This article explains how to use the MICROWAVE OVEN by Boretti.
The microwave oven's operation is controlled by knobs ST2 and SM2 and by digital programmer P.
Select the desired function by turning selector SM2. "On" appears on the display. After 2 seconds the display shows (00:00) and the icon on the opening side lights up. Set the cooking time by turning knob ST2 (clockwise the time on the display increases, anti-clockwise it decre- ases).
Cooking time settings
Maximum time setting is 59′ 59″ and is adjusted by turning knob ST2 in either direction. Adjustment steps are: 5" from 0 to 30" 10" from 30" to 2' 30" from 2' to 10' 1' over 10'. NOTE: it is also possible to alter the set time during cooking: to do so press knob ST2 (STOP), set the new time and press again knob ST2 (START) to re-start the oven.
End of cooking mode
When cooking ends an acoustic signal is emitted and “End" appears on the display, and the corresponding ope- ning's symbol flashes. The oven is now ready for further settings; it is possible to select a new function and /or a new cooking time, or switch off definitively by putting SM2 selector in position "0". If at the end of cooking the door is left open after 1 minute the light goes out and the display remains "00:00" until the oven is not turned off definitively by putting SM2 selector in position "0".
Child safety
The oven is fitted with a safety device that stops the oven's unwanted/accidental switching on by children. To set the safety: Press down and hold knob ST2 for 5" (with the oven switched off). A short acoustic signal is emitted and "n-o" appears on the display followed by “ON”. Now it is not possible to turn the oven on. To unlock the safety, hold down knob ST2 for 5". "n-o" followed by “OFF” appears on the display.
Oven light
The following functions are provided for:
Oven off door closed: light off. Pressing ST2 it lights up for 1 minute
Oven off door open: light on for 1 minute then goes off. Pressing ST2 it lights back up for 1 minute Oven on door closed: light always on Oven on door open or in stop countdown: light always on. After 5 minutes the time resets and the light goes out End of cooking door closed: light on 1 minute End of cooking door open: light on 1 minute. It goes out when the door is closed
3. Oven use: useful hints and cooking times tables
Defrosting
• Frozen foods in bags or plastic wrap or in their own package can be put directly into the oven, so long as there are no metal parts (e.g. ties or staples). • Certain foods, such as greens and fish, do not need to be completely defrosted before cooking. • Stews and meat sauces defrost better and quicker if stirred from time to time, turned over and/or separated. • During defrosting, meat, fish and fruit lose liquids. It is therefore advisable to defrost them in a tray. • It is advisable to separate each single piece of meat into its own bag before putting it in the freezer. This will save you precious time during preparation. • Follow with care the times stated on the frozen foods' package, as they are not always right. It is a good idea to use slightly lower defrosting times than those stated. The duration of the defrosting will vary according to the degree of freezing.
Heating
Heating food is where your oven comes into its own. With respect to traditional methods, the use of the micro- wave saves time and electricity. • We recommend heating food (mostly frozen) at a temperature of at least 70°C (it must be hot!). It will not be possible to eat the food immediately, as it is too hot, but its total sterilization is guaranteed. • To heat pre-cooked or frozen foods, always follow the following rules: a) remove from metallic containers; b) cover with clear film (suitable for ovens or microwaves) or greaseproof paper; in this way all the natural flavour will be held in and the oven will remain clean; it's also possible to cover with an overturned plate; c) if possible, stir or turn over frequently to speed up and make uniform the heating process; d) follow with caution the times indicated on the package; remember that, under certain conditions, the sta- ted times should be increased. • Frozen foods must be defrosted before heating. The lower the food's initial temperature, the longer the time needed for heating. • Food and drink can be heated for short periods of time in cardboard or plastic containers. However, these containers may distort if the cooking time is lengthy.
Microwave cooking
Soups and rice
In general soups need lesser liquid as evaporation in microwave ovens is rather poor. Salt must be added only after cooking or during the settling time, as it dehydrates. It is right to say that the time necessary for cooking rice in a microwave oven (as for pasta) is more or less the same as cooking it traditionally on a cooker. The advantage of preparing rice in a microwave oven is in the fact that it does not need continuous stirring (2 – 3 times is enough). The ingredients are put into a microwave container and covered with a clear film (for 300 gr of rice, 750 gr. of broth are necessary with microwaves at maximum power for about 12 – 15 minutes). Moreover, the rice does not stick to the bottom of the container and, as it can be cooked in a tureen or other table dish, it is not necessary to pour into a serving dish. Meat When it is cooked with the microwave only, it is advisable to cover it with a clear film suitable for microwave ovens; in this way the heat is distributed better and dehydration which makes it dry and tough is avoided. This function is suitable for stews, goulash, chicken breasts etc. The combined function must be used for cooking roasts, kebabs, etc. Fish Fish cooks very quickly and with excellent results. It can be prepared with a little butter or oil (or nothing at all). Cover with a clear film for microwaves. Naturally, if it has a skin, this needs to be cut; the fillets are evenly distributed. It is not recommended to cook fish breaded with egg. Vegetables Microwave cooked vegetables keep their colour and nutrients more than during traditional cooking. Before coo- king, wash and clean them. The bigger ones should be cut into smaller pieces. For every 500 gr. of vegetables, add about 5 spoonfuls of water (fibrous vegetables need more water). The vegetables must always be covered with microwave clear film. Stir at least once half way through cooking and add a little salt only at the end. Desserts and fruit Desserts rise (on reduced power) much more than during traditional cooking. As they do not crust, the top should be covered with cream or iced (e.g. chocolate); Moreover they should be kept covered after cooking as they tend to dry out more quickly than those cooked in traditional ovens. Fruit needs to be pierced if cooked with the skin and kept covered: it is important to respect the settling time (3 - 5 minutes).
Combined microwave + grill cooking
This function is ideal for all those dishes that need “browning" or that need to take on a certain colour. It is ho- wever necessary to bear in mind the following: • Do not add seasoning (put only 1/2 a glass of water to keep the meat tender). • Turn roasts and large pieces of meat over half way through cooking. • To check progress, open the oven door. In this case it is advisable to use oven gloves; opening the door inter- rupts the microwave's function. To re-start, it is enough to close the door and press ST2. If during cooking the top surface browns before reaching the set time, turn the oven off. • In combined cooking with the grill, the oven must never be pre-heated or used without food in it.
Grill cooking
This function is suitable for any type of traditional grilling, for example: hamburgers, chops, würstel, toasted bread, etc. Pre-heat the grill as follows: turn knob SM2 to position 7. Set the desired pre-heating time by using knob ST2. The door must be closed. After about 5 ÷ 8 minutes place the food on the grille in the drip pan or on the circular grille resting on the plate. The distance away from the grill depends on the amount of grilling. Regulate cooking time with knob ST2. Once the set time has elapsed, an acoustic signal indicates that cooking is over. With this function you can do many tasty grills. Remember to always pre-heat the grill for 5 – 8 minutes before starting coking. All foods need turning over half way through cooking as the grill element heats only from the top half of the oven.