Cooking Tips... For The Inept!

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As I admitted before, I'm not much of a cook... in fact,

I'm sufficiently challenged to make my morning coffee (which, naturally, is absolutely necessary).

But of course, since I'm Mom (and a happy SAHM at that),

I have to get dinner on the table.  True, we have our nearby

pizza place on speed dial, and my husband is a recognizable Preferred Customer there.  (Hey, this is Chicago, so when in Rome...)  But we can't live on pizza ~ that's what my

husband says, anyway.

So I'm working on improving my kitchen phobias!  Luckily, I have some great recipes from family, friends and other resources (some of which are in my recipe pages, check them out!).  But equally important are the lessons and hints that can make things easier, or prevent mistakes.  So, with good intentions (and tongue in cheek), I'm sharing some of the more valuable ones below!

TIPS

These probably won't bring world peace, but they might be of help!

I hate cutting vegetables!  So, when I know I have to do it, I sometimes cut up extra and put the leftovers in ziploc bags for freezing.  This works great for onions and peppers!  Next time I need cut veggies, simply open freezer door and retrieve ziploc bag.  Voila.  (Note: this might be less effective if you plan to serve the veggies fresh!)

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Leftover taco meat or grilled chicken can be tossed into a salad for another nifty meal.  Of course, if your husband is like mine, he'll prefer leftovers to be tossed into the garbage.

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Home-baked cookies will stay softer and fresher longer if you slip a piece of bread inside the container with them.  This is assuming, of course, that you have any left to store.

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When in need of a cold compress, there is nothing better than a bag of frozen vegetables, especially small ones like peas or corn.  They will conform to fit, won't melt, can be used over and over, and are considerably cheaper than the medical-supply cold packs.  Wrap a kitchen towel around the bag and apply for 15 minutes.  (no kidding!)

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LESSONS LEARNED

If I can prevent even ONE embarrassing moment...

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There is a distinct difference between corn OIL and corn SYRUP, especially when popping popcorn.

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If you don't like the flavor outcome of an experimental recipe, adding increments of salt, pepper, sugar, red pepper, cumin and celery salt will NOT necessarily improve it.

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Baking instructions to "grease all sides of pan" do not include the OUTside of the pan.

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If you use a stoneware plate to bake your leftover pizza, you still need to use hot pads when removing it from the oven.

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No matter how tempting your bubbling-hot peanut brittle mixture appears, resist the urge to insert your finger into it for a sample.

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Unless you are immediately available to clean your freezer, do not forget about that warm soda or beer that you think you'll slip into it "just for a few minutes."

Last updated 2000.5.25