small quantities

Microwave times are directly dependent upon the amount of food which you would like to thaw, heat or cook. This means that small portions cook more quickly than larger ones. As a rule of thumb:

TWICE THE AMOUNT = ALMOST TWICE THE TIME HALF THE AMOUNT = HALF THE TIME

Deep & shallow containers

Both containers have the same capacity, but the cooking time is longer for the deeper one. You should therefore choose as flat a container as possible with a large surface area. Only use deep containers for dishes where there is a danger of overcooking, e.g. for noodles, rice, milk etc..

Round & oval containers

Food cooks more evenly in round or oval containers than in containers with corners, since the microwave energy concentrates in the corners and the food in these areas could become overcooked.

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Tips & advice

Covering

Covering the food retains the moisture within it and shortens the cooking time. Use a lid, microwave cling film or a cover. Foods which are to be crispy, e.g. roasts or chickens, should not be covered. As a general rule, whatever would be covered in a conventional

oven should also be covered in a microwave oven. Whatever would be uncovered in a conventional oven can also be left uncovered in a microwave oven.

Irregular shaped food

Place the thicker, more compacted end of the food pointing towards the outside. Place vegetables (such as broccoli) with the stalks pointing outward.

Stirring

Stirring the food is necessary, since the microwaves begin by heating the outer areas. The temperature is thereby equalised and the food heats up evenly.

Arrangement of food

Place a number of individual portions, such as small pudding moulds, cups or potatoes in their jackets, in a circle on the turntable. Keep the portions at a distance from each other so that the microwave energy can reach the food from all sides.

Turning

Medium-sized items, such as hamburgers and steaks, should be turned over once during cooking, in order to shorten the cooking process. Large items, such as roasts and chickens, must be turned, since the upper side receives more microwave energy and could dry out if not turned.

Standing time

Keeping to the standing time is one of the most important rules with microwaves. Almost all foods, which are thawed, heated or cooked in the microwave, require a certain amount of time to stand, during

which temperature equalisation takes place and the moisture in the food is evenly distributed.

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Heating

Ready-prepared meals in aluminium containers should be removed from the aluminium container and heated on a plate or in a dish.

Food should be covered with microwave cling film, a plate or cover (obtainable from stores), so that the surface does not dry out. Drinks need not be covered.

Remove the lids from firmly closed containers.

When boiling liquids such as water, coffee, tea or milk, place a glass stirrer in the container.

If possible, stir large quantities from time to time, to ensure that the temperature is evenly distributed.

The times are for food at a room temperature of 20° C. The heating time for food stored in a refrigerator should be increased slightly.

UK

After heating allow the food to stand for 1-2 minutes, so that the temperature inside the food can be evenly distributed (standing time).

The times given are guidelines which can be varied according to the initial temperature, weight, water content, fat content or the result which you wish to achieve.

Defrosting

Your microwave is ideal for defrosting. Defrosting times are usually considerably shorter than in traditional methods. Here are a few tips. Take the frozen item out of its packaging and place on a plate for defrosting.

Boxes & containers

Boxes and containers suitable for microwaves are particularly good for defrosting and heating food, since they can withstand temperatures in a deep freeze (down to approx. -40° C) as well as being heat-resistant (up to approx. 220° C). You can therefore use the same container to freeze, defrost, heat and even cook the food, without having to transfer it.

Covering

Cover thin parts with small strips of aluminium foil before defrosting. Defrosted or warm parts should likewise be covered with aluminium strips during defrosting. This stops the thin parts becoming too hot while thicker parts are still frozen.

Correct setting

It is better to choose a setting which is too low rather than one which is too high. By so doing you will ensure that the food defrosts evenly. If the microwave setting is too high, the surface of the food will already have begun to cook while the inside is still frozen.

Turning/stirring

Almost all foods have to be turned or stirred from time to time. As early as possible, separate parts which are stuck together and rearrange them.

Small amounts...

defrost more quickly and evenly than larger ones. We recommend that you freeze portions which are as small as possible. By so doing you will be able to prepare whole menus quickly and easily.

Foods requiring careful handling,

such as gateaux, cream, cheese and bread should only be partially defrosted and then left to defrost completely at room temperature. By so doing you will avoid the outer areas becoming too hot while the inside is still frozen.

Standing time

This is particularly important after defrosting food, as the defrosting process continues during this period. In the defrosting table you will find the standing times for various foods. Thick, dense foods require a longer standing time than thinner foods or food of a porous nature. If the food has not defrosted sufficiently, you may continue defrosting it in the microwave oven or lengthen the standing time accordingly. At the end of the standing time you should process the food as soon as possible and not re-freeze it.

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Cooking fresh vegetables

When buying vegetables try to ensure that, as far as possible, they are of similar size. This is particularly important when you want to cook the vegetables whole (e.g. boiled potatoes).

Wash the vegetables before preparing them, clean them and only then weigh the required quantity for the recipe and chop them up.

Season them as you would normally, but as a rule only add salt after cooking.

Add about 5 tbsps of water for 500 g of vegetables. Vegetables which are high in fibre require a little more water. You will find information about this in the table (see page 27).

Vegetables are usually cooked in a dish with a lid. Those with a high moisture content, e.g. onions or boiled potatoes, can be cooked in microwave cling film without adding water.

After half the cooking time has elapsed vegetables should be stirred or turned over.

After cooking allow the vegetables to stand for approx. 2 minutes, so that the temperature disperses evenly (standing time).

The cooking times given are guidelines and depend upon the weight, initial temperature and condition of the type of vegetable in question. The fresher the vegetables, the shorter the cooking times.

Cooking meat, fish & poultry

When buying food items, try to ensure that, as far as possible, they are of similar size. This will ensure that they are cooked properly.

Before preparation wash meat, fish and poultry thoroughly under cold running water and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Then continue as normal.

Beef should be well hung and have little gristle.

Even though the pieces may be of a similar size, cooking results may vary. This is due, amongst other things, to the kind of food, variations in the fat and moisture content as well as the temperature before cooking.

Turn large pieces of meat, fish or poultry half way through the cooking time, so that they are cooked evenly from all sides.

After cooking cover roasts with aluminium foil and allow them to stand for approx. 10 minutes (standing time). During this period the roast carries on cooking and the liquid is evenly distributed, so that when it is carved a minimum amount of juice is lost.

Defrosting & cooking

Deep-frozen dishes can be defrosted and cooked at the same time in one process in your microwave. You will find some examples in the table. Do take note, however, of the general advice given on "heating" and "defrosting" food.

Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging when preparing deepfrozen dishes. These usually contain precise cooking times and offer advice on preparation.

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