social

Cooking TipsAsk a Question Follow

243 Total Articles   Page 1
Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Cook Rice with Shrimp Boil MixFor a better tasting rice, cook it in shrimp boil mix.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use Cooking Bags in Crockpots that Don't Have a Removable LinerWhen I use my older crockpot that doesn't have a removable crock I use one of the cooking bags for a large roast or chicken (or even the turkey size cut down).

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Pam or Non-stick Spray on Pizza PansSpray your pizza pans with Pam or non stick spray anytime you use them. I use it with frozen pizzas, homemade pizzas, basically anything that has the potential of sticking to the pan. By Tracy Fuller

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Decrease the Boiling Time of WaterIf you are in a big hurry when bringing water to a boil, two small pots of water will come to a boil much faster than one big pot. Once the water boils, you can combine it into one big pot if you need that room for the pasta or whatever.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

New Recipe? Make a Smaller BatchWhen trying out a new unproven recipe, make the smallest batch possible. Most recipes can be halved, or even quartered. That way, if it is faulty, or not to your liking, you've wasted only half the ingredients. By Doggy

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Liven Up Canned Baked BeansIf you want to liven up a can of baked beans, try adding some honey and some fresh, chopped coriander. Yum!

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Quickly Heat Water to Peel TomatoesWhen I have a tomato that is hard to peel, but don't want to take the time to boil water to put it in. I have a Bunn coffee maker that the hot water runs right through, I make a pot of really hot water and drop the tomato in the pot of hot water.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Prevent Grease Splatters When Frying EggsWhen frying eggs, drop a couple pinches of flour in the grease before putting eggs in to fry. It will keep grease from popping out.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Cool Chicken in BrothAfter stewing a chicken, cool in broth before cutting into chunks. It will have twice the flavor.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Creaming Butter and Sugar QuicklyCream butter and sugar fast by rinsing the mixing bowl under hot water before adding ingredients. The water will heat the bowl just enough to help soften the butter, making it easier to mix.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Creative Breading for Chicken or FishBe creative when breading chicken or fish. Cracker and chip crumbs, corn meal, leftover nuts, sesame seeds can all be ground in a food processor and used to coat fillets before frying or baking.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keeping Hands from Sticking to Rice Krispie TreatsWhen making Rice Krispie treats, make sure and rub your hands with a little butter or margarine to make them lay flat in the pan and not stick to your skin.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Did Your Dish Come Out Too Spicy?Tone it down by adding 1 tbsp of peanut butter. If you can't eat peanut butter, use sugar instead. Works every time and it tastes great! By Lucy Arredondo

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Remembering the Oven is PreheatingWhenever I preheat the oven, I also turn on the light over the range. It serves as a safety reminder. If I get busy and lose track of time while waiting for it to reach the correct temperature, when I see the light on I'll remember the oven is also on. By Cheryl from Missouri

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Shortening Cooking Time In The OvenTo shorten cooking time for fish sticks or chicken patties first cook them on a plate in the microwave for a minute or two until just warm then transfer them to the oven to get them crispy.

 

Advertisement

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Breading Chicken Without FlourIf you are frying chicken and are out of flour to roll the pieces in, try rolling them in powdered milk. Works great! By Robin

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keep Oatmeal from Sticking To The PanIf you are making oatmeal on the stove, one way to make sure it doesn't stick so badly to the pan is to spray the pan with cooking spray like Pam before you start. By Robin

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Reusing Parmesan Cheese RindsDon't throw away those old rinds from buying big chunks of Parmesan cheese. Throw them in soups such as minestrone and let simmer for extra good flavor.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Cooking Dinner: Having It All Come Out HotMy mother would cook the meal's dishes in order of cooking time, from slowest to fastest, and would place them in covered Corning Ware casserole dishes on a heated electric tray.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keeping Cook Books Propped and Open While CookingIf you need to keep a recipe book propped open while cooking, take one of those wooden pants hangers from your closet and clamp it over the pages at the top of the book. If the book is light enough, you can even hang it by the hook at eye level on a cupboard door knob!

