Food Preparation Tips

Read these 112 Food Preparation Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Recipe tips and hundreds of other topics.

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How do I make a bouquet garni?

Bouquet Garni

To make a Bouquet Garni, mix equal amounts of thyme, parsley and crushed bay leaf; or equal amounts of thyme, chervil and crushed bay leaf; or equal amounts of basil, marjoram, and summer savory.

   
How do I make Greek seasoning?

Greek Seasoning Mix

2 tsp salt
2 tsp dried Greek oregano
1-1/2 tsp onion powder
1-1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp beef bouillon granules
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

   
How do I remove corn from the cob?

Removing corn from the Cob

To quickly remove corn kernels from the cob, use a clean shoe horn...it is a perfect fit! Be sure to buy it specifically for this purpose and clean it thoroughly first. Leave it with your kitchen utensils.


   
What sized eggs should I use in my recipes?

Egg Facts

Unless the recipe calls for a specific size, assume that all eggs used in recipes are Grade A large. Using medium or extra-large eggs will sometimes throw a recipe off.

   
How do I remove the tin can flavor from fruit?

Fruit from Cans

Sometimes fruit picks up a "tinny" flavor when they are in cans. To help remove this flavor, soak the fruit in water for about 30 minutes.

   
How do I remove the wild taste from venison?

Venison Cooking 101

Venison is one of the most low fat, low cholesterol, healthy meats you can eat. To help avoid the wild taste, first soak your venison in a lightly salted water over night. This will help remove some of the elements that cause the wild flavor.

   
What can I do with flavored oils?

Flavored oils

Tip from delanda...

For a fancy dinner party - try making flavored oil to use as a plate decoration. Simply puree basil, chives, sage, curry or any interesting herb or spice you can think of with oil. Allow to sit so flavors can marry and strain through chessecloth. Put into a small squeeze bottle and drizzle accordingly. Note that the flavored oil you choose should be represented in your dish, or used for contrasting flavor.

   
How can I save money shopping?

Buying Less

Never go shopping when you are hungry as you will buy more than you need.

   
How do I use cheese in cooking?

Cooking with Cheese

Here are a couple of tips for preparing cheese...

1) If you need to grate cheese for a recipe, chill it first. Chill hard cheeses in the freezer for 30 minutes and soft cheeses for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch. It will grate much easier for you.

2) 4 ounces of block cheese equals one cup shredded or grated.

3) Grate any cheese that you plan to add to a recipe, it will melt much more quickly with no clumping.

   
What can I do with sour berries?

Sour berries?

Stir them with sugar and allow to stand at room temperature for at least an hour. Use about 1 tablespoon per cup of berries.

   
Do you have a recipe for seasoning salt?

Homemade Seasoning Salt

2 Tbsp Salt
2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Turmeric
1/4 tsp Onion powder
1/4 tsp granulated garlic

Mix all ingredients well. Store in an airtight jar.

   
How do I toast nuts?

Toasted Nuts

To toast nuts, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the nuts in a single layer in a jelly roll pan. Bake, shaking the pan occasionally to move the nuts, 5 to 12 minutes or until golden.

   
How do I make creme fraiche?

Creme Fraiche

To make homemade creme fraiche, just combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 Tbsp buttermilk, and 2 tsp lemon juice in a glass bowl. Cover and let stand at room temperature for up to 24 hours, until it has thickened. Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.

   
How do I choose a ripe melon?

Choosing a ripe melon

To choose a ripe watermelon, hold it up to your ear and knock on it. Select the melon with the most hollow sounding knock. For cantaloupe, choose one with small, tight, netting on the skin. It should smell sweet, and the seeds should not make a rattling sound.

   
What is the quickest way to chop dried fruit for holiday baking?

Chopping Dried Fruit

Dried fruit will chop much easier if you place it in the freezer one hour before you plan to start chopping.

   
How can I tell if my eggs are fresh?

