Yellow-brown, brown and black plantains can be peeled as you would a banana, but it is almost impossible to peel green and yellow plantains. Cut their skin off with a sharp knife. Slice plantains, with the skin attached, on a Read More …
Plantains
Category: Hints, Tips and Tricks
Moroccan Preserved Lemons
The peel and pulp of these lemons are used whole or chopped in Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes of rice, fish, or meat. Preserved in winter, the lemons will be ready to serve with summer grills and barbecues. To avoid Read More …
The Art of Serving Cheese
Taleggio – Italy; sophisticated and meaty Always serve cheese at room temperature, not cold from the refrigerator. In order to ensure the emergence of its full flavor, always take the cheese out of the refrigerator early enough for it to Read More …
Baking Better Bars and Cookies
Easier to bake than drop cookies, bar cookies are a treat few can resist. Here are 10 great tips for baking better bars. When making bar cookies, pay close attention to the size of the pan called for in each Read More …
Crumb Guide
Here is a handy guide as to how much crumbs to prepare for a 9-inch crust. For a graham cracker crust you will need 16 squares. It will take 24, 2-inch cookies for a vanilla wafer crust. A chocolate crumb Read More …
Flour Varieties, Facts and Tips
All-Purpose Flour / Cake Flour / Self-Rising Flour / Instantized Flour Bread Flour Semolina Flour / Pastry Flour / Durum Flour Natural Grain Flours / Flour Tips / Flour Substitutions Flour Types All-Purpose Flour The most common called for flour Read More …
Candy Making Chart
Thread begins at 230° The syrup will make a 2″ thread when dropped from a spoon. Soft Ball begins at 234° A small amount of syrup dropped into chilled water forms a ball, but flattens when picked up with Read More …
Candy Making Temperatures
Thread Stage Binding agent for fruit pastes A spoonful of sugar drizzled over a plate forms a fine, thin thread. 223-234 ºF (106-112 ºC) Soft-ball Stage Fondant, Fudge A spoonful of sugar dropped into ice water forms a ball that Read More …
Candy Cooking Temperature Chart
Hardness Temperature Cold Water Test Soft Ball Stage 234 – 240°F 110 – 115°C Forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from water. Firm Ball Stage 242 – 248°F 115 – 120°C Forms a firm ball that holds its Read More …
Stuffing Tips
Stuff the bird immediately before roasting to avoid any bacterial contamination. If you prefer, place stuffing in a baking dish, cover and bake alongside the bird for the final hour. For health and safety reasons, when turkey is finished, pull Read More …
Timetable for Roasting Fresh or Thawed Turkey in a 325 °F Oven
Weight Unstuffed Stuffed 6 to 8 pounds 2-1/4 to 3-1/4 hours 3 to 3-1/2 hours 8 to 12 pounds 3 to 4 hours 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours 12 to 16 pounds 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 hours 16 Read More …
Thawing Times for Whole Turkey
Weight of TurkeyIn RefrigeratorIn Cold Water 8 to 12 pounds 1 to 2 days 4 to 6 hours 12 to 16 pounds 2 to 3 days 6 to 9 hours 16 to 20 pounds 3 to 4 days 9 to Read More …
Turkey Roasting Tips
Cooking by high heat method gives a gorgeously brown turkey which remains juicy. Proper timing (or an instant read thermometer) is essential to make sure the turkey is cooked. Preheat oven to 400oF. Bring the bird to room temperature and Read More …
Cake Ribboning
The technique known as ribboning is the way to perfect cake-making. When your egg batter forms a ribbon when dropped from lifted beaters, then it’s exactly right. The batter should drop in a wide, flat band that folds in on Read More …
Tips on Whipping Cream
Be sure to chill a metal bowl, beaters, or the whisk you’ll use to whip the cream in your freezer, about 15 minutes for best results. You’ll find the cream will whip faster and more fully. If, however, you don’t Read More …
Fish and Seafood Tips
Here are some tips for buying a fresh fish: The eyes are slightly protruded, bright and clear. The gills should be red or pink. A stale fish has eyes that are pink, sunken and cloudy, and the gills are gray. Read More …
Characteristics of Poor Quality Bread Products and Rolls
