Microwave terms.
Arcing
Covering
Shielding
Standing
Time
Venting
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Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the
oven. Arcing is caused by:
• Metal or foil touching the side of the oven.
• Foil that is not molded to food (upturned
edges act like antennas).
Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even
heating and reduce cooking time.
In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts
or baked foods to prevent over-browning.
When microwaving, you use small strips of foil
to shield thin parts, such as the tips of wings
When you cook with regular ovens, foods such
as roasts or cakes are allowed to stand to
finish cooking or to set.
After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you
vent the plastic wrap by turning back one
corner so excess steam can escape.
• Metal such as twist-ties, poultry pins, gold-
rimmed dishes.
• Recycled paper towels containing small
metal pieces.
• Plates or dishes with a metallic trim or glaze
with a metallic sheen.
Venting plastic wrap or covering with wax
paper allows excess steam to escape.
and legs on poultry, which would cook before
larger parts.
Standing time is especially important in
microwave cooking. Note that a microwaved
cake is not placed on a cooling rack.