microwave popping - why?
So, a kitchen science problem. =:)
The other night, I tried melting some butter (along with sugar) in the microwave, and immediately found it emitting loud popping sounds.
I checked it wasn't the rotating tray slipping; definitely caused by the ingredients. Happily, it's been fine since, so it's not a fault with the microwave.
What was the cause? I've melted butter along with sugar many times in the past, for mugcakes, without any issue. My suspicion is it might've been related to the grade of sugar - normally, I'll just use some kind of regular granulated, but this was caster sugar (finer than granulated, but not the dust of icing/confectioner's). And, the butter was in one 80g lump, rather than a thin slice. Captured water within the butter, maybe?
All a bit hypothetical, as the butter's now happily been melted on the stove - I'm just curious as to what was special about this particular combination.
re: microwave popping - why?
@noiob Mm, that was Sophie's thought - that would fit with the way I usually do it, with a slice maybe 8mm or so thick, where this was more like 16-20mm.
Either way, it was a big relief to find the microwave hadn't died right before the big store closedowns. =:D