Using Annatto SeedAnnatto seed is used as a red food coloring and for flavoring. Annatto is used for coloring cheeses such as cheddar and also for butter. Most often found in Caribbean, Latin American and Filipino cuisine.
Mock Chicken GravyI haven't bought a stewing hen since the middle of the last century. It goes without saying, I don't have a reserve of chicken stock for making gravy. I don't even have a stock pot. I do have a window, though...and I make do. (that's Southern talk for improvising).
Using an Electric SkilletElectric skillets are an easy way to expand your kitchen cooking surfaces. It's great for any dish that would use a frying pan.
Cooking Eggs in a Plastic BagAlthough many people have cooked eggs directly in a plastic zip top bag, it is not recommended. Both Ziploc and Glad make steam bags that are intended for cooking purposes and will not create any harmful toxins.
Alternative Uses for Shrimp Cocktail SauceCocktail sauce is traditionally served with shrimp but people often have sauce leftover. This spicy tomato based sauce is flavored with horseradish. It is good as a replacement for catsup or tomato paste in many recipes.
Making Really Smooth Sweet Potato Purée?I have been freezing sweet potato purée for later use, but need some advice on getting the purée really smooth.
Fixing Jam That is Too ThickMaking and canning your own jam is a great way to preserve bumper crops of fruits and berries. If the jam is too thick you might try adding heated fruit juice prior to adding it to your canning jars.
Using a Squeezo StrainerThe Squeezo strainer is used for canning and pureeing fruits and veggies. Usage tips can be found lower on this page.
Measuring Sticky IngredientsIt can be difficult to remove sticky ingredients such as peanut butter, lard, or molasses from the measuring cups. Here are a few methods to have the ingredients slide right out.
Using an Air FryerReducing the use of fryer oil in food preparation is possible with an air fryer. Hot air flows around the food to cook a crispy entree.
Using CheeseThis page contains tips for using, storing, and substituting types of cheese in recipes.
Labeling LeftoversLabeling your leftovers can help organize you fridge and save on food costs and waste. There are some helpful tips below for marking your containers.
Substitutes for Mushrooms in Recipes?Some people just don't like the flavor or texture of mushrooms. If you are preparing a recipe calling for them you have several options. You can simply leave them out, but the dish may not taste the same especially if they are a major ingredient. Or you can substitute other veggies, such as eggplant, zucchini, carrots, etc.
Fixing Mushy Rice with BreadIf you have ever had the rice in your cooker come out mushy or soupy then this quick and easy fix is for you. You will need a piece of bread and the tip below.
Decorating CupcakesCupcakes are cooked in a muffin tin instead of a cake pan, for individual small cakes. They are often used for parties instead of a traditional birthday or wedding cake, and can be decorated in all sorts of different themes for any event.
Using Expired Cake Mix?If a box of cake mix has been forgotten in the back of your pantry, it may still be usable if it's not too old. Sometimes, it's necessary to add new baking soda or powder to help it rise.
Using Crockpot Insert in the OvenSometimes you may want to use your crockpot ceramic insert in the oven. This is generally possible, but it is best to check with the manufacturer to determine if their's is oven safe. You will also need to determine the range of temperature settings for your pot.
Making Pea Soup from Braising LiquidThe next time you braise meat, don't throw the leftover braising liquid away. Use the braising liquid to make this pea soup recipe instead.
Butternut Squash PureeMicrowaving butternut squash first and then cleaning and peeling, leaves you with the flesh ready to puree. Use your food processor and then refrigerate or freeze for future use.
Making Pancakes On a Tin CanMaking a simple cook stove from an empty food can provides a great way to make pancakes while on a camping trip. The tutorial below describes how to prepare your can, lists the materials needed, and offers a simple pancake recipe.
Making Gumpaste FlowersLearn how to make lovely gumpaste flowers to decorate your next cake. Supplies list and directions follow.
Making Espresso PowderInstead of buying expensive espresso powder, make it at home from regular ground coffee. Besides making a great cup of strong espresso, it will add flavor to your baking and recipes.