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

How To Use a Broiler for Fish?How do you use the broiler in the oven. I have a recipe for salmon but I'm not sure how to use it. I thought you were suppose to leave the door ajar but that would really heat up your house. If this is the way to do it, is there a way to adapt broiled recipes to baking temps?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Vegetable Blend For Cooking and BakingPut your favorite vegetables in a blender with a touch of water or vegetable juice. Use in place of oil in your bread making or vegetable pie. If you want to, you can still add a little oil.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Summer Cooking Tips?Tips for cooking in the summer without warming up your kitchen. Post your ideas.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Baking with CheeseWhen baking a dish with a melted cheese topping (such as lasagna), which needs to be covered with aluminum foil for at least part of the cooking time, I always spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Parmesan Cheese on SpaghettiIf you like to add Parmesan cheese to your spaghetti or other pasta dishes, add the cheese to the pasta and mix well before adding sauce. The sauce will cling better to the pasta that way.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Advice About Pressure Cookers?Are pressure cookers good, great or fantastic to use? I am considering purchasing one but remember all the mishaps with them in our distant past. Have they improved? Any brand recommendations that you would recommend?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

How can I tell if a dish is oven safe?How could I tell if a dish is oven safe such as Bakewear, Ovenwear and Pyrex. It has no indication. I know how to tell if a dish is microwave safe, but I am sure it is not same.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Change the Spices in a RecipeOccasionally, change the spices in your favorite dishes to give a bit of variety to it. Your family will be expecting the same old version and you'll have a surprise for them.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Adding to Raw Seafood MixAdd chicken broth to raw seafood mix, cook on med. heat till cooked, but don't overcook; and add chicken broth to rice water (use less water then) after rice is done mix the seafood with the rice and yum, what a meal.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Paper for Absorbing Grease and OilWe bought some wine glasses from Pier1 Imports as they were on big sale. The store clerk wrapped each glass in a nice paper.

 

Advertisement

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Pay Attention to the CookingDon't do something else while you're cooking. Time gets away from you and the results can be a disaster. At least, have a very loud timer. I ruined more than a few dishes and managed to almost burn my house down learning this.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Making Oatmeal Scotchies BetterThe recipe on the back of the butterscotch morsels bag, for oatmeal scotchies, is good, but I made it much better. When it comes to the oatmeal and the nuts, grind them both in a coffee grinder. This makes a softer, more flavorful cookie and takes 5 minutes less to bake.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Preventing White Watermarks in PansTo avoid white watermarks in pans when boiling puddings, eggs, etc., add a little vinegar to the water (cider vinegar is less potent if you don't like the smell).

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Living Without a MicrowaveMy 5-year-old microwave died shortly before Thanksgiving last year and my budget didn't allow for replacing it right away even though we had company coming for Thanksgiving. I mentally made a note to replace it after the first of the year; however in January, I thought I would wait for a good sale.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Seasoning a Teflon Pan?How does one season a new teflon treated pan? Do I heat it with oil, then wipe the oil out? The pan came with no instructions.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

For Juicy Sauted OnionsFor Juicy Sauted Onions. When the onions have reached the state of doneness you want, add some water to the pan, then cook til the water is almost, but not entirely, absorbed. . .

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Quick Stir Fry?You can reduce the time it takes to stir fry slow cooking vegetable like carrots and broccoli by blanching them. You can also reduce the cooking time by cutting them thinly.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Spicing Up Rice?I am trying to eat more rice (both brown and white), but even after adding onion, garlic and onion power and Frank's Hot Sauce, it is very bland. Any suggestions as how to spice it up?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Helpful Kitchen TipsHere are a few tried-and-true easy ideas for saving time and your energy in the kitchen!

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Microwaving Gold or Silver Striped DishwareIf you're into microwave cooking, you might already know this. But in case you don't, learn from someone who knows. . .

