UNL Extension Interactive ZMag Offers Tips for Microwave Meals, Cooking

Aug. 29, 2014

LINCOLN, Neb. — When in need of a quick meal, oftentimes the microwave is turned to. A new Extension interactive pdf, or ZMag, offers information to use that microwave to its full potential, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension food safety specialist says.

The educational, online publication "Microwave It" is available at http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/7aedd26c#/7aedd26c/13. It was a joint effort between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and North Dakota State Extension Service, said Julie Albrecht, UNL Extension food safety specialist in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It is filled with videos, pop-ups, links to URL and pdfs.

The publication allows readers to explore how to use a microwave oven to prepare quick, easy and safe meals. It covers microwave history, wattage, uneven and even heating and cooking, instructions and safe containers.

Albrecht said it's important that microwave users know that not all packaged foods can be cooked in the microwave.

It also offers tips on cleaning and microwave oven recipes.

"Microwaves aren't just for reheating," Albrect said. "This interactive magazine offers all sorts of recipes and helpful hints. Everything from scrambled eggs to banana bread can be made in a microwave oven."