Make Beef Patties Inside Ziploc BagOne way to shape your homemade beef patties is to place the seasoned meat in a ziplock bag and press and shape. They won't stick and it is definitely a less messy method.
Making Green Apple MonstersThese fun little monsters are made from green apples with sunflower seed teeth and a strawberry tongue. They are perfect for parties or for a special treat for lunch.
Sifting Flour for a Recipe?Why do I have left over sifted flour when I sift 3 cups? Are you supposed to use all of the sifted flour when making a recipe?
Substitute for Whole Milk?What can I use to substitute for whole milk if I don't have evaporated milk?
Using a Spray Bottle for Cooking OilsYou can save money by purchasing a mister bottle or plastic spray bottle to use with your favorite cooking oil(s). Some suggestions follow for sources and use.
Making Pecan Log BallsAn alternative to serving a pecan log sliced is to take the slices and roll them into balls. Place the balls in paper cupcake pan liners and offer to your guests.
Substitutes for Measuring SpoonsSometimes you can't get to your measuring spoons, perhaps they are still packed after a move. This page offers some interesting alternatives to consider, they are plastic caps from commonly used products.
Using Pumpkin as Serving BowlsYou can make decorative, creative serving bowls using a pumpkins. The hard skin and dense meat allow the pumpkin to contain even a soup.
Using Canned Peach Juice in Making a Pie?The first person said to use 2/3 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed into enough of the peach juice to make a paste and stir over heat then pour into peaches. Can I use plain flour if I haven't got cornstarch and what effect will it have in the pie?
When Life Gives You LemonsWhen at first it appears that life is giving you lemons, you may find a blessing in the final results.
Cooking Turkey Bacon in the OvenAlthough turkey bacon is a lot less messy to cook than pork bacon, you can still save time and avoid any stovetop messes by preparing it in the oven. Learn how to easily and quickly cook turkey bacon in the oven.
Cooking Liver in a Crockpot?Can I cook more than one piece of liver in my crockpot at a time? What tastes better milk or cream? and how much?
Roasting a PumpkinTo roast a pumpkin, you will need to cut it in half and remove the seeds. Lay those halves on foil and bake.
Substitutes for Pectin in Jams and Jellies?This page offers some suggestions for substitutes for pectin in homemade jams and jellies. In fact some fruit is high enough in naturally occurring pectin that they don't require it at all.
Using Wilton's Candy MeltsWilton's candy melts are intended for use in making molded candies or as a dip to coat cookies, pretzels, etc. This page contains some suggestions for how to use Wilton's candy melts.
Uses for Leftover Hamburger Fat?Like other forms of leftover animal fat hamburger fat can be saved in the fridge and used to season vegetables or other dishes. It can also be used to make suet cakes for wild birds. This page contains several uses for leftover hamburger fat.
Cooking Frozen Rolls in the MicrowaveA quick and easy method of preparing frozen dinner rolls is to use your microwave. In a high wattage microwave oven you can cook frozen dinner rolls in about 30 seconds. This page contains a tip explaining this process.
Cooking Lentils with Brown RiceComplete the protein of your rice by adding lentils before you cook it. It tastes delicious and is good for you.
Making Cream of Chicken Soup GravyFor a quick batch of gravy you can use cream of chicken soup. The condensed soup doesn't need much when poured over rice or potatoes.
How To Make Crispy Pizza Crust in the Microwave?The microwave is not necessarily the best choice for making pizza. This method is more likely to leave the crust soggy rather than crispy. You can try a browning tray or you made need to resort to alternative methods of preparing your pizza. This page is devoted to a discussion on how to make crispy microwave pizza crust.
Can Under Cabinet Lighting Affect Shelf Life of Food?I keep my loaf of bread in an air tight plastic bag, as well a my fruit in a bowl, on my kitchen counter. I think that the kitchen cabinet lightening, which is under all of my cabinets, causes these foods to go bad because of the light and the heat. My husband says I'm crazy.
