KITCHEN TIPS

What is the easiest way to fill a pastry bag?

The easiest way to fill a pastry bag is by using a drinking glass. Below is a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it.

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After I cook, how do I get the smell of onions or garlic off of my hands?

The answer is stainless steel. I’m not a scientist, but a chemical reaction happens when you rub your hands on stainless steel under water. It takes the smell away. So you can use your kitchen faucet if you’d like, or if you’d rather not make a mess, then you can use a stainless steel bar of soap. The post below will tell you more.

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What is carry-over cooking?

Carry-over cooking is the concept that the internal temperature of food will still continue to rise after it is removed from the heat source. You can use this concept to get anything from juicer meat to softer cookies. Read the post below for more information.

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There are so many whisks! Which one do I use?

Excellent question! Each whisk has been designed to do a certain job. But it can get confusing understanding what each one is supposed to do. The post listed below will take you into further detail about each whisk and the operations its been designed to perform.

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Do I need to alter temperatures in candy making recipes due to high altitude cooking?

Yes, you do. But it depends on how high the altitude is where you live. Read the post below to find the formula.

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I usually use ground (table) pepper. Does using whole peppercorn make a difference?

It actually does. While using ground pepper is cheaper, it’s not as flavorful as using whole peppercorn. The post below will give you more information about it.

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I’m confused. Should I use vanilla extract, vanilla paste or vanilla bean?

It can be confusing. The best thing is to find out about each of them and then decide which one is right for you. Extracts will give you a vanilla flavor, just not as strong as a paste or bean. Find out more by reading our post below.

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When I’m rolling out dough, I can’t seem to make the flour stick to the counter top or the rolling pin. Help!

Most people struggle with this. Using a damp cloth to wipe down the counter top and rolling pin before spreading flour on them helps. It’s guaranteed to stick to moisture. The hard part is cleaning it up. But not if you have the right tool. The post below will tell you what you need to use and how to use it.

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What’s the difference between and emulsion and an extract?

Emulsions are water-based, alcohol-free alternatives to extracts. Instead of using alcohol, the flavor is micro encapsulated in natural stabilizers and suspended in water. The encapsulation enables the flavor to not lose its integrity when exposed to high heat.

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Which pan do I use to bake in? Dark or light?

Both are great for baking. But each is designed to bake different products. Read the post below to find out more.

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How can I prevent freezer burn? Or is it even possible?

It is possible to prevent freezer burn. Freezer burn is caused by the cold air coming in contact with the food surface. Read the post below for tips on preventing it.

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Can I refreeze food that has already been thawed?

If the food has been thawed in the refrigerator, yes. If not, no. Read the post below for more information.

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After cooking raw food that was previously frozen, is it safe to freeze it again?

Yes it is. Read the post below for more information.

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Can I freeze meat or poultry that is in its original package?

Yes you can, but be sure to protect it from freezer burn. The posts listed below will give you more information.

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Is frozen food safe?

When food is frozen at 0 degrees F or below it is always safe. However when it is thawed, microorganisms become active again and can spoil food if not prepared and handled correctly. For more information read the post below.

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Does freezing food destroy bacteria?

In short, no. Freezing food stops the growth of bacteria, but once it has been thawed they get right back to growing. The post below will give you more information on this question.

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How cold should my freezer be to keep food safe?

At least 0 degrees F. Below that temperature is good too.

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What about my refrigerator? How cold should it be?

In order for your refrigerator to be considered safe, it should be at 40 degrees F or below.

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How long will food stay good in my refrigerator or freezer?

Food will last longer in a freezer than a refrigerator. But some foods won’t freeze well. Read the post below to get a chart of different foods and how long they will stay good in the refrigerator or the freezer.

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How can I keep my hands from sticking to the dough when kneading?

The best way is to rub oil into your hands like lotion. This way the dough will slide off of the oil and won’t stick to your hand. We did a post about it. You can read it by clicking the link below.

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I am gluten-free. Do you have any helpful ways to bake gluten-free?

Yes, we do. We have a conversion chart that will let you bake all of your favorite recipes by substituting wheat for a few other ingredients.

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Do you have any time saving tips for the kitchen?

Of course! We are slowly adding them to our site, but here’s a good one for using your grater:

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How do I know which fork to use at a table? / How do you set the table properly?

It can be a little overwhelming when you sit down to a table and you have 3 forks and just as many spoons, knives and cups. Read the post to know which cup is for water, and to learn how to set the table properly for your own formal dinner party:

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How long does canned food stay good?

Great question! You want to keep you and your family safe. Most canned food stays good for 2-5 years. Read the post below to know the warning signs of bad canned food.

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What’s the proper way to take care of wooden utensils?

Mineral oil. Read the post below to find out how.

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