Cook’s Tips:
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Left over coffee? Freeze in ice-cube trays. Perfect for iced coffee…even better if you use espresso!
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Fresh Herbs have the best flavor,if not available substitute 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried herb per tablespoon of fresh herb. Give dried a fresh taste by mixing with an equal amount of chopped fresh parsley, then let stand for 10 – 15 minutes before using.
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Fresh herbs can be frozen. Take bunches of your end of season herbs, blanch towel dry and place in sealable plastic baggies. Label & place in freezer. It’s best to cut with scissors for use while still frozen.
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Olive Oil and Canola oils are the best choices for cooking oils. Use olive oil for sautéing (add a bit of butter to keep oil from burning) and salad dressing; choose canola for baking.
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Juicing: Microwave lemons and limes for 10 -15 seconds before juicing. It makes juicing easier and you get a larger yield.
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Measuring Honey: Honey is easier to measure warm.
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Scooping 1/4 cup measure is just right for scooping muffin batter into muffin cups.
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To substitute honey for sugar, decrease liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup. If recipe has no liquid added, add 4 tablespoons flour. Decrease baking temperature by 25 degrees to prevent over browning.
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Measure oil first, then honey will slide out of cup easily.
- Salad for the week keeps best if; you wash and shake or spin water out. Then store in an air tight container with some paper toweling. I use Tupperware. Your lettuce will stay crisp and fresh and be ready for use! – Be sure NOT to add any dressing, or “wet” items such as tomatoes. Dry items like sliced bell peppers or carrots are OK. I prefer to keep everything separately.
- When marinating, prick meat all over with fork, this allows the marinade to penetrate.
- Skinning Chicken: If you skin your chicken before baking/cooking, reduce heat by a few minutes to keep it from drying out.
- It’s best to wash chicken with warm water inside and out before cooking to minimize bacteria and reduce chances of illness. Also, be sure to wash hands, forks, boards, counters and anything else that comes into contact with raw chicken. We also recommend wiping down counters, the sink and sink faucets with disinfectant wipes.
- Beef should be at 180 degrees internal temperature to avoid e-coli contamination
- Eggs are easiest to separate when cold; the whites beat up to greatest volume at room temperature.
- Orange juice: If fresh orange juice is not available, substitute frozen orange concentrate – 1 tablespoon equals about 1.4 cup fresh juice.
- Kitchen scales are not costly and a valuable asset to any kitchen.
Winetrivia -Fun with Food and Wine 