Here are a few hints for you from the same cookbook.
Peeling Garlic:
Peel garlic cloves quickly and easily by placing on a cutting board
and hitting firmly with the flat side of a large knife. Do not smash
the clove.
Butterflying Shrimp:
You have seen many recipes for shrimp that call for butterflying
them. Here is how to do this:
1) Peel and devein shrimp.
2) With a small sharp knife, slice down the back of shrimp, almost
completely through.
3) Spread and flatten to form butterfly shape.
Very simple when you know how.
How To Make Quick Croutons:
Add a gourmet touch to your salad while making use of day-old bread.
Cut 3 slices of bread into 1/2" cubes. In medium skillet, heat 3 tb
oil with 1/4 ts garlic powder and cook bread cubes, stirring
frequently until bread is crisp and golden. Drain well on paper
towels.
Makes about 1-1/2 c Croutons.
Leftover Parsley:
Don't throw out parsley stems, celery leaves, asparagus, and broccoli
stalks or other vegetable trimmings. Collect them in reclosable
storage bags and freeze. Add to soups, stews, and sauces for a boost
in flavor and nutrients.
Plan-Ahead Tip:
Cook up a storm on weekends and "thaw and heat" weekday dinners.
Freeze soups, stocks, meat loaf, and baked goods. Then simply defrost
and heat for a speedy supper.
Easy Squash Cookery:
Pierce squash with fork, then cook according to one of the following
methods:
1) Bake whole squash at 350°F, 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until fork-tender.
2) Blace whole squash in large saucepan or stock pot, add water to
cover. Boil 35 to 45 minutes or until fork-tender.
3) Cut squash in half, in oblong baking dish, place squash cut side
down and microwave at HIGH (Full Power), turning dish
occasionally, 17 minutes or until fork-tender.
Nacho Cheese Sauce:
To make this easy sauce, for relaxing and nibbling in front of the
TV, simply do the following:
In 1 qt saucepan, with wire whip or fork, thouroughly blend
1 Envelope Lipton Nacho Cheese Recipe Soup Mix with 1-1/2 cups milk.
Bring just to the boiling point, stirring frequently, then reduce
heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Serve
over hamburgers, steak sandwiches, tacos, or tortilla chips.
Microwave Directions:
Decrease milk to 1-1/4 cups. In 1-1/2 qt casserole, with wire whip or
fork, thoroughly blend nacho cheese recipe soup mix with milk. Heat
uncovered at HIGH (Full Power) stirring occasionally, 6 minutes.
Serve as above.
Hot Off The Grill:
Cleanup is easier if you coat the grill top with vegetable cooking
spray before barbecuing.
If you use a charcoal grill, remember that a fire is ready for
cooking when the coals are covered with grey ash--about 20 to
30 minutes after lighting.
Toss damp hickory chunks, outer onion layers or garlic halves on hot
coals for flavorful meats, poultry and fish. Grated orange and lemon
peel also add a light touch to fruits and vegetables.
"Kabob-it" by skewering chunks of fresh melon, pineapple, apples,
pears, or peaches for a toasted fruit salad. Sprinkle with coconut
for grilled "Ambrosia".
