KITCHEN HINTS --MAKE THE JOB EASIER

USING A CHOPPING BOARD: Place a clean, damp dish towel under the chopping board and the board will stay in place while you chop.

MISE EN PLACE: Setting up your equipment and supplies ahead of time will prevent forgetting an ingredient and help you measure correctly- -not to mention saving lots of time!

MEASURING INGREDIENTS: Place your small amounts of ingredients /seasonings on a small piece of waxed paper/ parchment paper/cheap paper plate/or in a small disposable cup when setting up Mise en place -- you will save time in clean up and prevent omitting an ingredient.

MIXING OR SHAPING GROUND BEEF WITH YOUR HANDS: To prevent sticking to your hands so much, wet your very clean hands with cold water before you start.

USING THE MICROWAVE: When melting margarine/butter or heating/reheating an open container--put a piece of waxed paper or paper towel over item to help prevent messy microwave splatters.

IF A RECIPE CALLS FOR A COVERED SKILLET OR PAN: And you have no lid--use a baking sheet or pizza pan.

NEED TO CLEAN: A good mild abrasive is a thick paste made of baking soda and a little water.

NEED TO CLEAN A STICKY PAN: Try boiling some water in the pan before washing--remember to pour the sticky, dirty water down the garbage disposal before washing.

NEED TO GET FOOD OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE SINK WHEN DRAINING: Use a dry paper towel; wipe up the food and discard towel; use a second towel if needed.

IS THE TRASH BAG TOO BIG FOR THE CAN? Try tying a knot in the side of the opening and then sliding over the edge of the can to secure.

GOOD STORAGE FOR CLEAN TRASH CAN LINERS. Store extra can liners in the bottom of the trashcan--under the liner that is open and being used for the current trash--careful not to let trash slip under the liner--a new liner is always ready to replace the old one.

MEASURING STICKY FOOD: Spray the measuring cup or spoon with pan release before measuring sticky food like molasses or syrup. For shortening, set the filled measuring cup on hot, wet dishtowel for a couple of seconds, then scrape with rubber scraper