To squeeze juice from a lemon or other citrus fruit, place it in the microwave for a few seconds. I cook a cold lemon (right from the fridge) on high for about 40-45 seconds. You won't believe how much more juice you'll get from it.
When food is stuck on pans to save elbow grease and pan, put hot water in pan to cover food that is stuck on, return to burner get going to a low boil and use a Wooden spoon (not to scratch or pan ) and stir into the food stuff and it will come loose and float around pan. What is left will come off with a dishcloth in hot soapy water.
Lettuce loves fat: Fat can be removed from hot soup by floating a large lettuce leaf on the surface. Remove and add more leaves if necessary.
Extract Hints
For Vanilla Extract, combine 2 vanilla beans, cut in half lengthwise and then chopped (about 1 Tbsp), 1/2 cup brandy, and 1/4 cup water.
For Lemon Extract, thinly peel 1 lemon with a vegetable peeler, taking care not to include any pith. Dice the peel (about 2 Tbsp) and combine it with 1/2 cup vodka and 1/4 cup water.
For Orange Extract, thinly peel 1/2 navel orange (as above), and cut the peel into chunks (about 1 1/2 Tbsp). Combine with 1/4 cup vodka and 1/2 cup water.
For more flavor, crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding them to a dish.
Before serving cheese, allow it to come to room temperature first. Cold tends to retard the cheeses' full flavor.
One pound of coffee will give you 40-50 cups.
When you invite guests for dinner, be sure to ask if they have any dietary considerations so you'll know what to avoid. This can be food allergies, preferences or simple dislikes.