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use Brown Rice Instead Of WhiteUse Brown Rice Instead Of White. Brown rice is just like any other rice. You can use it in any other recipe, so long as you allow extra cooking time. We have eaten it exclusively for about 25 years.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Other Uses for a Rice Cooker?Other Uses for a Rice Cooker. I am looking for other uses for rice cooker.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Spaghetti ShortcutsTonight was spaghetti night. I sauteed some ground meat, onions and garlic in a little olive oil. I poured this into a bowl, poured in my favorite brand of sauce and set it aside. I poured out most of the oil, and put the pasta water right into the pot without any extra cleaning.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Cut Butter In Flour?Is there a pastry blender (for mixing flour and butter when the recipe says to "cut in the butter with the flour") that anyone would like to recommend?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Single Serving MeatloafsInstead of making a large meatloaf, I use foil cupcake pans and make individual meatloafs. They cook quicker and, with 6 daughters, they cool quicker and are their serving size.

 

Advertisement

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Browning Turkey Cutlets?The recipe said to lightly brown the turkey (thin) cutlets in olive oil on med heat. I did and all they did was turn white. Wouldn't brown. The rest of the recipe calls for it to be placed on top of stuffing, covered with cream of mushroom soup and then cooked on med lo for 10 minutes.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Waterless Stacked Cooking?Is it worth investing in this expensive cookware? Does the weight of all of these pots break the electric stove burners? Does stack cooking work?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Making Good Brown Rice?I don't make very interesting brown rice. It always comes out overcooked with water at the bottom of the pan. Organic brown basmati.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Chicken White SauceInstead of cheese, I use a block of chicken stock in white sauce and it tastes great. Use corn flour instead of flour as it is smoother.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Tips For SpaghettiTry adding a few teaspoons of powdered chicken bouilion and olive oil to the water you cook your spaghetti in. It really perks it up! If you like using cheater sauce (jar sauce) like I do, it can also be improved on by adding a little oregano, powdered garlic, and lemon pepper.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Poke a Hole in Vegetable Oil BottleWhen I buy a new bottle of vegetable oil, I take a push-pin and poke a hole in the bottle up near the spout. Keeping the cap on, this works great as a squeeze bottle to season a pan or if I need a small amount of oil for a recipe.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Tomato Puree vs. Tomato Sauce?I am going to make spaghetti sauce. I use tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes. I want to also add either a can of tomato puree, or a can of tomato sauce. What do you think might result in a better tasting sauce? I will also add my normal seasonings.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Slice Storebought Cookie Dough Before UnwrappingI bought cookie dough for the first time and found slicing it messy and the slices broke easily so I tried slicing unwrapped rolls and it was much easier for me.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

How to Make Grocery Store Rotisserie Chicken?I am looking for a recipe to cook a whole chicken that would taste like the cooked supermarket chickens that you can buy. They are always very flavorful and not dry.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Getting Refrigerated Pizza Dough to Lie Flat?I like the Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough but I can never get it to lie flat. It curls up no matter what I do. Does anybody have a solution for this? I'd really appreciate it.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use a Skillet for Faster CookingWhen cooking, try using a skillet instead of a pot or pan. A skillet puts a larger cooking surface in contact with your heat source. Food will cook faster, saving on your energy bills and saving your time.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Avoid Domed Burgers By Indenting MiddleAvoid the dome effect when cooking hamburgers (your burger plumped in the middle). Before cooking, make a large enough indent in the middle on both sides. Works for me.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use a Corn Cob Holder for Pricking Poultry Skin I am cooking a duck today and tried a toothpick, worse than the skewer. My lightbulb of the day? Corn cob holder! It was easy to grip, nice metal prongs and only places small holes in the bird. Works great!

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Using L'ovenware On Glass Top Stove?I've just acquired a set of L'ovenware, consisting of saucepans, bowls and lids. It's amber glass cookware. I've looked for the company but I don't think they are still in business. Has anyone ever used them on a glass top stove? Do you have any hints or suggestions? I'd appreciate any feedback based on experience. Thanks.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Soaking Up Bacon Grease?For years when I cook bacon, I have always placed the bacon on paper towels to soak up the bacon grease. I do this for hamburgers too. Instead of buying paper towels all the time, I am looking for another way to do this. What do you do?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Ways To Avoid Flipping Food While Cooking?Frozen onion rings and french fries need to be turned midway after some baking time. Is there a suggested method of baking that can omit the food flipping step?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use Baker's Piping Bag for Making Sausage RollsWhen I make sausage rolls, I use a bakers piping bag for the meat, this makes the job much easier and cleaner, but the tip (which I found myself just recently) is to spray the inside of the bag, with some oil and the meat will squeeze out much easier and as an extra bonus, the bag is easier to clean.

