There are few things more annoying in the kitchen than scratching a nonstick pan, especially an expensive one. One of the best ways to protect your skillets is to place a piece of soft plastic, the kind used to line shelves, in between each skillet. Also, be sure to use nonstick-friendly spatulas and utensils when cooking.
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Infusing vinegar with fresh tarragon raises salad dressings to a whole new level. Combine 1 cup lightly packed fresh tarragon sprigs, ends trimmed, washed, and bruised leaves removed, with 2-1/2 cups of distilled white vinegar in a jar. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 1 day and then at room temperature for 5 more days. Remove the tarragon sprigs and strain the vinegar. Return the vinegar to the jar and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
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The Recommend Daily Allowance for calcium for most adults (19 to 50 years old) is 1,000 milligrams. Natural ways to get calcium into your diet include these top-five dairy and non-dairy sources.
Dairy Sources: 2 ounces Swiss cheese = 545 mg; 1 cup plain yogurt = 488 mg; 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese = 423 mg; 2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese = 414 mg; and 2 ounces cheddar cheese = 409 mg.
Non-Dairy Sources: 1 cup calcium-fortified orange juice = 350 mg; 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses = 344 mg; 1 cup enriched soy beverage = 300 mg; 2 slices calcium-fortified bread = 160 mg; and ½ cup cooked spinach = 122 mg.
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Work smarter not harder is what I always tell my kids…and it applies to working in the kitchen as well. Organize your work space by placing a bowl, pie dish, or other container on your counter for peels, cores, egg shells, and other waste. This will keep you from interrupting your work to dash to the trash bin or compost bucket.
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Turmeric is the new buzz word in the spice world. This deep yellow powder (which comes from a shrub related to ginger) is a staple in Indian cooking. It has been used for its medicinal qualities for centuries by Indians. While there is little reliable evidence from clinical trials at this stage, preliminary findings from animal studies suggest a property found in turmeric, called curcumin, may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. How to get turmeric into your diet: curries, dal (Indian stew made from dried beans), and marinades. Read more http://nccam.nih.gov/healht/turmeric
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Fresh herbs are a cook’s best friend. They add a bang of flavor to everything from sauces and salads to desserts and even drinks. Storing them properly will considerably increase their shelf life. For soft-leaf herbs (cilantro, parsley and dill), on the same day of purchase, trim the stem ends and wash the herbs in cold water. If the leaves appear droopy, allow them to soak for about 20 minutes. Spin dry in a salad spinner, wrap loosely in a paper towel, place in a zip-lock bag and refrigerate. For woody-stem herbs (thyme, rosemary and oregano), keep them in their original packaging until ready to use.
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1. Cleans up easily.
2. Emulsifies salad dressings perfectly.
3. Whips smoothies instantly.
4. Blends sauces effortlessly.
5. Purees vegetables (soups) and fruits (fruit sauces or baby food) in a snap.
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