Substitute For Onion in Recipes?Not everyone can eat onions due to dietary restrictions. You may be out or just not like onions. There are recipe substitutions for onion or you can just omit it.
Cooking Steamed Vegetables in the Microwave?The microwave is a convienent way to quickly steam vegetables. In just a few minutes, you can have a healthy side dish ready for dinner.
Using a Hitachi Home Bakery ll HB-B102?I have a Hitachi Home Bakery ll HB-B102 and no manual. I need to know how long to bake wheat bread. There is no setting for basic bread or wheat bread. Can you help?
Substituting Bran Flakes for Bran Buds in a Recipe?I bought Bran Flakes not buds. Can I substitute bran flakes for Bran Buds and what is the measurement difference?
How to Make Fondant Sushi Cake ToppersMake your own fondant sushi cupcake toppers and save lots of money. If you can model with play dough, you can create your own decorative entrees with this pliable edible dough.
Using Tangerines?This citrus fruit is not as available as they once were around Christmas time. Tangerines have a unique flavor and the canned fruit is a great addition to a fruit salad.
Using a Food ScaleA food scale needs to be kept clean in order to work properly. You can use a wide plastic lid to catch drips on top, and tare the scale to zero before adding food.
Use Muffin Tins to Make Large Ice CubesWhen larger than normal ice cubes are in order, using muffin tins can make the size you need. They will last longer in a pitcher, beverage cooler or punch bowl.
Separate Egg Yolk Using a Plastic BottleTake a recycled soda bottle to separate an egg yolk from the white using suction. It works perfectly without breaking the yolk and making a mess.
Removing Cereal Dust Before ServingWhen you get to the bottom of a cereal bag, there can be fine meal that you may not want in your bowl. You can sift the cereal in a colander. This is about removing cereal dust before serving.
Recipe for Beef Tacos for 40 + Sides?I need a beef taco bar for 40 recipe. Also, what would be good for sides?
Baking from the Discount Grocery ShelfBaking can get very expensive, especially if you are using unusual ingredients. You can often find many products in the markdown section of your local grocery store. Check after holidays for steep discounts on seasonal items.
Substitutes for Condensed MilkWhen you need to use an alternative for condensed milk, there are recipes to make your own with sugar or sugar-free. This is a page about substitutes for condensed milk.
Experience with Gluten Free and FODMAP Diets?I was told by my neurologist to try going gluten free to see if it would help my fibromyalgia and swelling. I have been working on that for about 2 weeks, so far so good. I think I feel better. Now my gastroenterologist wants me to try the FODMA diet to determine what foods are triggering my digestive symptoms.
Making Decorative Carved Baskets from OrangesCutting an orange in the shape of a basket can be a fun way to serve something special. This is a page about making decorative baskets from oranges.
Deboning Chicken ThighsYou can save money by removing the bones from chicken thighs yourself. This is a page about deboning chicken thighs.
Opening a Pop Can Without Breaking a NailA plastic drinking straw can facilitate pulling a ring tab to open a soda. This is a page about opening a pop can without breaking a nail.
Reducing the Smell of Raw Cabbage?I like to hollow out a red cabbage and serve with a dijon dip in the hollow. How can I keep the cabbage/sulphur smell from running off my guests?
Using Items After Expiration DateMany food items can be used after their expiration dates. It depends on the type of food and packaging. This page offers some tips about using items after their expiration date.
Stretching Boxed Macaroni and CheeseSometimes you need to feed a crowd with only what you have on hand. Many boxed pasta dishes can go farther with the addition of ingredients like vegetables, cheese or pasta. This is a page about stretching boxed macaroni and cheese.
Using a Muffin Tin to Hold Taco ShellsA great way to keep crisp taco shells upright is to use an upside down muffin tin as a holder. It will make them easy to fill. This is a page about using a muffin tin to hold taco shells.
Adding Extra Nutrition to Your FoodBoosting the nutritional value of your meal is easily done by adding concentrated foods, and can often enhance the flavor. This is a page about adding extra nutrition to your food.
