Cooking and Reheating Guidelines
Most foods reheat very quickly in your oven by HIGH power.
Meals can be brought back to serving temperature in just
minutes and will taste freshly cooked and NOT leftover. Always
check food is piping hot and return to oven if necessary.
As a general rule, always cover wet foods, e.g. soups,
casseroles and plated meals.
Do not cover dry foods e.g. bread rolls, mince pies, sausage
rolls etc.
The charts on pages 22-26 show you the best way to cook or
reheat your favourite foods. The best method depends on the
type of food.
Remember when cooking or reheating any food that it should
be stirred or turned wherever possible. This ensures even
cooking or reheating on the outside and in the centre.
When is food reheated?
Food that has been reheated or cooked should be served
“piping hot” i.e. steam should be visibly emitted from all parts.
As long as good hygiene practices have been followed during
the preparation and storage of the food, then cooking or
reheating presents no safety risks.
Foods that cannot be stirred should be cut with a knife to test
that they are adequately heated throughout. Even if a
manufacturer’s instructions or the times in the cookbook have
been followed, it is still important to check the food is heated
thoroughly. If in doubt, always return to the oven for further
reheating.
If you cannot find the equivalent food in the chart then choose
a similar type and size listed and adjust the cooking time if
necessary.
PLATED MEALS
Everyone’s appetite varies
and reheat times depend on
meal contents. Dense items
e.g. mashed potato, should
be spread out well. If a lot of
gravy is added, extra time
may be required. Place
denser items to the outside of
the plate. Between 4-7 mins.
on HIGH power will reheat an
average portion.
CANNED FOODS
Remove foods from can and
place in a suitable dish
before heating.
SOUPS
Use a bowl and stir before
heating and at least once
through reheat time and
again at the end.
CASSEROLES
Stir halfway through and
again at the end of heating.
MINCE PIES - CAUTION
CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
AND LIQUIDS - CAUTION
REMEMBER even if the pastry
is cold to the touch, the filling
will be piping hot and will warm
the pastry through. Take care
not to overheat otherwise
burning can occur due to the
high fat and sugar content of
the filling. Check the
temperature of the filling before
consuming to avoid burning
your mouth.
BABIES BOTTLES -
CAUTION
Milk or formula MUST be
shaken thoroughly before
heating and again at the end
and tested carefully before
feeding a baby.
For 7-8 fl.oz. of milk from fridge
temperature, remove top and
teat. Heat on HIGH power for
30-50 secs.
CHECK CAREFULLY.
For 3 fl.oz. of milk from fridge
temperature, remove top and
teat. Heat on HIGH power for
15-20 secs.
CHECK CAREFULLY
N.B. Liquid at top of bottle will
be much hotter than at bottom
and bottle must be shaken
thoroughly.
Take great care when
reheating these items.
Do not leave unattended.
Do not add extra alcohol.
