Emerson MW8108BSC - Manual (Page 32)

CONVENIENCE FOODS
Frozen Foods
A large variety of frozen foods, special dishes and dinners are available and the selections continue to increase. The market is
changing rapidly, therefore it is impossible to list the foods and types available and recommend cooking procedures. In this book
we can only give general directions to assist you.
T.V. Dinners
To prepare a T.V. dinner, follow the maker’s instructions for use with microwave ovens. To cook a T.V. dinner will require
approximately 7 to 9 minutes for the food to thaw and heat to serving temperature (depending on the types of food). Allow plastic
wrap to remain over the dish for 2 minutes to allow heat to equalize. Dinners that contain mashed potatoes have presented a bit
of a problem due to the large compact mass of this particular food. You may want to remove about half the mashed potatoes
after defrosting is started, then spread the remaining potatoes over the individual section of the tray. Heat the removed mashed
potatoes in an individual dish. For foods that should be crisp when cooking is completed, remove the plastic wrap and use the
broiler of a conventional range to crisp the food.
Individual Frozen Foods
These may be commercially prepared or frozen at home. Place the container of frozen food in the oven and heat only until the
food starts to defrost and can be removed easily. Empty contents into a casserole or serving dish and continue to defrost and
heat. Do not heat foods in deep foil containers. To crisp and brown special toppings, use the broiler of a conventional range. If
allowed to heat to serving temperature in a plastic container, the container will warp or melt from the high heat of food.
Frozen Foods in Cooking Pouches or Boilable Bags
To prepare these foods, slit the plastic bag. An X-type cut will help remove the food at the end of cooking time. Place the cut
side down on a serving dish (with no metal trim). Heat foods other than vegetables for about 4 minutes. Frozen vegetables
require about 10 - 12 minutes of cooking time. Allow the pouch bag to remain over the food for about 2 minutes to allow time for
the heat to equalize. Foods prepared in cheese or white sauce should be removed from the pouch and placed in a glass
casserole dish and stirred to prevent overcooking of the sauce around the edges of the dish.
Complete Meals from Table Leftovers
Complete meals from leftovers can be prepared in advance. Foods can be frozen and ready for quick heating in the oven at any
time. Choose foods suitable for freezing and put serving portions on paper, glass or china (no metal trim) plate. Wrap with
recommended freezer paper and freeze quickly. When apportioning the servings of food on the plate, use approximately the
same amount of each kind of food for more even heating. Mashed potatoes will heat quicker if spread slightly and hollowed, with
a pat of butter in the center. To prevent small pieces of vegetables, corn, peas, etc., from dehydrating during heating, mound
well near the center of the plate.
BEVERAGES
Beverages can be quickly heated or reheated in the microwave oven. Individual servings can be heated directly in cups or mugs,
so you avoid washing sticky pans. Handles of cups and mugs stay cool, even though the beverage gets hot. Beverages can be
quickly reheated. Save leftover coffee in a glass measuring cup or serving cup and refrigerate. Later, reheat it in the microwave
oven. The coffee will taste as if it had just been freshly brewed. Remember, however, to always vigorously stir a beverage
before it is reheated. Chocolate squares may be melted in their original paper wrapper, in a glass mixing bowl, in custard cups or
glass measuring cups. If milk is to be added to melted chocolate squares, add water to the melted chocolate for easier blending.
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