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with Marie Lockwood
This is a list of hints and tips that could be useful to you.
This list will grow, as I add to it!
Can I flavor tea without simple syrup?
Add flavor to your tea by adding old-fashioned lemon drops or hard mint candies in it. They melt quickly and give a nice flavor.
How do you make spiced tea?
Make your own spiced tea or cider. Place orange peels, whole cloves and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth. Gather the cloth together and tie with a string. Steep in hot cider or tea for 10 minutes; steep longer for a stronger flavor.
My soda does not taste right in my cake, why?
Always chill juices or sodas before adding them to beverage recipes.
Can I make fruit juice better?
Calorie-free club soda adds sparkle to iced fruit juices.It will also reduce calories per portion.
How do I keep my punch bowl cool?
To cool your punch, use an ice ring or cubes made from the punch rather than using ice cubes. It prevents diluting, and does not melt as quickly.
What can I add to hot chocolate for a different taste?
Place fresh or dried mint in the bottom of a cup for a new refreshing taste.
How much juice can I get from lemons or oranges?
One lemon makes about ¼ cup juice, while an orange makes about ⅓ cup juice.
My coffee is bitter, why?
Never boil coffee; it brings out the acid and will cause a bitter taste. Store ground coffee in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh.
How many appetizers should you prepare for a party?
Make 4-6 appetizers per guest with a meal right after.
If a meal is planned for hours afterwards, allow 6-8 appetizers per guest.
If there will be no meal, allow 8-10 pieces per guest.
What type of appetizers should you serve for a buffet-style or limited seating?
Try to only serve only no-mess finger foods that don't require utensils to eat.
Try using homemade bowls for a unique look to your table.
Like hollowed-out loaves of bread, bell peppers, head of cabbage, or winter squash.
How should cheese be served?
Cheeses should be served at room temperature - approximately 70 °F.
How do I keep appetizers hot or cold?
Hot: Make sure you have enough oven space or warming plates. You can also use tea lights under your dishes.
Cold: Set bowls on top of ice or rotate bowls from the fridge every hour or as needed.
How much soup should I make for guests?
If you are serving soup as a side, 1 quart will serve 6. As the main dish, 1 quart will serve 2 people.
My soup and/or stew is always thin. How do I fix this?
Instant potatoes can help to thicken your soup or stew.
My soups are greasy. How can I fix this?
You can drop a leaf of lettuce in a pot of soup to absorb grease. Just remove the lettuce and serve. You can also make soup the day before, chill and scrape off the hardened fat that rises to the top. Then reheat and serve.
I like cabbage, but not the smell. Is there a way to fix this?
To lessen the odors when you are cooking cabbage or cauliflower, add a little vinegar to the water and don't overcook.
Should I only use fresh ingredients?
Fresh is always best for flavor, but to reduce cooking time, use canned, frozen broths or bouillon bases.
My cold soups are always lukewarm when I serve them. Can I fix this?
Try to serve cold soups in chilled bowls.
I make the salad early and it always looks wilted. How can I fix this?
If your lettuce is soggy, try spritzing it with a mixture of lemon juice and cold water. You can also chill your plates or bowls.
I tear up my eggs when I peel them. Is there a better way to do this?
You can remove egg shells from hard-boiled eggs easily if you quickly rinse the eggs in cold water after they are boiled.
I love fruit salad, but mine always look messy. What can I do different?
Your fruit salads can look better if you use an egg slicer to on your slices of strawberries, kiwis, or bananas.
How do I make a vinaigrette?
It is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar.
My pasta salad always comes out mushy. Why?
For pasta salads, cook pasta al dente (slightly chewy when you bite into it). This will allow your pasta to absorb some of the dressing and not become mushy.
When I make fresh vegetables, they always seem salty. What am I doing wrong?
Fresh vegetables require little seasoning or cooking, however if the vegetable is old, dress it up with sauces or seasoning.
How do I make my own salad dressing?
You can use fruit juices, such as pineapple and orange, just add a little olive oil, nutmeg, and honey.
What kind of foods can I cook ahead and freeze?
Casserole's are a great way to do this? Make an additional batch to freeze when you make one. Use within 2 months.
When I'm cooking, I always get splattered with hot oil. How can I prevent this?
To keep hot oil from splattering, sprinkle a little salt or flour in the pan before frying.
