Tips and Tricks

At Kitchen: 
  • If you have a problem opening jars, try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a on-slip grip that makes opening jars easy. 
  • To "steam clean" your microwave, pour about two cups of water into a bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes and let stand 5 minutes with the door closed. Wipe the inside of the microwave clean with a paper towel, and you're done!  
Organization: 
  • Use a cake stand to hold cooking essentials for easy access. 
Shopping:
  • If shopping for whole fish, check the eyes. If they are cloudy or discolored, don't (ever) buy it.
Vegetables & Fruits: 
  • To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes. 
  • The best way to store fresh celery is to wrap it in aluminum foil and put it in the refrigerator ... it will keep for weeks.
  • Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.
  • Marshmallows won't dry out when frozen.
  • Lettuce keeps better if you store in refrigerator without washing first so that the leaves are dry. Wash the day you are going to use. 
  • Let raw potatoes stand in cold water for at least 30mins before frying to improve the crispness of french-fried potatoes.
  • For fresh flavor in orange juice add the juice of one lemon.  
  •   While boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the natural sweetness.  
  • To make your omelettes more spongy and soft, add two - three spoons of milk to the egg batter and mix properly.   
  • Butter absorbs odors very easily and quickly, so keep covered. 
Cooking: 
  • When using rice, keep in mind that 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice makes 3 cups cooked.
  • Use margarine instead of butter to pan-fry, because butter burns quickly.
Baking: 
  • If your cake recipe calls for nuts, heat them first in the oven, then dust with flour before adding to the batter to keep them from settling to the bottom of the pan.
  • To test if a cake is done, use a toothpick: The toothpick should come out clean and dry. 
  • Before using cooking spices, make (always) sure you use before the expiration date. 
  • For best results, always bake with eggs and butter at room temperature.
  • When a recipe calls for butter the size of an egg, use four tablespoons. 
  • When using fresh fruit, dip it in pineapple, orange, or lemon juices so it won't change color. 
  • Bake cakes on the middle oven rack, Never on the top or bottom racks!  
  • Always grease and flour the cake pan, or spray it with oil. (Even when some of recipe doesn't call for it.)

.... More coming soon !