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Share your secrets! #563349
12/28/09 12:02 AM
12/28/09 12:02 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,032
Texas
ginaitaliangirl Offline OP
ginaitaliangirl  Offline OP

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,032
Texas
Food prep secrets, that is!

I had one I wanted to share, so I figured this could make a good topic for discussion, assuming it hasn't been done before?

I love baking a certain recipe for cut-out/iced cookies, especially at Christmas-time. When I roll out the dough, I'm very OCD about making sure it's even and always about the same thickness, and my dad had a great idea that made the process easier. He gave me two wooden paint-mixing stir sticks which were just the right thickness, and I placed the dough in between these, then rolled the rolling pin on top of the sticks so that the dough came out the correct thickness all around! I was so happy, I felt like sending it in as a Hint for Heloise. lol

Re: Share your secrets! [Re: ginaitaliangirl] #563357
12/28/09 01:36 AM
12/28/09 01:36 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff Offline
The Don
J Geoff  Offline
The Don

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA

Nice tip! I haven't tried baking yet, but it makes perfect sense.

Great topic idea!

I don't have much to share yet, but here's a simple one for non-cooks following many recipes: If the recipe calls for your typical mirepoix (typically diced onion, carrots and celery -- typical for most soups) and you don't wanna buy full bunches of carrots and stalks of celery just to use a little bit, just visit your grocer's salad bar and take just what you need. No waste -- tho you may have to spend a little more per pound. Worth it! (Of course you could always buy the mirepoix in a bag in some supermarkets, but recipes don't always call for equal amounts; and onions are easy enough to chop yourself w/o much waste)



I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! tongue lol

Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin

My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: J Geoff] #563395
12/28/09 11:57 AM
12/28/09 11:57 AM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
If you're trying to make a roux or to thicken anything, like a gravy, I prefer cornstarch over flour. It's much easier to work with. The secret is to never try to thicken your mixture when it's too hot. Move it off the flame. Add your cornstarch and water mixture, stir it in briskly, making sure it's completely dissolved, and then return it to the flame to complete it.

Adding the cornstarch or flour when the mixture is too hot is what makes lumps.


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #563399
12/28/09 12:19 PM
12/28/09 12:19 PM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,797
Pennsylvania
klydon1 Offline
klydon1  Offline

Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,797
Pennsylvania
i feel bad that I have no secrets to share.

Re: Share your secrets! [Re: klydon1] #563408
12/28/09 01:42 PM
12/28/09 01:42 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 22,902
New York
SC Offline
Consigliere
SC  Offline
Consigliere

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 22,902
New York
Here are my secrets: (..................) (.......................) (.......................) .

(Sorry, blibble.).


.
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #563451
12/28/09 09:45 PM
12/28/09 09:45 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff Offline
The Don
J Geoff  Offline
The Don

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
If you're trying to make a roux or to thicken anything, like a gravy,...

Don't rule out instant potato buds or flakes if it'd be appropriate for the dish. Just a little sprinkle at a time and they'll dissolve away almost immediately. A few doses of that will help, as well as add a touch of flavor.



I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! tongue lol

Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin

My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: J Geoff] #563468
12/29/09 12:25 AM
12/29/09 12:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Instant potato buds?? God forbid!


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #563492
12/29/09 01:02 PM
12/29/09 01:02 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff Offline
The Don
J Geoff  Offline
The Don

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Instant potato buds?? God forbid!

Do you use dehydrated herbs? What's the difference? tongue



I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! tongue lol

Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin

My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: J Geoff] #563494
12/29/09 01:37 PM
12/29/09 01:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Instant potatoes, what's next? Ragu from a jar????


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #563497
12/29/09 02:00 PM
12/29/09 02:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff Offline
The Don
J Geoff  Offline
The Don

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
Instant potatoes, what's next? Ragu from a jar????

Was I talking about making instant potatoes, or thickening soup? tongue

(But hell, I was raised on instant mashed and margarine -- that doesn't mean I don't prefer real mashed w/ butter wink )



I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! tongue lol

Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin

My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: J Geoff] #563509
12/29/09 03:45 PM
12/29/09 03:45 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,066
OH, VA, KY
Mignon Offline
Mama Mig
Mignon  Offline
Mama Mig

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,066
OH, VA, KY
The only time I use instant spuds if I run out of the real spuds and I don't have time to go to the store.


Dylan Matthew Moran born 10/30/12


Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Mignon] #563518
12/29/09 09:05 PM
12/29/09 09:05 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,032
Texas
ginaitaliangirl Offline OP
ginaitaliangirl  Offline OP

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,032
Texas
"No self-respectin' Southerner uses instant spuds!"

Or is it grits? wink

Re: Share your secrets! [Re: ginaitaliangirl] #563521
12/29/09 11:06 PM
12/29/09 11:06 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
I have an aversion to any instant stuff. However, when we were on vacation, we bought Target's brand of instant mashed to make. I have to admit that they were really, really good.


