AEG MC1761EM User Manual

MC1751E / MC1761E

Microwave oven

Operating instructions

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...»

Contents

Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 3

Oven & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Before operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

What are microwaves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Suitable ovenware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Tips & advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 - 10

Microwave power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Manual operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 - 13

Automatic operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Automatic charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 - 16

Recipes for automatic AC-6 & AC-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 - 20

Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 - 24

Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Customer care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 - 30

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. 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 7.

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 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 25. 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 your local Service Force Centre. 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. Do not attempt to replace the oven lamp yourself or allow anyone who is not authorised by Service Force to do so. If the oven lamp fails, please consult your dealer or contact your local Service Force Centre. 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 Service Force technician.

Important safety instructions

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 it 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 to prevent them burning themselves.

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. 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 dishes instructions must not be exceeded. 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.

turntable. Do not place anything on the outer cabinet during operation.

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.

Oven & accessories

1. Front trim

2. Oven lamp

3. Control panel

4. Door opening button

5. Waveguide cover

6. Oven cavity

7. Seal packing

8. Door seals and sealing surfaces

9. Fixing points (4 points)

10. Ventilation openings

11. Outer cover

12. Rear cabinet

13. Power supply cord support clip

14. Power supply cord

ACCESSORIES:

Check to make sure the following accessories are provided: (15) Turntable (16) Turntable support (17) 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 local Service Force Centre.

Control panel

1 Digital Display 2 Indicators

The appropriate indicator will flash or light up, just

above each symbol according to the instruction. When an indicator is flashing, press the appropriate button (having the same symbol) or carry out the necessary operation.

Stir Turn over Weight Microwave power level Cooking in progress

3 TIMER/WEIGHT knob 4 MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button 5 AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMES button

Press to select one of the 12 automatic programmes.

6START/QUICK button 7STOPbutton 8 DOOR OPEN button

Before operation

Plug in the oven.

1. The oven display will flash:

2. Touch the STOP button the display will show:

To set the clock, see below.

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 MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button down for 3

seconds. will appear in the display.

2. To set the 24 hour clock, press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL 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.

1. Choose the clock

function. (12 hour clock)

Choose the 24 hour clock.

2. Set the hours. Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT knob until the correct hour is displayed (23).

x1 and hold for 3 secs.

3. Press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button

to change from hours to minutes.

x1and hold for 3 secs.

4. Set the minutes. Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT knob until the

correct minute is displayed (35).

NOTE:

1. You can rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT knob clockwise

or counter-clockwise.

2. Press the STOP button if you make a mistake during programming.

3. If the electrical power supply to your microwave oven is interrupted, the display will intermittently

5. Press the MICROWAVE POWER

x1 x1

LEVEL button to start the clock.

Check the display.

show after the power is reinstated. If this occurs during cooking, the programme will be erased. The time of day will also be erased.

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

above example again.

What are microwaves?

Microwaves are generated in the microwave oven by a magnetron and cause the water molecules in the food to oscillate. Heat is generated by the friction which is caused, with the result that the food is thawed, heated or cooked.

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.

Porcelain

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

Plastic & paper 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. 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.

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.

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.

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 - 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 800 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.

Tips & advice

Time settings

In general the thawing, heating and cooking times are significantly shorter than when using a conventional cooker or oven. For this reason you should adhere to the recommended times given in this book. It is better to set the times too short, rather than too long. Test the food after it has been cooked. It is better to have to cook something for a little longer than to overcook it.

Initial temperatures

Thawing, heating and cooking times are dependent upon the initial temperature of the food. Deep-frozen food and food stored in a refrigerator, for example, requires longer than food which has been stored at room temperature. For heating and cooking, normal storage temperatures are assumed (refrigerator temperature approx. 5° C, room temperature approx. 20° C). For thawing the temperature of the deep freeze is assumed to be - 18° C.

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 very sparingly and normally add it only after cooking. Salt absorbs liquid and dries out the outer layer of the food. Herbs and spices can be used as normal.

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 skins or shells

Food 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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & advice

Browning agents

After more than 15 minutes cooking time food acquires a brownness, although this is not comparable to the deep brownness and crispness obtained through conventional cooking. In order to obtain an appetising brown colour you can use browning agents. For the most part they simultaneously act as seasoning agents.

In the following table you will find some suggestions for substances you might use for browning and some of the uses to which you might put them.

BROWNING AGENT

Melted butter and dried paprika

Dried paprika

Soya sauce Barbecue and Worcestershire sauce, Gravy

Rendered down bacon fat or dried onions

Cocoa, chocolate flakes, brown icing, honey and marmalade

Poultry

Oven baked dishes"Cheese toasties"

Meat and poultry Roasts, Rissoles, Small roasted items

Oven baked dishes, toasted items, soups, stews Cakes and desserts

Heating

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

• Remove the lids from firmly closed containers.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

DISH

Coat the poultry with the butter/paprika mixture Dust with paprika

Coat with the sauce Coat with the sauce

Sprinkle pieces of bacon or dried onions on top Sprinkle pieces on top of cakes and desserts or use to glaze

METHOD

Defrosting

Your microwave is ideal for defrosting. Defrosting times are usually considerably shorter than in traditional methods of defrosting. 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 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.

Tips & advice

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

Foods 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.

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.

•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 AND 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.

• After the food has been cooking for 15 minutes it acquires a natural brownness, which may be enhanced by the use of a browning agent. If, in addition, you would like the surface to be crisp you should either use the browning dish or sear the food on your cooker and finish cooking it in your microwave. By doing this you will simultaneously obtain a brown base for making a sauce.

•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 AND 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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