- Bread will stay fresher longer at room
temperature or frozen. It is best not to store bread in the refrigerator.
- Honey is best stored in a dry place
because it tends to absorb moisture and become granulated.
- Every time the door of the oven is
opened, the oven temperature drops 25 to 30 degrees? Use the oven window to conserve
energy.
- Save all kinds of leftover bread
— bagels, baguettes, biscuits, crackers, rolls, sandwich bread — and process
into very fine crumbs in your food processor or blender. Store in the freezer in
self-sealing plastic bags to use for stuffings and toppings.
- Save all kinds of leftover bread
— bagels, baguettes, biscuits, crackers, rolls, sandwich bread — and process
into very fine crumbs in your food processor or blender. Store in the freezer in
self-sealing plastic bags to use for stuffings and toppings.
- Don't throw rock-hard dried raisins or
currants away. Instead, reconstitute them by covering with cold water, bringing to a boil,
then removing from the heat and letting stand for 5 minutes. Drain well before using.
- Make your own superfine sugar by
churning regular granulated sugar in a food processor or blender.
- You'll get more pop out of your
popcorn if you store it in the freezer and pop while still frozen.
- To soften brown sugar, place in a
microwave-proof dish, add a slice of soft white bread or an apple wedge, cover tight and
microwave at 100% power for 30 seconds. Discard the bread or apple and stir.
- Cottage cheese, sour cream and yogurt
will stay fresh longer if the cartons are stored upside down. Just make sure the lids
don't leak!
- Recycle the plastic containers you get
at the deli or salad bar. They're great for storing leftovers or freezing small portions.
- To re-crisp stale crackers, spread
them on a baking sheet and bake in a 300*F (150*C) oven for 5 minutes. Cool completely and
seal in an airtight container or plastic bag.
- Rescue an overbaked cake by drizzling
with a simple sugar syrup spiked with a little Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Tia Maria or brandy.
- Just for fun: Halloween Face Paint.
Here's a simple, non-toxic concoction straight from the pantry: Mix together 1 teaspoon
cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon water, 1/2 teaspoon cold cream and 2 drops food coloring. Apply
to face.
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