36Term DefinitionArcing Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by:• the metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching themicrowave walls.• metal or foil touching the side of the oven.• foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas).• metal such as twist-ties, poultry pins, gold-rimmed dishes.• recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces.Covering Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce cookingtime. Venting plastic wrap or covering with wax paper allows excess steamto escape.Shielding In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked foods to preventover-browning. When microwaving, you use small strips of foil to shieldthin parts, such as the tips of wings and legs on poultry, which would cookbefore larger parts.Standing Time When you cook with regular ovens, foods such as roasts or cakes areallowed to stand to finish cooking or to set. Standing time is especiallyimportant in microwave cooking. Note that a microwaved cake is notplaced on a cooling rack.Venting After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap byturning back one corner so excess steam can escape.Microwave Termsge.com