CHARACTERISTIC BISCUITS MUFFINS YEAST BREADS AND ROLLS Outside Appearance Shape irregular. . Too much liquid. Dough not rolled to uniform thickness. Improper cutting of dough. Uneven oven heat. Too much flour. Not enough liquid. Overmixing. Too much batter in Read More …
Converting Bread Recipes for Use in an ABM
*reduce yeast to 1 teaspoon for 1-1/2 – pound machine or 1-1/4 teaspoon for a 2 – pound machine. *Reduce the amount of flour to 3 cups for a 1-1/2 – pound machine or 4 cups for a 2 – Read More …
Types of Chicken
There are several varieties of chicken available to the consumer, such as regular chicken, Cornish game hens, and poussin, also known as spring chicken. Cornish game hens are very small pump chickens that are a cross between a Cornish and Read More …
The Cut Up Chicken
This Guide shows how to cut a chicken carcass into breast with ribs, wings, thighs with back, and drumsticks. You can save from 5 to 10 cents per pound if you cut up your own broiler-fryer chickens. There are two Read More …
Procedure for Shorter Time Processing
Below is the step-by-step procedure for processing foods that require less than 10 minutes processing time. Use this procedure for all sweet spreads as directed in the recipes. If the recipe requires a preparation and cooking time longer than 20 Read More …
What’s The Difference Between White Eggs And Brown Eggs?
We’ve all noticed the difference in price at the grocery store as we stand scratching our heads, but have you ever stopped to wonder what the difference really is between white and brown eggs? Most of us inevitably choose whichever Read More …
Pine Oil Furniture Polish
Yeast Dough
Dissolve one package of dry yeast into 1/4 cup of water that is slightly cool to the touch, about 85 degrees F. Yeast is killed at temperatures of more than 105 degrees F, so while cool water may slow proofing Read More …
Fruit
If you are making a fruitcake, roll the dates, figs, etc. in flour so they will cut more easily, then cut them with a scissors instead of a knife. To "age" candied fruit fast for baking fruit cakes, muffins, cookies, Read More …
Spanish Vegetable Recipes
Cardoons, swiss chard, eggplants, zucchini, asparagus, and other vegetables, whether cooked alone or as part of a more elaborate presentation, are typically served as a first course in Spain, rather than as an accompaniment to a main course (a main-course Read More …
Coffee Terms
Few things are as soothing as sitting down to a hot cup of coffee. Less soothing, though, is trying to decode the swirl of coffee lingo out there, used to describe the seemingly endless variety of coffee drinks that are Read More …
Dover Sole
Microstomus pacificus In the fish world, the Dover sole is one of the most prized varieties. The flesh is delicate and light, but firm enough to hold up while cooking. It is available year round and can be bought whole Read More …
Asparagus
Asparagus has been prized by epicures since Roman times! The name asparagus comes from the Greek language meaning “sprout” or “shoot” and is a member of the Lily family which also includes onions, leeks and garlic. Widely cultivated for its Read More …
Classic Cream Soups
In 1869, Ulysses S. Grant was sworn into the Presidency and the last stake was driven into the transcontinental railroad. That same year, two men - a fruit merchant named Joseph Campbell and an icebox manufacturer named Abraham Anderson – Read More …
Chocolate
Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree. The original cacao tree may have originated in Brazil, though some say Venezuela and others say it is native to Central America. The cacao tree is a tropical plant Read More …
A Profitable Valentines Day
Valentines Day is approaching fast and ignoring the opportunity presented to increase profits for this day would be foolish. You don’t need to have a five star restaurant to make an effort. A small country pub can find ways to Read More …
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
Bacon is one of life’s great pleasures. Crispy, salty, and hot, it complements eggs and hash browns, sandwiches and desserts. But anyone who’s been served a lump of greasy, soggy bacon knows how important it is to cook it to Read More …
Red Lobster Buying Guide for Fresh Fish
Evaluating fresh fish is easy once you have learned the basic methods for determining its quality. Flesh – The flesh should be firm and elastic to the touch, and should not be separating from the bone. Fillets should have a Read More …
