Check Produce Labels For DateAnyone having issues with produce spoiling much quicker than they should? I have made a few Costco trips and each visit I'm always left with something spoiling much sooner than they should (especially oranges).
Peeling Fresh Garlic is a CinchPeeling fresh garlic really slows you down when you're cooking dinner. Try this tip the next time you use fresh garlic! It works.
Make Beef Patties Inside Ziploc BagOne of my absolute favorite meals is hamburgers. I always mix in at least 1-2 seasonings, the most flavorful for me being ranch and onion powders. I dread the mixing and shaping part though because bits of the ground beef sticks to my hands, as I roll and flatten.
Bring Cooler on Grocery Shopping TripsEvery time we restock our weekly groceries, we make sure to bring our cooler. We place the cooler in the trunk with ice packs.
Putting Foods in a BaggieWhen I need an extra set of hands to hold open the baggies so I can put in the soup that I want to freeze, and don't have my hubby around, I just use a giant quart size cup and place a baggie inside of it. I'm able to drop anything into that "baggied cup" and then pull it right out when it's filled, and do that for as many batches as I want to freeze.
Bottle Top Dish Covers for the RefrigeratorThe bottle tops with their lids make perfect bowl covers for the refrigerator. This particular one is from a white vinegar bottle.
Cooking Spaghetti Squash and Saving SeedsSpaghetti squash is such a nutritious and low calorie substitute for pasta. Many recipes call for baking. I have found that after cutting the squash lengthwise, scooping out the seeds, and microwaving cut side down for about 10 minutes (depending on the size), it is perfectly done.
The added bonus is that the seeds can be saved for planting. I simply wash the seeds and leave them out for a few days to dry, then store in a paper envelope.
Softening Butter QuicklyI often have spur of the moment baking ideas and get annoyed when a recipe calls for softened butter. Even when "gently" microwaved, I have a tendency to melt some of it. The best way around that is to pour boiling water in a microwave safe glass in order to heat it the glass.
Adjusting to a New LifeMy husband recently passed away and life has changed so much. One issue I have had was cooking for one. Buying things like celery and carrots was beginning to be a waste since I couldn't use up the fresh vegetables as fast.
Preparing Soft Taco Shells in the ToasterWe love tortillas! I keep them in the house and my family uses them for everything from quesadillas, tacos and burritos to just putting butter or peanut butter on them for a snack.
Save Countertops with Plastic LidsWhen I open a new can of coffee, I take the plastic top from the old can and put it on the bottom of the new can. The plastic will help to protect your countertops.
Muffin Tins for Serving CondimentsWe were at a party the other day and the hostess had put her condiments into muffin tins, with a spoon for serving. It was a great idea. She had sliced onions in one, tomatoes in another, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. It was really easy for serving.
Product Review: Amore Tomato PasteA few months ago, I was perusing new recipes to try and came across one where one of the ingredients stated "1 tablespoon Amore brand tomato paste from a tube." Tomato paste is available in a tube?
Getting Last of the Chocolate SyrupThis might seem like a little thing, but I was tired of not being able to get the last of the chocolate syrup out of the squeeze container, frugalista that I am. You know that awful spitting that it does at the end and it splatters all over your clothes and the kitchen walls?
Quick Aluminum Foil FunnelIf you are in a hurry and need a funnel just double a sheet of aluminum foil and then roll in a funnel shape. It works for me!
Keep Lemon Juice Spray HandyFill an inexpensive spray bottle with lemon juice and keep it in the refrigerator. Use it to spritz onto cut produce to keep fresh and crisp. Also great for spritzing as a finishing touch on cooked vegetables, chicken, and salads.
How to Shell Hard-Shelled NutsI have always loved the flavor of Brazil nuts, but they are such a pain to crack whole. Half the time you need to use a pick that comes along with the nutcracker set and then end up not being able to get all of the nut meat out of the shell.
Spoons for Impromptu Cooling RackThis is a great way to cool down a pan from the oven. My husband came up with this - AMAZING! He pulled 4 tablespoons out of the drawer turned them upside down and Voila! An instant rack for cooling.
Recycled Can for Filling Freezer BagsI just made a discovery and have got to share it. I have been wishing for a gadget to hold my Zip Lock Freezer Bag open while I fill it. I thought about the tin can and went to my recycling bin and pulled out a 28 oz. Hunt's Tomato can.
Use Email As Your Online CookbookI have one email address that I use as my online cook book or archives. I send all of my recipe newsletters to that address and have created folders that I store all my recipes in.
