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Increasing and Decreasing Recipes
INCREASING RECIPES
• 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 large 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 mins. per lb.
• Always check the recipe during cooking.
• When increasing the ingredients to 6 servings, add an extra one
third of the original cooking time, ie. 30 mins. on MEDIUM power
for 4 servings will become 40 mins. on MEDIUM power for
6 servings.
• When doubling a recipe from 4 to 8 add on half the original
cooking time, ie. 30 mins. on MEDIUM power for 4 servings will
become 45 mins. on MEDIUM power for 8 servings.
DECREASING RECIPES
• To decrease a recipe from 4 servings to 2 servings, halve the
ingredients listed.
• Choose a dish that is proportionally smaller than the one
recommended in the recipe, however make sure it is deep enough
to stop food boiling over.
• Allow half to two-thirds of the original cooking time, ie. 30 mins. on
MEDIUM power for 4 servings will become 15-20 mins. on
MEDIUM power for 2 servings.
Using Recipes from Other Books
The best way to convert a family favourite dish is to find a similar
recipe in a cookery book to give you a guide to the correct method
and timings to use.
Many cookbooks refer to 650 W ovens, however since 1990 oven
output powers have been set by a new standard (IEC). When using
other cookbooks, the 900 W output power of your oven must be
allowed for. Use the same power level suggested e.g. HIGH or
MEDIUM and select the same cooking time suggested, however
CHECK the progress of the food during cooking and adjust the time if
necessary.
Cooking for One
• For one serving quarter ALL ingredients listed.
• Choose a dish that is proportionally smaller than the one
recommended in the recipe.
• Use the same cooking power recommended in the original recipe.
• Start by cooking for one quarter of the recommended cooking time,
although extra time in most cases will be required.
• Always check the food during cooking.
• There is not a great saving for reduced quantities of soups,
casseroles, stews and rice, as a minimum time is required to
tenderise meats and blend flavours.
• When cooking for one it often makes sense to cook for two and
plate up both meals. Freeze one meal for a later date.
