Increasing And Decreasing Recipe Servings In Microwave

The recipes in this book are designed to give 4 to 6 servings. However, your microwave is ideal for cooking just one or two portions or indeed cooking larger quantities for when you are entertaining. There are some basic guidelines that will help you adapt the recipes in the book to the quantities you require. The guidelines are based on the fact that microwave cooking times are dependent on three things.

1. The weight of the food
2. The density of the food

3. The initial temperature of the food.

It therefore follows that if you decrease the recipe quantities you should also decrease the cooking time. Likewise, if you increase the recipe quantities you should allow extra time. Please remember that it is always better to undercook rather than overcook as extra time can always be added. It is very difficult to rectify overcooked results.

 

GUIDELINES FOR DECREASING A RECIPE QUANTITIES

For one serving quarter ALL the ingredients listed. For two servings halve all the ingredients. Choose a dish that is proportionally smaller than the one recommended in the recipe. Do make sure it is deep enough to prevent the food from boiling over. Foods cooked in a larger flatter dish cook quicker than those cooked in a smaller deeper dish.

 Use the cooking power recommended in the original recipe. For one serving allow a quarter to half the time given. For two servings allow half to two-thirds the time given. Start checking the results after the minimum cooking time.

 Always follow any directions in the recipe for covering, stirring, or rearranging. If the recipe states to stir frequently, 2 stirrings will be sufficient. Always let the food stand at the end of cooking time. Meat and poultry need a minimum of 5 minutes per 450 g (1 lb.).

Although a small joint is better left to stand for 10 minutes. Foods with a high sugar or fat content cook quickly as do delicate items such as eggs. cheese and fish dishes, so always check these items before the anticipated minimum cooking time.

The initial starting temperature also affects the cooking times. Items at room temperature will cook faster than those from the refrigerator. In Winter, you may find that foods take longer to cook, especially items such as jacket potatoes where the potatoes are stored in a cold place such as a garage or our house.

GUIDELINES FOR INCREASING RECIPE QUANTITIES

To increase a recipe from 4 to 6 servings increase each ingredient listed by half. To double the quantity simply double every ingredient listed. Do not forget that the larger quantities will require a larger dish. Make sure that it is deep enough to prevent the recipe from boiling over during cooking.

Cover as directed in the recipe. Stir or rearrange foods as recommended. Increase the stand times by 5 minutes per 450 g (1 lb. ). Always check the recipe during cooking. When adding half the ingredients more, allow one-third extra cooking time.

When doubling a recipe add half the original cooking time. 6. When cooking joints of meat and whole poultry always work out the cooking times based on the recommended minutes per 450 g (1 lb.).

ADJUSTING RECIPE QUANTITIES FOR AUTO-SENSOR COOKING

The biggest advantage of auto-sensor cooking is that the oven will do all the adjusting for you so you can cook as much or as little as you like. To help the auto sensor give you perfect results every time follow the instructions for covering on the auto sensor. If you decrease a recipe reduce the size of the dish you cook in and if you increase a recipe, increase the cooking dish. 

  Also Read: Microwave Cooking Problems & Possible Solutions