 

Using 3-Piece Clay Cooker?Has anyone seen a 3-piece clay cooker before? "Hartland USA" is hand-etched on the bottom. How and what is the center "rack" used for?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Food Sticking To Non-Stick Waffle Iron?I bought a new non-stick waffle iron, and since "non-stick" doesn't always mean that, I preheated it and brushed oil on it, as the manual said to do. Well, we all know what happened, right?! Stuck all over the place. I know not to spray Pam, etc. on non-stick. It's the kind that beeps when the waffle is ready, so I know I didn't open it too soon. Please help!

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use Hamburger Spatula to Make GravyWhen I make homemade gravy, I use a hamburger spatula. If you start to get lumps you can mash them with the turner. It works every time.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Nu-Wave Temperature Conversions?What are the corresponding temperatures on a Nu-Wave ovens with a dial from 1 to 10?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Using Disposable Baking Pans?I have never used disposable loaf baking pans. Could someone please advise me if there is anything I have to consider when using them? Do I use the same oven temp and is the amount of baking time the same? The disposable pans seems so thin compared to regular baking pans. Thank you.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Food Sticking to Stainless Steel Skillet?I brought a 10' stainless steel skillet from Bed, Bath and Beyond for $25.99. Does anyone know why it sticks while I am frying in it? There's more batter stuck in the pan than on the fish when I'm done. Please help.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Boiling Partially Frozen, Raw Chicken Breasts?Is it safe to boil partially frozen raw chicken breasts?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Tips for Frying Chicken?What is the secret to frying chicken so it is done in the middle and crisp on the outside? Thanks a million.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use Bouillon Cubes in Cooking WaterWhen I cook veggies or almost anything else, I put bouillon cubes in it and some garlic powder. No meat is needed, as we know too much meat is not good for us. I also broil most of the meats I cook.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Stirring Tips for Cooking in a Skillet?When I stir liquids in my shallow waterless cookware skillets, I find that there is more accidental splashing on to the stove top than with the other brand of pots I previously used. Any stirring suggestions? Thanks.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Preventing Lumps in PolentaIn the directions for cooking polenta, it says "add cornmeal to boiling water very slowly to avoid clumping". My mother taught me another way when I was a youngster.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Frying Pan With Domed Shaped Center?About two months ago, I purchased a large, 12 in. fry pan with glass cover. The problem is, that the fry pan has a dome shape right in the center of the pan.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Cooking a Frozen Pizza?

How to get the middle of a frozen pizza done without burning the rest of it?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Morning Star GrillersMorning Star Grillers are made from soy, and unlike most veggie burgers, Grillers actually taste good. But if you fry or microwave them, they can become hard. Solve this by placing a burger in a small microwavable bowl . . .

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Fry Biscuits in Chicken GreaseAfter frying some chicken up in a skillet, open a can of buttermilk biscuits, and deep fry them in the chicken grease. When they are browned on both sides, take them out, and drain on a paper towel. These are so good.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Save and Melt Extra Margarine for CookingI store extra margarine or butter in an old margarine container, up to one cup. When a recipe calls for a measurement of soft margarine or butter ...

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Use Parchment Paper for Easy CookingParchment paper works really well with cooking just about anything, and it doesn't dirty your pots and pans!