Fresh Eggs

Lower uncooked eggs into a bowl of water. If the egg settles horizontally, the egg is fresh enough for you to eat. If it rises to the top, put it in the compost pile!

   
More flavor for vegetables?

More Flavor

Want to add some extra flavor to your beans or other vegetables? Try adding a bouillon cube to the water you're cooking them in.

   
How can I prevent my dish from overcooking?

Baking Times

Always set your timer 5 to 10 minutes earlier than what the recipe calls for. Oven temperatures vary so leaving your dish in for too long can cause overcooking.

   
How do I stop a pot from boiling over?

Don't boil over!

To help keep a pot from boiling over, I like to put a toothpick between the pot and lid. Just be careful to remove the toothpick before you lift the lid to check your food.

   
What is the best way to wash spinach?

Washing Spinach

Place bunch of spinach in a large bowl of tepid water, leaving the stems tied together. Shake gently to loosen the dirt, opening the bunch slightly as you shake the spinach. Drain spinach, clean the bowl and add cold water. Wash in cold water twice, draining in between washings. When done washing, shake the spinach gently to remove as much water as you can. Refrigerate, leaving the ends tied together for easier trimming.

   
How do I make a garlic herb mix?

Garlic Herb Blend

4 Tbsp dried basil
4 Tbsp dried French tarragon
4 Tbsp dried chervil
4 Tbsp dried thyme
2 tsp dried garlic flakes

Combine all ingredients. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

   
How do I remove the seed from an avocado?

Preparing an Avocado

Taking a seed out of an avocado: Cut the avocado in half. With a little force and a sweeping motion from about a foot above the seed, drop a chef`s knife down into it. The knife is stuck in the seed. Now, holding the avocado in one hand, use the other to turn the knife to give a twisting motion and the seed comes out of the avocado.

   
How do I bake apples?

Baking Apples

When baking apples, remove a horizontal slice of peel from around the middle. The apples won't shrink while baking.

   
How can I prevent avocados from turning brown.

Preventing Brown Avocado

Adding a little lemon or lime juice to an avocado will help prevent it from turning brown.

   
How can I tell if an egg is hard-boiled?

Are they Hard-Boiled?

Place a teabag in the water with the eggs that you are boiling. This will add a light brown color to your eggs, and you'll know right away which eggs are hard boiled.

   
How do I make Bechamel Sauce?

Bechamel Sauce

3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp white flour
2-1/2 cups hot milk
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the flour. Continue to cook over low heat, whisking constantly, for 3 minutes. Add milk in a slow but steady stream, whisking constantly. Continue cooking & whisking until thick and smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Add salt and white pepper.

   
How do you peel hard boiled eggs easily?

Easy Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs peel easier if you boil eggs that are at least a week old. Fresh eggs are more difficult to peel.

   
How do I add an egg to hot liquid?

Adding Eggs to Hot Liquid

When adding an egg to a hot liquid, beat the egg in a little dish first, then add just a little of the hot liquid to the egg and stir in. Then add the egg mixture into the pan.

   
How do I make eggs come to room temperature quicker?

Room Temperature Quicker

To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, (they beat better that way), put them in a bowl of warm - not hot - water for 5 to 10 minutes

   
How can I tell if asparagus is fresh?

Fresh Asparagus

You can tell if asparagus is fresh if the stalks are tender yet firm. The tips should be close and compact. Asparagus should be used soon after purchasing, because it gets tough rather quick.

   
How do I know how much pasta to prepare?

How much pasta?

When preparing pasta as a main dish, plan for two ounces of pasta per person, although hearty eaters may prefer four ounces.

   
How do I roast garlic?

Roasted Garlic

1 Head of Garlic, unpeeled
1 Tbsp Olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut off top quarter inch of garlic head (pointed end). Drizzle oil over the head. Wrap head in foil, and bake until golden, about one hour.

   
How do I open a coconut?