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #565362
01/18/10 07:58 PM
01/18/10 07:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette Offline
The Italian Stallionette  Offline

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
They have some ridiculously easy ones now, like garlic flavored, cheese flavored and scalloped and such. Just open the packet, add water and presto!!! smile Truth is, I have them sometimes and I really don't mind them cause they are quick and easy, BUT they simply aren't as good as peeling & boiling and mashing regular potatoes. ohwell You can always taste the difference.


TIS

Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 01/18/10 07:59 PM.

"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK

"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon

Re: Share your secrets! [Re: The Italian Stallionette] #565371
01/18/10 10:11 PM
01/18/10 10:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
I do enjoy Betty Crocker's Au Gratin potatoes. They're dehydrated, and you add boiling water, butter, etc., and then bake them. They're pretty good.

My mom makes great scalloped potatoes from scratch. I have to admit that I wouldn't have a clue where to go after "peel and slice potatoes".


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #565375
01/18/10 10:27 PM
01/18/10 10:27 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,066
OH, VA, KY
Mignon Offline
Mama Mig
Mignon  Offline
Mama Mig

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 19,066
OH, VA, KY
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
I do enjoy Betty Crocker's Au Gratin potatoes. They're dehydrated, and you add boiling water, butter, etc., and then bake them. They're pretty good.


Add some pieces of ham and it is even better. You could even add some broccoli.


Dylan Matthew Moran born 10/30/12


Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Mignon] #565376
01/18/10 10:29 PM
01/18/10 10:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
I do enjoy ham with scalloped potatoes. That's what my mother usually does with leftover ham.


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #565637
01/21/10 02:27 AM
01/21/10 02:27 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff Offline
The Don
J Geoff  Offline
The Don

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
Originally Posted By: Sicilian Babe
I do enjoy Betty Crocker's Au Gratin potatoes. They're dehydrated, and you add boiling water, butter, etc., and then bake them. They're pretty good.

Instant potatoes, what's next? Ragu from a jar???? tongue wink



I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! tongue lol

Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin

My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: J Geoff] #565653
01/21/10 11:39 AM
01/21/10 11:39 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,427
Bar Vitelli, Queens, NY
Signor Vitelli Offline
Underboss
Signor Vitelli  Offline
Underboss
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,427
Bar Vitelli, Queens, NY
Actually, the Au Gratin and Scalloped potatoes from Betty Crocker are not bad at all. I make them occasionally on the stovetop, sometimes adding a little extra paprika. Excellent with ham, or, even some well-done sausage (sliced or links).

Yes, even Chef Vitelli can think "out of the box."

Don't think they'd go with Spaghetti-O's, though... wink

Signor V.


"For me, there's only my wife..."

"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"

"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"

"It was a grass harp... And we listened."

"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"

"No. Saints and poets, maybe... they do some."


Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Signor Vitelli] #565710
01/21/10 09:54 PM
01/21/10 09:54 PM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Jar?? JAR?? YUK!!


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #565726
01/22/10 02:08 AM
01/22/10 02:08 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff Offline
The Don
J Geoff  Offline
The Don

Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,330
New Jersey, USA

I LOVE great food, y'all know that. You all do, too!

But the fact of the matter is, convenience rings true. Instant mashed, sauce from a jar, margarine, mac from a box, tuna from a can -- I'm sure no one here is massaging and then slaughtering their own Kobe beef or anything.

Let's keep it REAL, K? Betty Crocker's Au Gratin potatoes RAWK! lol ...and they are perfect w/ ham grin



I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! tongue lol

Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin

My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: J Geoff] #565743
01/22/10 09:31 AM
01/22/10 09:31 AM
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sicilian Babe Offline
Sicilian Babe  Offline

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,300
New York
Sorry, I can count the times on one had I've made instant mashed, and I have NEVER served my family sauce from a jar. However, I'm all for mac and cheese from a box and tuna from a can. I actually made Hamburger Helper for the first time last month. I had to wait until Mr. Babe traveled on business to do it, but it was delicious!

I did want to share a cooking secret that I just learned. If I fry (especially fish), I prefer flour to breadcrumbs, but I've never been able to get that crunchy texture that I've had out. On the Food Network the other day, some woman said that the secret was adding cornstarch to the flour.

I tried it that night with pork. I dipped it in an eggwash first, then a mixture of 4 parts flour, one part cornstarch, salt and a bit of cayenne pepper, just for fun. It was wonderful.


President Emeritus of the Neal Pulcawer Fan Club
Re: Share your secrets! [Re: Sicilian Babe] #566314
01/30/10 11:07 AM
01/30/10 11:07 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,272
M
Mark Offline
Underboss
Mark  Offline
M
Underboss
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,272
Sorry, I still say Spaghetti-o's smell like baby vomit! sick

Last edited by Mark; 01/30/10 11:07 AM.

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