Tip of the Day #291: Easy Eating with Pomegranates!

Do you love pomegranates but hate getting the seeds out? Cut the pomegranate in half and use the back of a wooden spoon to knock out the pomegranate seeds.

Tip of the day #290: The Perfect Pork Chops

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.

Tip of the Day #289: Cornstarch & Water

When using cornstarch as a thickening agent, always mix it with cold water, NEVER hot water. This prevents clumping.

Tip of the Day #288: Easy Pancakes while Camping

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! :)

Tip of the Day #287: Removing Stains & Old Grease from Baking Sheets

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.

Tip of the Day #286: DIY SCENT OIL REFILLS

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.

More Tips for Fresh Produce

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.