Page 42 - Cook with Ease: Tips and Recipes for Small Families - Serving 1-2

Cooking Tips

Different ovens may vary slightly in functions. Besides following the recommended temperature
and cooking time on recipes, it is better to check the food regularly to avoid overcooking.

To test cakes or meat for doneness, a clean toothpick can be inserted into their/its centre. If it
comes out clean or dry, this means that the food is done.
As for bone-in meat, if you can separate the bones from the
meat easily with a clean knife, this means that the meat is
done too.

4. Quick stir-frying using a non-stick
pan with a little bit of oil
Cooking with a non-stick pan takes less
oil. However, it is better to blanch than to stir-fry
leafy greens (e.g. Chinese lettuces) as they tend
to absorb much oil Sample Dish:
French Beans with Minced Pork
and Basil (Refer to page 70)

5. Microwave Cooking
Microwave ovens can be used for defrosting, reheating and cooking (e.g.
steaming fish, stir-frying vegetables, cooking rice). Microwave cooking is quicker
and more convenient than traditional cooking. Because of the shorter cooking
time, it can preserve more non-heat resistant vitamins (e.g. vitamin C). However,
attention must be paid when using the microwave oven (e.g. using suitable
cookware such as glass or ceramic containers, never microwaving an egg in
shell).

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