Making Licorice StrawsCut the ends off of Red Vines or any hollow twisted licorice candy and use it to make a festive drink. This is a page about making licorice straws.
Using Powdered Drink MixesShaker bottles have become very popular for all sorts of powdered protein or energy drinks that mix with water. This page has advice for using powdered drink mixes.
Salt and Pepper Tips and TricksThis basic seasoning combination plays a central role in most kitchens worldwide. This page contains salt and pepper tips and tricks.
How to Test Eggs for CracksPlace your forefinger on each egg in the carton, and move it slightly. If there is no resistance more than likely it does not have a crack. This is a page about how to test eggs for cracks.
Keeping Avocados and Guacamole FreshKeep a piece of cut onion in a container alongside your cut avocado or prepared guacamole to preserve its color and freshness. This is a page about keeping avocados and guacamole super fresh.
Buying Fish Bones for Soup Stock?What is an inexpensive source for fish bones from filleting salmon (for fish stock)?
Identifying Foods for a Low Potassium Diet?I have a variety of health conditions. They include: diabetes, kidney issues, and sarcoidosis. I'm prone to high calcium levels and am dealing with high potassium. That puts a restriction on a lot of the fruits and vegetables I can eat. The ones I really like, I need to limit due to the potassium.
Finding Hershey's Chocolate Syrup Expiration Date?I'm unsure how to find the expiration date on a bottle of Hershey's syrup. All I can find is a code on the bottom of it, saying #98N52 7J. I'm not sure what that means. Do those numbers indicate the expiration date? If so, how do I interpret it? I don't want to eat something that's expired.
Improving the Taste of Home Brewed Coffee?I don't like coffee. Or at least I don't like the taste of it. I'm trying to find ways to make it taste better that aren't so expensive like constantly buying liquid creamer. So far all I've found is using a Hersey's kiss in it. I use Folger's Classic or Columbian if that helps.
Substituting Oil for Shortening in RecipesSubstituting oil for shortening in a recipe is a simple 1:1 ratio. The swap will change the texture of the finished product, making it more dense, less cake like. This is a page about substituting oil for shortening in recipes.
Juicing and Growing Your Own PomegranatesIf you grow your own pomegranates this is a fun way to juice them. All you need is the fruit and a hand held citrus squeezer. Plant the leftover seeds and grow more. Learn about juicing and growing your own pomegranates.
Fix for Too Much Marshmallow Creme in Fudge?What happens if I add too much marshmallow creme to the recipe?
Measuring Dry Macaroni?I need to know how to measure the correct amount in cups to fill a 1 1/2 qt dish when prepared.
Using Vidalia OnionsThe Vidalia onion is the state vegetable of Georgia. This remarkably sweet onion has none of the bite of other onions making it a good choice for certain dishes or if you simply don't like the intensity of other varieties. This is a page about using Vidalia onions.
Using a Euro Cuisine Greek Yogurt MakerThis is a page about using a Euro Cuisine greek yogurt maker. Greek yogurt can be quite expensive at the grocery store. Using the Euro Cuisine greek yogurt maker is easy to use and will save you money.
Making Your Own 2% Milk At HomeReducing the amount of fat in your milk can be accomplished by diluting your milk with water. This page is about make your own 2% milk at home.
Honey Tips and TricksHoney is a tasty alternative to sugar for sweetening tea, baking, and more. Here are some helpful tips for buying, storing, and using honey.
Using a Slow Cooker Liner in the Oven?I want to make candied yams in my crockpot, using a liner. But I will need to toast the marshmallows on top in the oven. Is it okay to do this with a liner for the crockpot?
What Is 10X Sugar?In many instances the term 10x sugar is used interchangeably with confectioner's or powdered sugar. There is a difference however, not all powdered sugar is the same. Confectioner's sugar contains a bit of corn starch, while some powdered sugars do not. Usage determines the best choice. This is a page about, "What is 10x sugar?".
Making Toast for a Crowd?How do I make toast or English muffins for a bunch at a brunch?
