Kitchen Tips and Tricks: Part 2

If you tuned in last week, I gave you some great Kitchen Tips and Tricks. This week we will continue with some more tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Crystalized Honey

You’ve probably run into the problem of crystallized honey if you’re an infrequent honey user. You reach for that honey squeeze bottle and it’s rock hard. Now what? Try this trick:

• Place the honey bottle/jar in 1-2 inches of water in a saucepan. Carefully heat the honey till it is smooth. Transfer honey into a new jar or squeeze bottle and then add 2 tsp light corn syrup for every cup of honey, mix well.

Bacon Grease

I’m sure if your bacon lover you’ve probably already started saving your bacon grease. But, should it have slipped your mind that you can save and use your bacon grease, I’m here to you, you should do it. Here are some dandy uses of your bacon grease.

• Keep your bacon grease in a sealed glass jar for the best flavor. Bacon grease will keep in the refrigerator for up to a year. It will keep in a pantry for no more than six months.
• You can use bacon grease as a makeshift candle. Simply place a candle wick in the center of a jar, pour the bacon grease into the jar, and place it in the refrigerator to set. Tada! Candle… and it will smell great!
• Make your own homemade suet by adding birdseed to bacon grease, stir well. Take bacon grease birdseed mixture and spread on tree limbs for birds to enjoy. Keep in mind as you spread out the mixture leave enough room for the bird to be able to sit and enjoy.
• The best use of bacon grease? Add bacon grease to a frying pan and add fresh green beans and fry together. YUM!
• You can also use bacon grease to fry your potatoes, as well as eggs.

Toaster- a multi-functional tool

GET OUT! I know what you’re thinking. How in the world did I miss using my toaster for more than my breakfast toast or bagel? I am here to open up the world of toasting tricks. Just think, you’ll really “wow” friends and family with these toaster use ideas… pays to read the Edgerton Enterprise- JUST SAYIN’.

First, you must purchase some toaster bags. Make sure when you purchase them that they are non-stick and reusable. If you search for them you’ll be able to find them relatively easily from different companies.

• Reheat pizza slices in your toaster with a toaster bag.
• Forget getting the frying pan or griddle dirty. Make your own toasted cheese sandwiches by buttering up two pieces of bread, place your favorite cheese between the two slices, place it in a toaster bag, and pop it in your toaster. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for proper toasting heat.
• Quick chicken nuggets! Just add a few chicken nuggets to a toaster bag and keep toasting till they reach your crispy requirements.
• Heat taco shells in your toaster- no more microwave!
• Revive your soggy fries. Simply place in a toaster bag and toast till you are satisfied!
• Want a bun toasted fast, place a large bun on top of your toaster. Make sure to center the bun leaving room open at the ends of the toaster. NEVER seal off the heating elements. Toast to perfection.

Peppercorn grinder

Save your old peppercorn grinders with removable tops- the ones you purchase pre-filled at your local grocery store. You can clean the grinder and then reuse it for use in grinding other spices.

Stale crackers, cookies, and chips

All good “Dutchies” don’t like to waste food. Here are a few tricks to revive stale crackers, cookies, and chips:

• Take a rimmed baking sheet and lay out a single layer of crackers, cookies, or chips. 225° for approximately 15-20 minutes.

Pasta

For our last kitchen tips and tricks, we’ve got a neat idea for testing pasta for its doneness. Take a cup of cold water and keep it near your stove. When you’re ready to test your pasta simply place pasta from your boiling pot into the cup of cold water to cool and then taste. MANGIA! That’s Italian for “eat” or “to eat”.

Once again, thank you for your readership and as always, here is to good food, good friends and a good life.