My pasta always seems to boil over. Can I stop this from happening?
Just place a wooden spoon or fork across the top of the pot while the pasta is boiling.
How do I boil vegetables?
Boil all vegetables that grow above ground without a cover.
How do I keep my cooked vegetables healthy?
Never soak vegetables after slicing; they will lose much of their nutritional value.
My casseroles taste different when I freeze them. Why?
Green pepper may change the flavor of frozen casseroles. Clove, garlic, and pepper flavors get stronger when frozen, while sage, onion, and salt become more mild.
I hate dishes. Do you have any tips on how to eliminate some of them?
For an easy no-mess side dish, grill vegetables along with your meat.
How should my rice and pasta be stored?
Store dried pasta, rice (except brown rice), and whole grains in tightly covered containers in a cool, dry place.Refrigerate brown rice and freeze grains if you will not use them within 5 months.
When I cook rice, it always becomes a lump. How do I stop this?
A few drops of lemon juice added to simmering rice will keep the grains separated.
When I cook vegetables, they look dull in color. Why?
When cooking greens, add a teaspoon of sugar to the water to help vegetables retain their fresh colors.
My table looks great except for the vegetables. How can I make them look nicer?
To dress up buttered, cooked vegetables, sprinkle them with toasted sesame seeds, toasted chopped nuts, canned french-fried onions, grated cheese, or slightly crushed seasoned croutons.
What container should I use to make a souffle?
Soufflé dishes are designed with straight sides to help your soufflé rise.
I want to cook for 1. Want dish should I use for a casserole?
Ramekins work well for single-serve casseroles.
Why do my potatoes never look white?
A little vinegar or lemon juice added to potatoes before draining will make them extra white when mashed.
My sauce is always dry. How do I fix this?
Just add a few tablespoons of the pasta's cooking water.
When I shred cheece, it always gets clogged in the grater. Can I fix this?
Yes, just spray the grater with cooking spray before beginning.
Can I remove some of the fat from the meats I cook?
Yes, certain meats, like ribs and pot roast, can be parboiled before grilling to reduce the fat content.
Is there a quick and easy way to make the meats I grill taste better?
Yes, pound meat lightly with a mallet or rolling pin, pierce it with a fork, sprinkle lightly with meat tenderizer, and add marinade. Refrigerate for 20 minutes and cook or grill for a quick and succulent meat.
Is there an easy way to marinate meats without a big mess?
Marinating is a cinch if you use a plastic bag. The meat stays in the marinade and it's easy to turn. Cleanup is easy; just toss the bag.
I always have trouble slicing meat thin. Is there a trick?
It's easier to thinly slice meat if it's partially frozen.
Can I get my meat more tender without using meat tenderizer?
Adding tomatoes to roasts naturally tenderizes the meat as tomatoes contain an acid that works well to break down meats.
How should I cut my meats?
Whenever possible, cut meat across the grain; this will make it easier to eat and also give it a more attractive appearance.
My meats always come out slightly off color. How do I fix this?
When frying meat, sprinkle paprika on the meat to turn it golden brown.
Can I thaw meat on the counter?
Thaw all meats in the refrigerator for maximum safety.
How should I handle and treat chicken?
Refrigerate poultry promptly after purchasing. Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freeze poultry for longer storage. Never leave poultry at room temperature for over 2 hours.
What should I fry my chicken in?
When frying chicken, canola oil provides a milder taste, and it contains healthier amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Do not cover the chicken once it has finished cooking because covering will cause the coating to lose its crispness.
How many chicken pieces is one cup?
One pound of boneless chicken equals approximately 3 cups of cubed chicken.
How long should I cook meat for it to be safe?
Generally, red meats should reach 160° and poultry should reach 180° before serving. If preparing fish, the surface of the fish should flake off with a fork.
Scaling a fish is a mess. Is there an easier way?
Scaling a fish is easier if vinegar is rubbed on the scales first.
How long does fish take to grill?
When grilling fish, the rule of thumb is to cook 5 minutes on each side per inch of thickness. For example, cook a 2-inch thick fillet for 10 minutes per side. Before grilling, rub with oil to seal in moisture.
When I bake bread, the crust is always hard. How can I fix this?
Try a small dish of water in the oven, this will keep the crust from getting too hard or brown.