Opening a Coconut

To open a coconut, pierce the eyes of the coconut with an ice pick or large nail, and drain the liquid from the coconut into a bowl. To remove the shell easily, bake the drained coconut at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes, or put it in the freezer for an hour. Next, place the coconut on a firm surface, and tap the shell lightly with a hammer in several places until it cracks. Separate the meat from the shell.

   
How do I clean leaks?

Cleaning Leeks

To clean leeks, trim and remove the root ends and any damaged parts of the green leaves. Starting at the green end, split each leek in half, with the knife stopping about an inch short of the root end. Spread leaves and white root end apart and wash thoroughly under cold running water. When you think the leek is clean, wash it again...there is probably still some dirt lingering between the layers.

   
How do I keep bacon grease from splattering while cooking?

No more splatters!

Sprinkle a small amount of salt in the frying pan to keep fat from splattering when frying bacon.

   
Whenever I make fried, breaded foods, the breading sticks to the pan..

Stop fried foods from sticking

To keep your breaded, fried foods from sticking to the pan, do NOT preheat the pan and oil before adding the meat. Start with a cool pan and your breading will stay on the meat.

   
What is the best way to beat egg whites?

Beating Egg Whites

For the best results when beating egg whites use a copper bowl. Whisk when the eggs have reached room temperature. Be careful not to get any egg yolks in the whites when separating the eggs...even the smallest amount can greatly reduce your volume.

   
Is there an easy way to remove the stuffing from my turkey?

Turkey Stuffing

To remove the stuffing from your turkey easily, prepare your stuffing and place it in a piece of cheesecloth and then place it into the turkey cavity to bake. When the turkey is done, pull firmly on the ends of the cheesecloth to remove all of your stuffing at once.

   
How do I toast coconut?

Toasted Coconut

To toast coconut, bake it at 375 degree for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.

   
How do I remove corn from the cob?

Corn

First, cook the corn. Let the corn cool enough so that you can handle it, and stand the cob on its larger end. Holding the cob firmly, cut the kernels off with a sharp knife, starting at the top and working your way down to the bottom.

   
How do I season a cast iron skillet?

Seasoning your Skillet

The best way to season cast iron is to wash it well with dishwashing liquid. Rinse with clear water, and dry thoroughly. Grease the dried pan with shortening or vegetable oil, rubbing the oil deeply into the pan. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

   
How do I keep fruit from turning brown?

Fresh Fruit

Dissolve lemon jello in a little water and pour it over fresh fruit to prevent it from turning brown, it gives your fruit salad a great taste too!

   
What do you do with over ripe fruit?

Over Ripe Fruit

If you fruit gets too ripe, make it into a fruit sauce. Clean the berries well. Mash them with sugar to taste, and serve with ice cream or shortcakes.

   
How can I have less tears when slicing onions?

Crying over Onions

If your onions always make you cry, next time stick them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before you chop or slice them. Also don't cut through the root part of the onion as it releases most of the tear-producing odor.

   
What can I use venison for?

Venison Cooking

Venison can be used in place of beef in any recipe you have. Season it like steaks and grill it.
Braise it like round steak and use it in Smothered steak, Salisbury Steak, or Stroganoff.

   
Do I use room temperature or cold eggs usually?

Room Temperature is Best

In general, it's always best to use eggs at room temperature. A cold egg is more likely to crack when boiled, curdle when cooked, and not whip as well.

   
How do I add flavor to sauted apples?

Sauteing apples

When sauteing apples, add brown sugar to them for added flavor.

   
How do I make lighter scrambled eggs?

Lighter Scrambled Eggs

For light, fluffy scrambled eggs, add a little water or milk while beating the eggs.

   
What´s an easy way to coat chicken?

Coating Chicken

To coat chicken or turkey, place the seasonings, crumbs or flour in a plastic bag. Shake a few pieces at a time.

   
How can I peel onions without tears?

Peeling Onions

When peeling onions, soak in cold water for half an hour before peeling to prevent irritation to the eyes. Alternatively, peel under a running cold tap.

