Pork chops get a bad rap for being too dry most of the time. A simple solution to this problem is to lightly brown them on both sides and finish them off in the oven for 7-10 minutes at 350 degrees. The browning will lock the juices in, creating a succulent piece of meat.
When using cornstarch as a thickening agent, always mix it with cold water, NEVER hot water. This prevents clumping.
Does your family go camping?? How about adding pancakes to the mix!! When preparing to leave your home, just fill baggies with the batter, tie off the end and when you are ready, just snip the small ends to use as a piping bag and you are ready to cook! :)
There are two methods for removing the build-up that seems to always happen on our trays--unless of course, you use the following methods after every use. If you need to remove the grease for the first time, use either of the methods below:
1. Tea tree oil is AMAZING..leave on for about 1-2 hours then scrub off with a good scrub brush...it WILL take a bit of elbow grease. *In my opinion, this is the most effective method*
2. Use a paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda (premix in bowl then spread over area). Leave on for 2 hours then use scrub brush and rinse.
Most people don't realize how easy it is to refill your plug-in scent oils (Airwick or Febreze)! All you need to do is remove the old wick from the refill (some are harder to pull out so a pair of plyers may be needed), pour in any essential oil of your choice (about 1/3 full) fill the remainder with water, place wick back in and you are done. Talk about a MONEY-SAVER!
*If you are unfamiliar with essential oils, they can be found at your local health store or online.
1. To ripen avocados quickly, place them in a wool sock and set in a dark place.
2. To revive limp asparagus, try placing them in a tall pot with ice water in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
3. If you cook your vegetables with a small amount of milk, it will bring out more colour.
4. If you sprinkle salt into the water when you are washing vegetables, it will draw out any insects.
5. When cooking onions or cabbage, boil a small amount of vinegar in a pan to remove the odours.
6. If you sprinkle lemons with water and refrigerate them in a plastic bag, they will last a month or more.
7. If citrus fruits are warmed in the microwave or warm oven for a few minutes, they will yield more juice.
8. To keep cauliflower white during cooking, add lemon to the water. Overcooking tends to make cauliflower darker and makes it tougher.
9. To keep mushrooms white and firm when sautéing them, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to each quarter pound of butter.
10. When making stuffed peppers, coat the outside of the pepper with vegetable oil and it will retain its colour. Also, cook them in muffin tins to keep their shape.
1. French fries will be deliciously golden brown and extra crispy if lightly sprinkled with flour before frying.
2. To peel thin skin fruits and vegetables easily, place in a bowl and cover with boiling water, let stand for one minute then peel with sharp paring knife.
3. To keep your pizza crust crispy, try placing the cheese on before the sauce. Of course you can add a bit more on top too! ;)
4. To bake the perfect potato, rub butter over potatoes before baking to prevent skin from cracking and to improve the taste.
5. A dull knife works better to cut cheese. Warm the knife and the cheese will cut like butter.
6. A FAVOURITE TIP!!! To reduce shrinkage in sausages, they should be boiled for 3-5 minutes before frying.
7. To keep meatballs from falling apart when cooking, try placing them into the refrigerator for 20 minutes before cooking.
8. When stuffing a turkey or chicken, try sealing the opening with a small raw potato.
9. To ensure the freshness of fish, place it in cold water – if it floats it has recently been caught.
10. You can thaw fish in milk. The milk will draw out the frozen taste and provides a fresh caught flavour.