What do I grease my pan with for bread?
Use shortening, not margarine or oil, to grease pans when baking bread. Margarine and oil absorb more readily in the dough.
All I have is regular flour, but I need self-rising. What do I do?
To make self-rising flour, mix 4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 tablespoons baking powder. Store in a tightly covered container.
How much yeast is in one packet?
One scant tablespoon of bulk yeast is equal to one packet of yeast.
What temperature should my water be before I add my yeast?
Hot water kills yeast. One way to test for the correct temperature is to pour the water over your wrist. If you cannot feel hot or cold, the temperature is just right.
Do I really need to sift flour?
When in doubt, always sift flour before measuring.
What flour should I use for pizza dough?
Use bread flour for baking heavier breads, such as mixed grain, pizza, dough, bagels, etc.
Do I use a different temperature for different pans?
When baking in a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature by 25°.
How can I make my bread softer?
When baking bread, you can achieve a finer texture if you use milk. Water makes a courser bread.
Is there an easy way to flour my pans?
Fill an empty salt shaker with flour to quickly and easily dust a bread pan or work surface.
My bread is always hard. Why?
For successful quick breads, do not overmix the dough. Mix only until combined. An overmixed batter creates tough and rubbery muffins, biscuits, and quick breads.
When can I serve my breads?
Muffins can be eaten warm. Most other quick breads taste better the next day. Nut breads are better if stored 24 hours before serving.
How do I store nuts?
Nuts, shelled or unshelled, keep best and longest when stored in the freezer. Unshelled nuts crack more easily when frozen. Nuts can be used directly from the freezer.
My nuts always taste bland. How do I fix this?
Enhance the flavor of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, by toasting them before using in recipies. Place nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 300° for 5-8 minutes or until slightly browned.
How do I store bananas?
Overripe bananas can be frozen until it's time to bake. Store them unpeeled in a plastic bag.
How do I know if my eggs are fresh and still good?
The freshness of eggs can be tested by placing them in a large bowl of cold water; if they float, do not use them.
What temperature should my eggs be for meringue?
Keep eggs at room temperature to create greater volume when whipping egg whites for meringue.
Can I freeze homemade pie dough?
Pie dough can be frozen. Roll dough between sheets of plastic wrap, stack in a pizza box, and keep the box in the freezer. Defrost in the fridge and use as needed. Use within 2 months.
Is there an easy way to work my pie crust?
Place your pie plate on a cake stand when ready to flute the edges of the pie. The cake stand will make it easier to turn the pie plate, and you won't have to stoop over.
How do I work my pie crust edges?
When making decorative pie edges, use a spoon for a scalloped edge. Use a fork to make crosshatched and herringbone patterns.
How do I get my butter cut into my dough?
When cutting butter into flour for pastry dough, the process is easier if you cut butter into small pieces before adding it to the flour.
How can I tell when my pies are done?
Pumpkin and other custard-style pies are done when they jiggle slightly in the middle. Fruit pies are done when the pastry is golden, juices bubble, and fruit is tender.
How do I keep my cake plate clean while adding frosting?
Keep the cake plate clean while frosting by sliding 6-inch strips of waxed paper under each side of the cake. Once the cake is frosted and the frosting is set, pull the strips away, leaving a clean plate.
What do I do if I am out of piping bags?
Create a quick decorating tube to ice your cake with chocolate. Put chocolate in a heat-safe, zipper-lock plastic bag. Immerse it in simmering water until the chocolate is melted. Snip off the top of one corner, and squeeze the chocolate out of the bag.
Any tips on making my icing look better?
Achieve professionally decorated cakes with a silky, molten look by blow-drying the frosting with a hair dryer until the frosting melts slightly.
How do I tell if my batter is divided evenly?
To ensure that you have equal amounts of batter in each pan when making a layered cake, use a kitchen scale to measure the weight.
My cheesecakes always crack. How can I fix this?
Prevent cracking in your cheesecake by placing the shallow pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack and keeping the oven door shut during baking.
How long until I can serve a cheesecake?
A cheesecake needs several hours to chill and set.
How do I cut a cheesecake?
For a perfectly cut cheesecake, dip the knife into hot water and clean it after each cut. You can also hold a length of dental floss taut and pull it down through the cheesecake to make a clean cut across the diameter of the cake.
