A Collection of Various Helpful Tips Part III
For Cooking
To roast vegetables, toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees F in a shallow pan for 25-30 minutes.
If you want a side dish to go along with a casserole, keep in mind that most casseroles are fairly rich. Steamed veggies or fruit salads are great options.
Use a rack to elevate the roast out of any juices it releases so that it truly roasts and does not stew or steam. This will ensure a crispy skin.
Serving a brunch when you have holiday houseguests allows everyone to sleep in. For your menu, include both savory and sweet items: an egg dish as your main course, a bread or muffin basket, plus fruit and a pastry.
For Baking
Have all the cake ingredients at room temperature unless the recipe directs otherwise. (Get eggs out about 30 minutes before using them.) This makes ingredients easier to combine.
Always preheat the oven so pies bake evenly. Cream and custard pies are done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Fruit pies are done when the filling is bubbly and the top crust is golden brown.
When making rolls, use a serrated knife to slice the roll of dough and fillings with a smooth, gentle sawing motion (this prevents tearing of the dough). Arrange rolls evenly in the pan to allow them to rise down and out as well as up.
Never alter quantities in candy recipes. Do not halve or double recipes; the proportions have been worked out for the quantity specified. The only surefire way to double your yield is to make two separate batches.
Recycled Gift Wrap
Run used wrapping paper through a shredder (cut to size first, if needed) and use it for lining gift boxes or bags. (Remember Easter will be here before you know it.)
Keepsake Spacesaver
Save kids art projects by taking pictures of them and make a keepsake photo album on your computer.
References
Better Homes and Garden – BHG.com
Martha Stewart – MarthaStewart.com
Good Housekeeping
Friends and Family