microwave, pressure and slow cooking

What are the nine advantages of microwave cooking?

• Food is cooked very quickly. This cuts down on fuel costs, prep time, and wastage.

• The kitchen doesn’t become hot and is safer for elderly or disabled people to use.

• It is useful for preparing foods and meals that are required quickly and for entertaining.

• There is less heat destruction of nutrients as cooking time is short.

• There is less danger of food poisoning as food does not have to be kept warm, providing it is thoroughly cooked or reheated.

• Oven is usually portable and can be placed on an ordinary worktop and operated from a normal mains supply.

• Frozen food can be defrosted.

• Food can be cooked and served in the same dish - which saves washing up.

• The serving dish is not heated by the microwaves and therefore be handled.

What are the three disadvantages of microwave cooking?

• It is easy to overcook the food, so careful attention must be paid to timing.

• In a conventional microwave oven, food will not become crisp, and may not develop textures, colors, or characteristic flavor.

• Irregularly shaped food may affect the cooking time and finished result of foods cooked on the same plate (my increase the risk of food poisoning).

what are the three rules for microwave cooking?

• Do not turn on an empty oven.

• Kepp the microwave clean - the waves will be reflected effectively.

• Choose the correct containers.

Why are metal foil dishes unsuitable for microwaves?

They cause permanent damage as the microwaves reflect back to the magnetrons.

Melamine plastic ware.
Polystyrene containers. in microwaves

scorch

char

deform

give off strong odours

What are the five suitable containers for microwave?

• Oven-proof glass.

• Ceramics.

• China.

• Paper.

• Some plastic containers.

What must be repositioned or stirred at intervals to ensure even cooking or heating?

Soups and stews must be stirred to ensure even heating. Chicken pieces e.g. must be repositioned at intervals to ensure even cooking.

What happens when food is exposed to microwaves?

When food is exposed to microwaves, the molecules of water in the food are stirred up and the vibrations cause friction, which releases heat energy.

Suitable foods for slow cooking:

They can be used to cook pâtés, soups, fish, and desserts.

What has to be done as an effect of the slow build up of heat and what does this avoid?

As the build-up of heat is slow, some models have to be pre-heated for about 20 minutes before food is placed in them. This avoids the risk of food-poisoning bacteria multiplying as the food warms up.

What are the two disadvantages of slow cooking?

• Pulses and beans may not cook completely at the temperature of the slow cooker.

• Meat and poultry may have to be browned in a pan beforehand, although some models have a flameproof pot which can be put on the hob for this purpose.

What are the four advantages of slow cooking?

• Once the cooking starts the pot can be left unattended, except for rice dishes which should be sirred occasionally.

• Litte fuel is used.

• Tough cuts of meat can be tenderized by the moist, slow cooking.

• Pots can be lifted out to allow a topping (for example, potato, cheese) to be put on top of the dish so that it can be grilled.

All pressure cookers have the following features:

• Safety valve.

• Pressure gauge.

• Locking lid and rubber seal.

• Control valve.

• Trivet.

How is cooking done in a pressure cooker?

Cooking is done using steam under pressure, which creates a high temperature.The food cooks more rapidly and saves energy.

what are the six advantages of using a pressure cooker?

• Economical on fuel.

• Meals can be prepared quickly.

• Nutrient loss is reduced, though heat destruction still occurs.

• Flavor and color loss is minimal.

• Whole cuts can be cooked in one pan.

• Tough cuts of meat can be cooked quickly and tenderized in the pressure cooker.

What are the six suitable foods for pressure cooking?

A

• Jam making.

• Stews and casseroles.

• Vegetables.

• Meat joints.

• Puddings.

• Soups and stocks.

What are four disadvantages of using a pressure cooker?

• Careful timing is important to prevent foods such as vegetables from being overcooked.

• A pressure cooker is expensive to buy.

• Not all food can be cooked in a pressure cooker e.g roast joint.

• Greater shrinkage occurs in meat when using a pressure co

What is the points to remember when pressure cooking?

A minimum of 250ml water should be used to ensure that sufficient steam builds up inside the cooker.

The cooker should be no more than 2⁄3 full with solid foods and no more that ½ full with liquids.

Lock the lid in position and heat the cooker until the water has boiled and steam is escaping. This ensures that all air in the cooker is released.

Lower the heat to maintain the desired pressure and cook for the correct time.

When the cooking time is completed, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to fall, either by leaving the cooker at room temperature or by pouring a gentle stream of cold water over it.

Never attempt to open the lid or remove the pressure gauge before the pressure has fallen to normal.