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Extra Flavor for Veggies and Rice Cooked with BrothGive extra flavor to your veggies or rice by cooking them in chicken, turkey or beef broth instead of water. I especially love the flavor of rice and broccoli cooked in chicken broth.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Making Oven Chips?I want to make good oven chips for the grandchildren instead of buying them. Can anyone help? I have tried making them, but they turn out very dry when cooked. Many thanks.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keep Butter from BurningOften while sauteing, my butter easily burns. To prevent this I add a small amount of oil to the mixture.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Baking FishBake fish on a layer of celery, onion, and parsley to give it more flavor.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Celery Aids Digestion With BeansThree ribs of celery, chopped, and added to about 2 cups of beans (navy, brown, pinto, etc.) will make them easier to digest.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Absorb Extra Heat With a Tea KettleAfter you drain whatever it is you've been boiling, fill the now empty pot with cold water. Place it back on the burner that was used.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Spray Inside of Tin Foil When BakingBefore you cover your baking items with foil, spray the side of the foil that touches the food with non-stick cooking spray. No more sticking to the foil and no more ruining your pretty dish

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Marbles to Know When Water is BoilingPut a few marbles in the bottom of your double boiler. When they start to rattle, you'll know the water is boiling.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Add Spaghetti Sauce to SoupWhen making homemade soup, I added a jar of spaghetti sauce to the vegetables and tomato juice in the crock pot. It was wonderful.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Preventing Gas in BeansFresh ginger root is a miracle. I use it in so many ways. One of the best uses is to put several slices into the soaking water for beans. It prevents the gas formation better than the commercial products.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Boil Water Before Scalding MilkIt is extremely difficult to keep milk from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan when boiling or scalding the liquid as some recipes require. Try this: you first put a small amount of water into the pot and heat it ...

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keeping Roast Poultry MoistTo keep the breast of roast fowl from drying out while the legs cook, cover the white meat with cloth dipped in oil after the first hour in the oven.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keeping Foods from Burning in PanThis seems so simple and easy, I don't know why I didn't think of it much earlier. Whenever you are cooking something that tends to burn very easy, like candy, instead of using a spoon, use a flat ended spatula.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Heat Diffusers to Prevent Burning When CookingHeat diffusers are wonderful for preventing burning in thick substances such as puddings, gravies, etc. I even use mine on my wood heater to hold glass or metal candles I want to melt down to clean.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Removing Grease from PanTo remove grease from baking pans or skillets after browning meat or baking, push all the meat to one side of the pan and tilt the pan to let the grease run to the empty side. Use a turkey baster to remove the grease quickly and easily.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Improving Smell of Cooking CabbageCan't stand the aroma of cabbage cooking? Add some ginger to it. It cuts out the sharp smell.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Recipes

Double Check Measurements When Submitting RecipesBe sure there are no typos when sharing ingredient measurements for a recipe such as 3 cups of flour instead of 3 Tbsp. of flour, or visa versa. One of the mistakes I see the most, is when 1 stalk of celery instead of 1 rib of celery, or visa versa, is listed.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Keep Oil from SpatteringTo prevent grease from spattering all over when you deep fry, drop several white-potato slices or cubes into the grease while you fry.

 

Bread Plate as Pie Weight

Bread Plate as Pie WeightI was making a pie, but didn't have pie weights or beans handy. I discovered that my oven-safe bread plates (Fiestaware) worked perfectly. I just love finding a new practical use for something I already have.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Why Do Recipes Call for Draining and Rinsing Canned Beans?In a lot of recipes, it says to drain and rinse canned beans. What is the purpose of this?

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Sweeter Spaghetti SauceTo make spaghetti sauce sweeter, try adding one tablespoon of grape jam.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Tips

Heating Up Store Bought PizzaWhen heating up store bought pizza, I had found that they recommend putting the pizza right on the oven rack. I did this and what a mess.

 

Logo for ThriftyFun Questions

Cooking a Large Amount of Rice?What is the proper way of cooking a larger amount of rice maybe 15-20 kilograms, so that it will be completely cooked yet not sticky?

 

Load More
More
🌻
Gardening
🐰
Easter Ideas!
👒
Mother's Day Ideas!
ThriftyFun on Facebook
ThriftyFun on Pinterest
ThriftyFun on TikTok
ThriftyFun on YouTube
ThriftyFun on Instagram
Enter a Contest

Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2024-03-28 22:26:27 in 2 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2024 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf/Food_and_Recipes/Food/Cooking_Tips/index.html