Category: Kitchen Tips

Posted in Kitchen Tips

14 Biscuit Tips from Our Test Kitchen Pros

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

We all love biscuits straight from the oven. Make your go-to recipe even better with biscuit tips from our Test Kitchen pros.

Make no substitutions

In a pinch, milk with a squeeze of lemon juice is a fine buttermilk substitute. However, in a simple recipe like biscuits, Prep Kitchen Manager Catherine Ward advises against it. “This is not the time for substitutions,” she warns.

Instead, be sure to add buttermilk and all the appropriate ingredients to your grocery list. Your biscuits will taste better for it. If you run out of it, then here are a few substitutes for buttermilk that taste the same.

Use good butter and dairy

“Use the best butter you can afford,” Catherine recommends. Because biscuit recipes call for so few ingredients, it’s important that every one is high quality—you’ll really taste the difference.

Catherine recommends splurging a bit on a grass-fed butter or European-style butter (now’s the time to reach for Kerrygold!). Same goes for buttermilk and cream. Snag a pint of the good stuff.

Taste of Home

Posted in Kitchen Tips

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Meal Prepping Like A Pro

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Meal prep used to be something you either did religiously or had no idea about. Or at least that’s how it used to be. While the basic concept behind this trend has been around forever, it’s certainly picked up steam in recent years as regular meal preppers say that they’ve saved money and time and have generally been eating healthier since they adopted the habit (more on that later). If you’re looking at photos of colorful and satisfyingly divvied up meals that your friends have posted—don’t be intimidated, it’s actually pretty easy to get started yourself.

What is meal prepping?

Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Basically, meal prepping is dedicating a chunk of time every week to preparing for your upcoming meals in advance. The most popular types of meal prep include:

  • Batch cooking: This is when you prepare recipes that would typically feed five or six people, portion out and freeze the meal directly after cooking, then defrost and eat throughout the week.
  • Meals for one: This is when your prepare your meals and store them in individual containers to eat throughout the week. (Unlike batch cooking, you usually create different recipes for each day and don’t freeze them). People usually use this method for lunches.
  • Ingredient prep: Despite what you might have thought, if you like cooking and serving your meals at once, you can still meal prep! Just do all your chopping, slicing and dicing beforehand, and refrigerate your ingredients until it’s time to use them.

The biggest backlash to meal prep boils down to one idea: Some people just get sick of leftovers. However, meal prep has gained popularity in recent years because fans of it have noticed that it helps them save money, reduce waste, and if you’re on a diet—it helps you stick to it!

delish

Posted in Kitchen Tips

PSA: You’re Probably Washing Your Mushrooms Wrong

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Mushrooms are an undoubtedly versatile ingredient. You can sauté them on their own, turn them into a garlic butter masterpiece, throw them into a divine omelet, and virtually use them in any dish that you feel needs a plant-based boost. Store-bought mushrooms range widely in variety, with some of the most popular types being white button, shiitake, and portobello.

If you’re like us, you may have skipped a thorough washing a time or two in favor of a simple rinse. But that’s actually the No. 1 mistake people make when washing mushrooms—because mushrooms grow in dirt, it’s important to wash them as thoroughly as possible before cooking with them.

Allrecipes

Posted in Kitchen Tips

Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Cottage cheese is a soft, fresh cheese known for its high protein and calcium content. It is also a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed as a snack and an ingredient for a variety of savory and sweet dishes.

 Cottage cheese has a shelf life of one week in the fridge when opened and two weeks if unopened. Since it is a perishable product, you might wonder whether it is worthwhile to stock up on it at grocery store sales and what to do with the leftovers when you have too much.

Can You Freeze Cottage Cheese?  

You’ve probably have heard mixed messages aboutfreezing cottage cheese. While USDA guidelines don’t recommend freezing cottage cheese, some home cooks and culinary chefs disagree.

Generally speaking, cottage cheese comes in two main types: dry-curd options and varieties with milk or cream. Dry-curd cottage cheese is basically the curds without lactose, which are removed using a higher-heat cooking process. (Note: It’s similar to but not the same thing as farmers cheese.) Because dry-curd products are, well, dry, they freeze better than cottage cheese swimming in milk or cream—which is the most common variety sold in tubs at grocery stores.

Cottage cheese with milk or cream is a high-water-content dairy product regardless of how much fat it has (for example, full-fat versus low-fat products). If frozen, the liquid turns into ice crystals. And when the cottage cheese is thawed, the ice crystals transform into liquid, causing the curds to become a grainy texture. However, full-fat cottage cheese tends to freeze better than the fat-free variety due to its higher fat content, retaining a creamier texture when thawed. 

