dry, white carrots...

Okay, maybe it only happens to me...but when I buy precut carrots, they seem to turn white, very quickly!

Found an easy and quick solution - put them in water!  Put carrots in a bowl, cover with cold water, and place in fridge.  I would drain the water when we ate dinner, and whatever carrots we didn't eat, was covered again!

So, don't throw out those carrots!  Rehydrate them!

Knife Skills 101

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my Christmas gifts - my first cooking class at Central Market.  It was a "hands-on" class - the basics of the knife.  I brought mine from home and since it was the dullest knife, the teacher sharpened it for me!

In the class we learned about the different types of knives, which you should have on hand (chef's knife, serrated knife and paring knife), how to hold the knife, and practiced on some food.  We sliced tortillas, diced carrots, chopped onions, deseeded tomatoes and jalepenos and peeled and supremed (segmented) an orange.

I really enjoyed the class.  I really got lots out of it, and am looking forward to training anyone who wants to learn!

So, if you are interested in classes like these, go ahead and take one!  Some here in town are Central Market and Whole Foods.  I even found one in my neighborhood offering classes, and some are free - I think I may have to try Austin Healthy Cooking.

does someone really need this?

Amazon sent me some suggestions of things I may like - an electronic grocery list organizer.  Really?  $150 to organize my grocery list?  Seems just a bit excessive!!  People seem to like it, especially the cheaper models.  Guess I am a little old school - I like paper lists.  Here is a good template for you to use.  I really like it, and print it out and put on the fridge.  And I'll highlight or put a star next to the items I have a coupon for.

a good pot!

Christmas 2008 Ryan gave me one of the best presents - this Rachael Ray Casserole pot.  I hadn't much thought on how a good cookware helps you cook.  But it does!  Things cook more evenly, and you just want to use 'em because they look great!

Ry even said to me, a couple months into 2009, that if he knew how well I would cook with some great pieces, he would have bought them earlier!

So go, invest in something well made.  You won't be disappointed.

What kitchen appliance/pot do you love?

peeling garlic

Peeling garlic.  Not fun, especially with how much I cook with it.  I have read that putting cloves in boiling water loosens the papery skin, so I tried it.  It worked!  How great!  This was especially helpful with those little cloves in the middle of the garlic bulb.  Try it next time you have a few you need in a recipe!

Spices

My tip this week is about spices.  I have tons of 'em.  I buy them for one recipe, and they seem to stay in my cabinet.  It is important to have fresh spices to make sure your recipes turn out right.  A few years ago I found a great section of our grocery store - the bulk spices!  They are super easy to use (you put 'em in a small bag) and super cheap (I don't think I have ever paid more than 50 cents for a full bag).  This is great especially during holiday time when you use spices that you may not at other times.

Sometimes I will keep them in the bag, other times I may move them into some of the small plastic baby food containers I got from Nate.  Super easy, and I just label 'em with my label maker.

If you are wondering if your spices are too old, here is a good site from McCormick.  And some info on how long you should keep them (I may need to clean out my spice rack today).

Do you have any tips on spices? 

Celery

I like celery. My brother said he would love to name his daughter that, because it sounds cool. Except for being referred to as a vegetable.

Celery. A vegetable I seem to have on hand but don't cook with very often. For a long time, I couldn't seem to keep 'em, they would soften and wilt in just a few days. That is until foil. Yes foil. Wrap it up and it will keep for weeks! I promise!