   
How can I save money grocery shopping?

Grocery Shopping

Shop with a list, that way you won't feel tempted to buy as many extras. Keep the list posted on the refrigerator so that everyone adds to it as items run low.

   
What temperature to I use for making poultry?

Cooking Temperature

Do not roast the turkey in a oven temperature lower than 325° F. Poultry should be roasted at 325° F. or higher to avoid potential food safety problems.

   
How do I core apples?

Coring Apples

Core apples easily by cutting them in half, then scooping out the core with a melon baller.

   
Can I make my own seasoning salt?

Seasoning Salt

To make seasoning salt, mix 1 cup salt, 2-1/4 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.

   
How can I stop honey from sticking to my measuring spoon?

Sticky Situations

Before measuring ingredients such as honey and corn syrup, lightly coat the measuring spoon or cup with vegetable oil. This also works great if you have to measure peanut butter.

   
Is there an easy way to core a strawberry?

Coring a Strawberry

Core your strawberries the easy way...with a straw!
Place the end of the straw at the center of the bottom of the strawberry. Push upward firmly, and you will remove the core and the leaves as well.

   
How long do I cook venison and at what temperature?

Venison Cooking Times

Most experts conclude that you can use the same cooking times/temps for venison as you do for beef. Check the Links section for sites that give cooking times and temps for beef and other meats.

   
What is an interesting garnish?

Garnishing

Tip from delanda...

For an interesting garnish, try slicing onion or shallots very thin, and coating with flour and seasoned salt. Shake off excess flour and fry in hot oil. Add as garnish for steak or chicken or even to top a salad for a texture contrast.

   
When should I add parsley to my dish?

Parsley

Tip from delanda...

When adding parsley to a dish always add toward the last minutes of cooking; it will impart a bright, fresh flavor-it`s good for more than just color.

   
How much produce do I need when canning?

Calculating Amounts for Canning

Here are some general guidelines for the amount of fresh produce you'll need for each quart jar when canning...

Apples: 2-1/2 to 3 Pounds
Apricots: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 Pounds
Asparagus: 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 Pounds
Beans: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 Pounds
Beets: 3 Pounds
Berries: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 Pounds
Carrots: 1 Pound
Cherries: 2 to 3 Pounds
Corn: 4 to 5 Pounds
Nectarines: 2 to 3 Pounds
Peaches: 2 to 3 Pounds
Pears: 2 to 3 Pounds
Plums: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 Pounds
Rhubarb: 1 to 2 Pounds
Tomatoes: 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 Pounds

   
What do I need to can foods at home?

Canning Supplies

Here's a list of the basic equipment you'll need to begin canning food at home...

Large Water Bath Canner
Round Canning Rack
Tongs
Timer
Wire Canning Basket
Screw bands
Self-Sealing Lids
Quart or Pint Canning jars
Hot pad holders and tea towels

There are many other items that you can purchase to make things easier, but these are the basics that any home-canner needs to get started.

   
How can I cut kiwi easier?

Cutting Kiwi

Use an egg slicer to cut your kiwi.

   
What is orange or lemon zest?

Lemon or Orange Zest

When a recipe calls for a fruit zest - usually lemon or orange, just grate the out peel off of the fruit. Not the white pith underneath though. You can also use a potato peeler.

   
What´s an easy way to remove pickles & olives from jars?

Removing Olives & Pickles from Jars

Keep a pair of large tweezers in the kitchen to remove olives or pickles from deep jars.

   
What burners should I use on the stove?

Using Stovetop

For the best heating, put small pans on the small burners and the large pans on the large burners.

   
How can I how jars easier?

Opening Jars

Wearing latex, non-slip dishwashing gloves makes opening jars easier.

   
How do I deep fry foods?

Deep Frying Facts

Most foods should be fried at a temperature between 350-375 degrees F. If you don`t have a thermometer, drop a bread cube into the hot oil; if the fat bubbles around the crumb, the temperature is too low. If it browns, the temperature is just right. If the bread cube burns, your oil is too hot.

