Microwave Cooking Times at a Glance

Synopsis

This book is for anyone with a microwave. It covers all powers of microwave oven up to 1000W with an A-Z listing and tables for each food item. Tips and hints about preparing and cooking different types of food are also included.

Summary

Chapter 1: Understanding Microwave Cooking

* Explains the principles of microwave cooking, including how microwaves heat food and the importance of power levels.
* Example: When cooking chicken breast, a power level of 70% will cook it more evenly and prevent overcooking.

Chapter 2: Vegetables

* Provides cooking times for a wide variety of vegetables, including asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and potatoes.
* Example: To cook 1 pound of broccoli florets, cook on high power for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

Chapter 3: Fruits

* Covers cooking times for fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, berries, and melons.
* Example: To cook 1 cup of sliced apples for a pie filling, cook on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.

Chapter 4: Meats

* Includes cooking times for various cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and fish.
* Example: To cook a 1-pound chicken breast on high power, cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Chapter 5: Seafood

* Provides cooking times for different types of seafood, such as shrimp, salmon, tuna, and cod.
* Example: To cook 1 pound of shrimp on high power, cook for 2-3 minutes, or until opaque and cooked through.

Chapter 6: Soups and Sauces

* Offers cooking times for homemade soups and sauces, as well as reheating times for leftovers.
* Example: To heat up 1 cup of leftover soup, cook on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Chapter 7: Grains and Pasta

* Provides cooking times for different types of grains and pasta, including rice, quinoa, and noodles.
* Example: To cook 1 cup of brown rice on high power, cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Chapter 8: Eggs

* Covers cooking times and methods for various egg dishes, such as scrambled eggs, omelets, and poached eggs.
* Example: To cook 2 scrambled eggs on high power, cook for 1-2 minutes, or until set to the desired consistency.

Chapter 9: Desserts

* Includes cooking times for simple desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and brownies.
* Example: To cook a chocolate chip cookie on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the edges are golden brown.

Chapter 10: Special Considerations

* Discusses factors that can affect microwave cooking times, such as microwave wattage, food shape, and altitude.
* Example: If your microwave has a low wattage (less than 1000 watts), increase the cooking time by 10-20%.