15 Tips on Tuesday

Good morning, I thought we would do something different today  How about some tips and hints this Tuesday! 

1.  We all use spices, but did you know you should never store your spices close to
     the stove?  Spices should be stored somewhere cool and dark, like in a drawer. 

2.  When baking brownies, if you want them to be fudgier and chewier, use one
     less egg than the recipe calls for (if it calls for at least 2). 

3.  Real butter is better for you than margarine.  I always use real butter when
     cooking.  It gives your food a better flavor.

4.  If you want your pizza crust to stay crispy and not get soggy from the sauce,
     sprinkle some of your cheese onto the crust before you put the sauce and
     toppings on.

5.  For crispier chicken or chicken nuggets, dip chicken in flour, and then wet
     ingredients (I use a combination of cream of chicken and milk), and then back
     into  the flour again.  The key here, is to let the chicken rest with the breading
     on it for at least 15 minutes before you fry it.  It lets the breading set up.

6.  Use the 10 / 10 rule when boiling eggs for perfect boiled eggs most every time. 
     Start eggs out in cold water.  Place them on the stove and bring them to a boil. 
     Once they start boiling, time them 10 minutes.  Turn off the stove and let them
     set for another 10 minutes.  Run under cold water and shake them in the pan. 
     The shells will fall right off.

7.  You can make your own flavored butters by letting a stick of salted real butter
     come to room temperature.  Then gently stir in 1 Tbsp. of your favorite herb. 
     I use Dill, Basil and sometimes Italian Seasonings.  Place the butter mixture on
     plastic wrap and form it into a long log.  Then you can just slice it and top
     potatoes, steaks, etc. with it.

8.  When you make a roast, add about 1/2 stick of butter to your roast when you
     begin the cooking process.  It will fall apart.

9.  You can thaw fish out in milk.  Especially fresh fish that has been frozen. 

10. Creamy mashed potatoes are easy.  The problem is most people don't put
      enough milk in their potatoes.  Also, if you heat up the milk before you whip
      your potatoes, it keeps them from cooling down.

11.  Putting onions in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before you chop them helps
       keep the tears away.

12. Try using Cornstarch instead of Flour to thicken gravy.  You mix 6 parts
      water and 1 part cornstarch and beat together.  (6 Tbsp. water to 1 heaping
      Tbsp. cornstarch).   Pour in mixture and stir immediately.  Your gravy will be
      smooth and silky.

13.  For a juicier hamburger, add some cold water to your pan about 5 minutes
       into the frying process.  Let it cook away and your burgers will be juicy.

14.  Microwave your lemon for about 10 to 15 seconds then roll it on the table
       with your hands before you slice and squeeze.  You get much more juice that
       way.

15.  When you remove a roast or steak from the stove, let it rest for at least 5
       minutes before you cut/carve.  If you cut it too early, the juices will be lost
       and not retained in your meat.