It is best to use canola oil for frying. Canola oil has a high burning point, and does not have a strong flavor to detract from the flavor of the food you are frying.

Don`t crowd food that is to be fried. The food must be completely surrounded by oil.

Never fill the pot or deep fryer more than halfway with oil to prevent the oil from bubbling over when the food is added.

   
How do I make Mexican seasoning?

Mexican Seasoning

2 Tbsp paprika
2 tsp finely crushed dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Adobo pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp finely crushed dried cilantro flakes

Combine all ingredients. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

   
How do I make a seasoning mix?

Meat and Poultry Seasoning

3/4 tsp dried marjoram
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried rosemary

Combine all ingredients. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

   
How can I add more flavor to vegetables?

Flavorful Vegetables

Cook frozen vegetables in chicken, vegetable, or beef broth to add flavor.

   
How do I core strawberries?

Coring Strawberries

Tip from grannie mae...

To remove the hard white core in strawberries, just take a plastic straw and push though center of berry all the way from top to bottom and the core will stick in the straw.

   
How do I fix something with too much salt?

Too salty?

User submitted tip...thanks Bianca!

If the food you are cooking comes out too salty, add a little lemon zest. It will help balance out the flavor.

   
How hot do my coals need to be?

Grilling

Don't be in a hurry to put your food on the grill. If your charcoal hasn't reached the proper temperature, you will end up with a burned mess...black on the outside, and raw on the inside.

Wait until your charcoal has turned white on the outside, and then give yourself an extra 5 minutes before putting your meat on the grill. This allows for more even heating of the coals, and gives you a slower, more desirable cooking temperature.

   
How can I tell if an avocado is ripe?

Avocado Ripe?

Press the avocado with your thumb. If it dents easily, it is ready to use.

   
How do I blanch (remove skins) from almonds?

Blanched Almonds

Place shelled almonds in a saucepan. Cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil, then remove from heat.
Drain and cover almonds with cold water to cool.
Press each almond between thumb and forefinger to slip off skin. Place almonds on paper towels to dry.

To blanch whole almonds, pour boiling water over them and let sit for five minutes and then drain. The skin will now come off very easily just by pinching with your finger and thumb.

   
How do I substitute honey for sugar in a recipe?

Cooking with Honey

When substituting honey for sugar, you should add 1/2 tsp of baking soda for every cup of honey used and bake at a temperature of 25 degrees lower than the recipe calls for. You will also need to use a little less honey than sugar.

   
Is there a way to refresh raisins that have gotten hard?

Refreshing your raisins

If you've stored raisins for too long and they've become hard, you can refresh them by putting them in a pan; cover them with cold water, and then bring the water to a boil. Remove pan from heat as soon as the water boils, and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain well before using.

   
How can I get the most juice out of a lemon?

Jucier Lemons

To get more juice out of your lemons, submerge the lemon in hot water for about 15 minutes, or warm it in the microwave for 45 seconds before squeezing.

   
How can I tell if citrus is fresh?

Fresh Citrus

When buying fresh citrus fruits, the heavier the better. Brown marks on the skin won't affect the flavor, but don't buy if the skin has any wrinkled or soft areas.

   
How do I grill corn-on-the-cob?

Grilled Corn

To make corn-on-the-cob on the grill, gently fold back the corn husk. Remove the silk. Add one Tbsp of butter and 1 Tbsp of water to each ear. Close the husk and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a hot grill with the hood closed. Cook for 25-35 minutes, turning often. Carefully remove foil and husk.

   
How do you roast peppers?

How to roast peppers

Broil whole peppers with tops 5 inches from heat, turning occasionally, until skin is blistered and evenly browned but not burned.

Place peppers in a paper bag, close, and let stand 20 minutes. Peel skin from peppers.

   
How do I make clarified butter?