Dessert and Dessert Sauce Seasonings
Apples, Baked Allspice (ground), Cardamom Seed (whole), Cinnamon, Coriander Seed, Fennel Seed (whole) Nutmeg (ground) Egg Custard Nutmeg (ground), Vanilla Extract Frosting Almond Extract, Lemon or Orange Extract, Mint, Vanilla Extract Fruit Compote Almond Extract, Anise Seed, Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Read More …
Gravy Tips
Cornstarch will definitely work. But here are reasons why you should use a roux instead of cornstarch: 1. Who the heck would want a clear glossy gravy?! 2. If you add cornstarch directly instead of a slurry, you have a Read More …
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Make your own vanilla extract – using those vanilla pods that you have used for custard! This extract is far nicer than the synthetic flavourings you can buy in the shops, and a fraction of the cost of shop-bought extract! Read More …
Thanksgiving Turkey Tips
I always inject my turkey with a mixture of butter, honey, and lemon. a good mix is 1c. butter, 1 c. honey, 1/3 c. lemon – adjust for sweeter or more citrus flavor; above measurements are for a large turkey. Read More …
How to Make A Disgusting Cookie Sheet Look Brand New
The umpteenth batch of sugar cookies left your trusty sheets looking gross and patchy. Bring them back to their original glory using stuff you already have in your cleaning arsenal. What you need: Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a rag Read More …
How to zest a lemon
There are three good ways to zest any citrus fruit: a paring knife a zester a microplane or grater Each will give you entirely different results. Using a paring knife is great for candied lemon or orange peels, using a Read More …
How to Make Cayenne Pepper Spray
Cayenne pepper spray is a potent organic pesticide. The smell and heat of the capsaicin in cayenne will keep away critters of all sizes. The pepper spray is made from natural ingredients so it is ideal for organic gardening. Handled Read More …
Tips on Buying Strawberries
Wherever you buy your berries, it helps to know what to look for. Shop with your nose. Look for the most fragrant berries. Strawberries don’t ripen after they’re picked, so choose firm, bright red berries. The green cap should be Read More …
6 Air Purifing house plants
1. Bamboo Palm: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier. 2. Snake Plant: Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde. 3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying Read More …
How to Make Homemade Dog Repellent
Man’s best friend may be great for companionship, but it wreaks havoc on gardens and upholstery. Whatever the reasons you want to keep a dog away, there are many dog repellents that are easy and cheap to make at home. Read More …
Measuring Procedure
Weights are more accurate than measures and recipe ingredients should be weighed whenever possible. If scales for weighing are not available, follow the rules for measuring to ensure accurate measures. Flour, general purpose or bread – When specified, sift before Read More …
Homemade Gripe Water
3 cups of water 2 teaspoons of chamomile (appr. 2 tea bags) 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel or dill seeds 2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger 1 teaspoon of agave nectar (you can use 2 teaspoons of sugar) Put all Read More …
Procedure for Longer Time Processing
These instructions are excerpted from The Complete Book of Year-Round Small-Batch Preserving, by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard. Below is the step-by-step procedure for the processing of foods that require 10 minutes or more processing time. Use this procedure for Read More …
How to Fix What’s Wrong with Your Coffee
First thing in the morning, it can be hard enough to find matching socks, much less troubleshoot what’s awry in a cup of coffee gone south. While some problems can’t be corrected with a simple re-brew, many can. Here’s our Read More …
Buyer Guide: Shrimp Size Chart
Tips for Baking Better Biscuits
In days past, yeast wasn’t always easy to come by, nor was it consistent in quality. Before the arrival of commercial baking powder in the mid 1850’s, a mixture of cream of tartar or tartaric acid and baking soda, along Read More …