How long is cookie dough good for?
Unbaked cookie dough can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen in an airtight container for up to 9 months.
How many cookie sheets of cookies can I make at a time?
Bake one cookie sheet at a time on the middle oven rack.
What is the best way to decorate cookies with chocolate?
Decorate cookies with chocolate by placing cookies on a rack over waxed paper. Dip the tines of a fork into melted chocolate and wave the fork gently back and forth to make line decorations.
What is the best way to make a dent on cookies for chocolate or jam?
Use the rounded end of a honey dipper, a melon baller or your thumb.
My dough sticks to my cookie cutters. How can I stop this?
Dip cookie cutters in flour or powdered sugar and shake off excess before cutting. For chocolate dough, dip cutters in baking cocoa.
How do I freeze cookies after I make them?
Tin coffee cans make excellent freezer containers for cookies.
How can I make cookies faster if I only have one cookie sheet?
If you only have one cookie sheet on hand, line it with parchment paper. While one batch is baking, load a second sheet of parchment paper to have another batch ready to bake. Cleanup will be easier.
How do I pack the brown sugar?
When a recipe calls for packed brown sugar, fill the correct size measuring cup with sugar and use one cup size smaller to pack the brown sugar into its cup.
When I cut fruit it sticks to my knife. How do I stop this?
To prevent this problem, coat the blade of your knife with a thin film of vegetable spray before cutting.
The nuts I add to brownies are soft. How can I fix this?
Instead of folding nuts into brownie batter, sprinkle on top of batter before baking. This keeps nuts crunchy instead of soggy.
What is the best pan for brownies?
Only use glass or shiny metal pans. Dark or nonstick pans will cause brownies to become soggy and low in volume.
How do I get breakfast bars out of a pan?
When making bars, line pan with aluminum foil and prepare as directed. The bars can be lifted out, and cleanup is easy.
What is the vest way to melt chocolate?
Use a double boiler for melting chocolate to prevent it from scorching. A slow cooker on the lowest setting also works well for melting chocolate, especially when coating a large amount of candy.
What type of paper should I use for making candy?
Parchment paper provide an excellent nonstick surface for candy. Waxed paper should not be used for high-temperature candy.
How long should I cook food I want to freeze?
Never overcook foods that are to be frozen. Foods will finish cooking when reheated. Don't freeze cooked, thawed foods.
How long is my cooked and frozen food good for?
When freezing foods, label each container with its contents and the date it was put into the freezer. Always use frozen, cooked foods within 1-2 months.
I cry when I cut onions. How can I prevent this?
To avoid teary eyes when cutting onions, cut them under cold running water or briefly put them into the freezer before cutting.
I smell like onions after I cut them. What can I do?
Fresh lemon juice will remove onion scent from hands.
How do I get more juice from my lemons?
To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before cutting and squeezing.
My salt shaker is always clogged. Can I fix this?
Add raw rice to the salt shaker to keep the salt free flowing.
My jelly jars are always sticky. Can I stop this?
Transfer jelly and salad dressings to small plastic squeeze bottles - no more messy, sticky jars!
My garbage disposal is getting old and not working like it use to. Can I fix it easy?
Ice cubes will help sharpen garbage disposal blades.
My glasses always stick together and I sometimes break one getting them apart. Is there an easier way?
Separate stuck-together glasses by filing the inside glass with cold water and setting both in hot water.
My Corning Ware won't come clean anymore. What can I do?
My foods always stick to the grill. What's an easy way to fix this?
Always spray your grill with nonstick cooking spray before grilling to avoid sticking.
How can I clean my copper pans so they shine like they use to?
To make a simple polish for copper bottom cookware, mix equal parts of flour and salt with vinegar to create a paste
What is the easiest way to grind spices?
Purchase a new coffee grinder and mark it "spices." It can be used to grind most spices; however, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, and others must be broken up a little first. Clean the grinder after each use.
What is the best and cheapest seasoning for the most foods?
In a large shaker, combine 6 parts salt and 1 part pepper for quick and easy seasoning.
What is the best way to store homemade bread?
Save your store-bought bread bags and ties, they make perfect storage bags for homemade bread.
Can I really use frozen vegetables as an ice pack?
Yes, they are quick, easy and cost nothing.