Clarified Butter

Melt butter slowly over medium heat or in a microwave oven. Skim off and discard the foam that forms. Pour the melted butter into a bowl and chill. When butter hardens, remove and discard the milky residue on the bottom.

   
What are Herbes de Provence?

Herbes de Provence

To make Herbes de Provence, mix together 4 parts thyme, 4 parts savory, 2 parts lavender and 1 part rosemary.

   
How do I keep my broccoli from losing its color?

Keep your broccoli green

After you have cooked your broccoli (or other green vegetables), remove them from the cooking water and immediately plunge them into ice cold water. This will not only stop the cooking process, but also leave the broccoli at just the right temperature to eat.

   
What is the easiest way to peel hard-boiled eggs?

Peeling an egg

Start with eggs that are at least a week old. The fresher the egg, the tougher it is going to be to peel. Once you have finished cooking them, plunge them immediately into ice cold water. Roll gently on the counter, and then the shell should slip off easily. If it is still sticking, peel the eggs under cool running water.

   
How do I keep from crying when I´m slicing onions?

No more crying!

There are many methods that have been recommended over the years to stop the tears when you are chopping onions. Some people say that slicing them while holding them underwater works...but it seems too dangerous to me! I've also had someone tell me they hold a piece of bread in their mouth while they are slicing. I just keep my mouth closed. As long as I don't talk or breath through my mouth while I'm chopping, I never shed a tear.

   
What is the easiest way to peel a tomato?

How to peel a tomato

The best way I have found to remove the skin from a tomato is to dip it in boiling water for a few seconds, remove it, and immediately place it in cold water. The skin will slip right off!

   
How do I prepare an avocado?

Avocado Preparation

First remove the stem from the fruit. Using a sharp knife, slice the avocado in half, turning the avocado on the blade as you slice. Twist the avocado halves to pull apart.

If possible, scoop the seed out with a spoon. If the seed won't come out with a gentle tug, then pierce the seed with your knife. Give the blade a gentle twist and remove the seed.

Make a small slice down the skin on the outside, and simply peel it away.

Now you are ready to serve it, slice or mash for guacamole.

   
How do I stop my mixing bowl from sliding while I´m using it?

Mixing Magic

To keep a mixing bowl from sliding around when you're whisking something in it, set it on a damp kitchen towel.

   
How do I make celery fans?

Celery Fans

Make celery fans to dress up your plate. Slice celery stalks into 3 or 4 inch lengths. Using a sharp knife, cut several slits at one or both ends of each piece of celery, cutting almost to the center. Place in ice water and refrigerate until the fans curl.

   
How do I soften brown sugar?

Brown Sugar

To soften a hardened box of brown sugar, simply place the opened box in the microwave along with 1 cup of hot water. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes for each 1/2 lb.

If you don't have a microwave, place a piece of white bread in with hardened brown sugar to help soften it.

   
How can I defrost a turkey?

Defrosting Turkeys

If you can't defrost your turkey in the refrigerator for a few days, keep the turkey in its original packaging and place in cold water. Change the water as often as needed to keep it cold. Allow 30 minutes defrosting time per pound.

   
How do I remove the wild taste from venison?

Venison Cooking

A way of masking the 'wild' flavor in venison is to put it in dishes that are normally spicy (chili con carne), or have spicy sauces (such as spaghetti). This will allow you to eat a healthy meat, without the taste of the wild.

   
How can I separate egg whites from the yolks?

Separating Eggs

To make it easier to separate egg whites from yolks, break the egg into a funnel. You'll find that the white goes through and the yolk stays behind.

   
What do I add if the vegetables are too sweet?

Vegetables Too Sweet??

If a main dish or vegetable is too sweet, add a teaspoon of cider vinegar.

   
What´s an easy seasoning tip?

Salt and Pepper mix

Because most recipes call for salt and pepper seasoning, keep a shaker filled with a mixture of both to save time.
Use a ratio of 3/4 salt and 1/4 pepper.

   
How do I clean mushrooms?

