Sherri's Helpful Hints

Kitchen Tips

• To revive wilted parsley or dill place in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.


• To clean and re-hydrate lettuce, fill sink with cold water and let soak for 15 minutes. Dirt will sink to bottom and lettuce will crisp up a bit.


• To easily unmold gelatin salads or desserts, lightly brush mold with oil before pouring in the mixture.


• When using a glass bakng dish for cakes, lower oven temperature by 25 degrees F.
  To plump dried-out raisins, place in hot water for 10 minutes.


• When using wooden skewers for kebabs, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning.


• It is easier to separate eggs when they are still cold.


• For greater volume, bring egg whites to room temperature before whipping.


• Save celery leaves and green onion tops to add to soups or stews.


• For easier carving of meat and to retain juices, let roast or poultry rest at least 10 minutes before carving.


• Butter the rim of a pan in which you cook rice or macaroni so it won’t boil over.


• To keep milk from sticking to a pan, brush the bottom of the pan with butter before pouring in the milk.


• To easily measure molasses, honey or syrup, dip cup or spoon either in hot water or brush with oil.


• For lighter fritter batter, substitute an equal amount of club soda or beer instead of liquid called for.


• For flakier pie crust, substitute 1 teaspoon vinegar for 1 teaspoon of the cold water called for in the recipe.