Kitchen Fun Facts
We made it thru the last year. As it was challenging and at times, very stressful, I'm thankful for everyone that took the time to read my blog. I thought this would be a good opportunity to post interesting kitchen fun facts.
Here goes...
* Fresh lemon juice will remove the onion scent from your hands.
* To avoid teary eyes when cutting onions, cut them under cold running water, or briefly place them in the freezer before cutting.
* Separate stuck-together glasses by filling the inside glass with cold water and setting both in hot water.
* Unbaked cookie dough can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen in an airtight container for up to nine months. This one makes me HAPPY - start your Christmas cookie dough now!
* A few drops of lemon juice added to simmering rice will keep the grains separated.
* To prevent pasta from boiling over, place a wooden spoon or fork across the top of the pot while the pasta is boiling. Keywords "WOODEN SPOON" - metal will get too hot to hold.
* If you have a "bubble-over" or spill in your oven, sprinkle salt on the drips to absorb the burned smell while the dish is still cooking (that will also make it easier to clean up the mess later).
* A wet paper towel placed under a plastic cutting board will stop the board from slipping when you are cutting/chopping.
* Wait for this one...Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth.
* Did you know, ripe cranberries bounce like a rubber ball? Really who else can fill you useless information like me???
* Dry skin? Sunburn? Try putting a slice of cucumber on it, they're 96% water.
* Do you have a favorite type of apple? I LOVE PINK LADIES, they're sweet and crisp. Did you know there are 7,500 different types of apples grown globally?
* Here's a table to print out and keep in your kitchen:
Cups to Tablespoons:
1/8 cup = 1 tablespoon
1/4 cup = 2 tablespoons
1/3 cup = 4 tablespoons
1/2 cup = 5 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon
1 cup = 16 tablespoons
* Use unscented/flavored dental floss to cut soft cheese perfectly.
* Like bacon and eggs for breakfast but don't have time? Line a cupcake pan with a slice of raw bacon in each cup. Scramble your eggs and season them. Pour the eggs in the middle of the cup and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Once cooled, you can freeze them and take them down one at a time.
* It's almost P.P.S.S. - Pumpkin Pie Spice Season! Let's make our own blend this year and keep it in an air-tight container or packages in small shakers to give as gifts. Here's your recipe: 1/4 cup ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 2 teaspoons allspice and 1 teaspoon ground cloves. MMMMM I can almost smell the spices and feel the cooler weather.
* Family of five? Yes if you're in the onion family - there's shallots, white onions, red onions, sweet onions, and yellow onions.
* Compound butter will change your life. Well, not really but it will add delicious flavors to your dishes. Let the butter come to room temperature and add fresh herbs. I like a combination of parsley, basil, and a little garlic. This Italian Butter (as I call it) can be added to pasta, chicken, or baked potatoes. You can make your own combinations and is a great way to use the beautiful fresh herbs this time of year.
* Capsicum annuum is a jalapeno. They can be used as savory or sweet. Yes, a candied sweet heat is a surprisingly delicious relish to put on a hot dog. To say on the topic, here's the recipe for a "Hot Quarantini"-
2.5 oz. vodka
.5 oz simple syrup
.5 oz fresh lime juice
4 basil leaves (muddled in the syrup)
1 sliced jalapeno floating on top
* Save your empty K-cup coffee containers - they are great containers to start seedlings in. The hole at the bottom allows for drainage.
*Cinnamon isn't just for the kitchen - sprinkle a thin layer of cinnamon around the plants in your garden. The strong aroma will keep chipmunks and other little critters away.
I hope you enjoyed these fun kitchen facts and keep smiling, and happy cooking.
Stay safe