Cleaning Mushrooms

Clean mushrooms as you use them by wiping them with a damp cloth. A quick rinse in cold water is also fine, but never soak them or they'll get soggy.

   
How do I make hard boiled eggs?

Hard Boiled Eggs

To make perfect hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in a deep pan and cover with cold water. Add a little vinegar or salt to help prevent cracking. Heat just until boiling. Turn off burner and cover pan. (Make sure to leave the pan on the burner.) After 30 minutes, remove from stove and rinse thoroughly in cold water until eggs are cooled. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

   
What can I use taco seasoning for?

Taco Seasoning is for more than just Tacos!

Taco seasoning can be used for more than tacos. You can use taco seasoning to spice up meatloaf, burgers, tomato sauce, casseroles, and dips.

   
How do I remove the pulp from avocados?

Avocados

Instead of peeling, just cut avocados in half, remove the pit, then scoop out the pulp with a spoon.

   
How can I bring butter or margarine to room temperature quicker?

Butter at Room Temperature

To bring butter or margarine to room temperature quickly, use a grater to shred it into your mixing bowl.

   
How do you whip egg whites

Egg Beating

Egg whites WILL NOT WHIP (they just won't) if they come into contact with even the slightest trace of fat, grease or egg yolk. This is why it's a good idea when separating eggs to have three bowls: one for the yolks, one for the whites and one bowl to separate over so that you won't have to throw out a whole batch if one yolk breaks while separating. It is also a good idea to wash your hands, beaters and bowl before beginning as well, to make sure they are grease free.

   
How do I chop foods with a tough exterior?

Cut on non-wax side

When chopping foods that have a tough or waxy exterior (such as bell peppers), chop with the waxy side down, as the more tender inside flesh is easier on knife blades.

   
How can I make greasing pans easier?

Vegetable Shortening

Keep a small plastic bag in your can of vegetable shortening. When it comes time to grease a pan, just slip your hand in the bag, scoop out what you need and spread it on the pan.

   
How do I remove silk from cob corn?

Cob Corn

To remove corn silk from corn, dampen a paper towel or terry cloth and brush downward on the cob of corn. Every strand of corn silk should come off. --Mary Ellen's Best of helpful hints.

   
How do I make Beau Monde seasoning?

Beau Monde Seasoning

2 Tbsp ground cloves
2-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp salt
2 Tbsp ground bay leaf
2 Tbsp ground allspice
1/4 cup ground black pepper
2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground mace
2 tsp celery seed
1/4 cup ground white pepper

Combine all ingredients. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

   
What is the easiest way to peel garlic?

Peeling & Chopping Garlic

The easiest and quickest way to peel garlic is to crush a clove with the flat side of a large knife. Once it is crushed, the peel can be removed easily. Since the clove it flattened, it also makes it very easy to dice the garlic.

   
How can I make deviled eggs easier?

Deviled Eggs

To make filling deviled eggs easier, put filling in a plastic bag, snip off a corner, and squeeze into the eggs.

   
How do I make poultry seasoning?

Poultry Seasoning

2 Tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp ground bay leaves
3/4 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp paprika

Combine all ingredients. Store in a container with a tight fitting lid.

   
What is the best way to poach eggs?

Poached Eggs

Here's the best method for perfect poached eggs. Fill a saucepan with 3 inches of water. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Crack a cold egg into measuring cup. Holding the cup close to the water, gently let the egg slide into it. Cook, uncovered, until the egg whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon.

   
How do I prevent apples from browning?

Browning Apples

Instead of putting lemon juice on apples to prevent browning, soak them in Sprite. It prevents browning. It also adds a little sweetness so that you can use a little less sugar.

   
How do I freeze corn?

Freezing Corn

To freeze corn, shuck and remove the silks. Blanch corn in boiling water for 11 minutes. Immediately plunge in ice cold water. Cut the kernels off the cob and put in heavy duty freezer bags. Freeze immediately.

   
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PJ Campbell