Keeping Brown Sugar SoftBrown sugar frequently turns into a hard lump in the container. Here are some great tips for keeping it soft. This is a page about keeping brown sugar soft.
Butterflying a Whole Chicken?How do I butterfly a chicken?
Using Lemon Juice to Reduce Onion TearsSquirting lemon juice before cutting onions is a good way to reduce tears. This page is about using lemon juice to reduce onion tears.
Uses for Lemonade MixPowered lemonade mix can be used in recipes in place of fresh lemon juice. This page contains uses for lemonade mix.
Cooking a Frozen Stuffed Turkey?Can you cook a stuffed Butterball frozen turkey in a oven roaster?
Use Spaghetti Instead of ToothpicksIf you find yourself out of toothpicks, uncooked spaghetti makes a great substitute. You can hold rolled foods together or even test a cake with a piece of spaghetti. This is a page about using uncooked spaghetti instead of toothpicks.
100 Calorie Snack PacksGrab and go 100 calorie snack packs are great to have on hand for when you are hungry between meals. You don't need to spend a lot of money on prepackaged ones though. Larger packages of your favorite snacks can be broken down into 100 calorie packs. This is a page about 100 calorie snack packs.
Reducing Cabbage OdorThere are several ways to reduce the odor of cooking cabbage. Try, adding a celery stick or lemon wedge to the pot. Some cooks use vinegar and a walnut in the shell is also suggested. This is a page about reducing cabbage odor.
Controlling Portion SizesAs many of us know diets do not work in the long run. Weight is often regained. One easy way to reduce extra calories and lose weight or not gain it back is to pay attention to your portion sizes. They are typically too large. This page contains suggestions for controlling portion sizes.
Substituting Lemonade Powder for Lemon JuiceRather than running to the store in the midst of cooking or baking you can substitute powdered lemon drink mix for lemon juice in a recipe. The sugar free version may work best for some recipes. This is a page about substituting lemonade powder for lemon juice.
Reheating Bread in the MicrowaveReheating bread in the microwave can cause dry unappetizing results. It is, however, very easy to keep your bread products moist. Water or damp paper towels are the key. This is a page about reheating bread in the microwave.
Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in the Rice CookerIt's easy to add a couple of eggs to any batch of rice, for lunch the next day. This is a page about cook hard boiled eggs in the rice cooker.
Salmon Patties Tips and TricksA great way to stretch salmon meat to feed more people is by making salmon patties. This page contains salmon patties tips and tricks.
Using Lipton Soup Mixes in Cooking?Can Lipton onion mushroom soup mix be used like beef broth?
Slicing Cherry TomatoesTake two shallow-rimmed plates, or two identical flat container lids. Place the tomatoes on one of them, cover with the other so the tomatoes are firmly sandwiched, then use a very sharp knife to cut across the tomatoes perfectly in half. If you don't have a super sharp knife, use a serrated knife. Time saver!
Why Do Pots Keep Burning After They Have Burned Once?If you have ever burned a cooking pot you may notice that it seems to continue to burn when used later. One possible reason for this could be that the pot has been warped creating an uneven heating surface. This is a page about, "Why do pots keep burning after they have burned once?".
Use a Straw to Hull StrawberriesRather than using a small knife to remove the hulls from strawberries, try this tip using a plastic straw. This is a page about using a straw to hull strawberries.
Homemade Ring MoldThis is a page about making a homemade ring mold. Ring mold are great for making round eggs, pancakes, etc. If you don't have a metal ring mold you can make as many as you need out of wax paper.
Using Mayonnaise for Creamy Mashed PotatoesAdding some mayonnaise to your mashed potatoes can make them creamy and delicious. This is a page about creamier mashed potatoes with mayo.
Fix for Salsa That Is Too Sweet?What to do when your salsa is way too sweet?
Substituting Condensed Milk for Whole Milk?Condensed milk can be substituted for whole milk in some recipes. Since condensed milk contains a lot of added sugar it may not always be the best choice. Evaporated milk and water are another option. This is a page about substituting condensed milk for whole milk.
What Is Tomato Powder?What is tomato powder ?