So if you don’t mind the grainy texture of thawed cottage cheese, then it is perfectly fine to freeze it to enjoy later. Defrosted cottage cheese is best used for cooked dishes such as lasagna, casserole, and breads.

Allrecipes

Posted in Kitchen Tips

How to Keep Your Brown Sugar Fresh (and Soft)

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

One thing that can derail your baking plans is discovering that the brown sugar your cookie recipe calls for is as hard as a rock. Luckily, we’ve got a super simple tip for keeping brown sugar soft and fresh from the start, preventing lumps—or the need to chip away at that solid block of golden goodness (we’ve all been there). 

Brown sugar can be one of the more temperamental baking ingredients in your pantry arsenal. From the get-go, it’s best to store brown sugar in a cool, dry space, and in an airtight and moisture-proof container such as a secure resealable bag, or a glass or plastic canister with an airtight lid. Once you’ve got that covered, adding a moisture source is a wildly effective extra measure for maintaining the softness and freshness of your brown sugar. Read on to discover my go-to trick that works like a charm every single time. 

Allrecipes

Posted in Kitchen Tips

The Art of One-Pot Country Cooking

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Cooking can be a chore, especially on weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. But what if you could simplify your routine without sacrificing taste or nutrition? That’s where one-pot country cooking comes in. This style of cooking is all about creating hearty, wholesome meals with minimal fuss and cleanup. In this post, we’ll explore the art of one-pot country cooking, from why it’s perfect for busy weeknights to how you can customize it to your liking. Plus, we’ll share our top five favorite one-pot country cooking recipes, along with tips and tricks for making this style of cooking even easier. If you’re looking for a way to simplify mealtime, keep reading – we’ve got you covered.,

222395317 © Oregon State University Special Collections & Archives | Dreamstime.com

Why One-Pot Meals Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One-pot meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With all the ingredients cooked together in one pot, you save yourself time, energy and cleanup. There’s no need to juggle multiple pots and pans or worry about timing everything perfectly. Plus, since all the flavors meld together in one pot, the resulting dish is incredibly flavorful and comforting. It’s no wonder that one-pot meals have become a go-to for many home cooks.

Next, we’ll be sharing our top five one-pot country cooking recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. These meals are flavorful, filling, and easy to make. Even better, they’ll leave you with just one pot to clean up at the end of the night. So, let’s dive in and discover the joys of one-pot country cooking!,

Top Five One-Pot Country Cooking Recipes

I’ve included links to YouTube videos depicting each recipe. These are just here as examples for you, not as definitive recipes. They are from different individuals and I thank them for the inspiration!

The Reluctant Retiree!

One-pot meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With all the ingredients cooked together in one pot, you save yourself time, energy, and cleanup. There’s no need to juggle multiple pots and pans or worry about timing everything perfectly. Plus, since all the flavors meld together in one pot, the resulting dish is incredibly flavorful and comforting.

Next, we’ll be sharing our top five one-pot country cooking recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. These meals are flavorful, filling, and easy to make. Even better, they’ll leave you with just one pot to clean up at the end of the night.

  1. Beef Stew: This classic one-pot meal is perfect for colder weather. It’s made with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and a rich beef broth. Seasoned with herbs and spices, it’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to make and delicious to eat.
  2. Chicken and Dumplings: This dish is a favorite in many households for good reason. The chicken is tender, the broth is flavorful, and the dumplings are fluffy and comforting. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
  3. Jambalaya: This Louisiana classic is a spicy and flavorful dish that’s packed with rice, chicken, and sausage. It’s easy to customize to your taste by adding more heat or more vegetables. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal that fills you up and keeps you satisfied.
  4. Chili: This hearty and comforting one-pot meal is perfect for colder weather. It’s packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, and can be customized to your taste by adding more heat or toppings like cheese or sour cream. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so there’s minimal cleanup.
  5. Sausage and Potato Skillet: This meal is made with fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, topped with savory sausage that’s full of flavor. It’s an easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite veggies or herbs.

Now that you have your go-to one-pot country cooking recipes, it’s time to customize them to your taste. Learn how to make these recipes your own in our next section on “How to Customize Your One-Pot Meals.”,

How to Customize Your One-Pot Meals

Whether you’re looking to switch up the flavors in your favorite one-pot meal or want to make it healthier, customizing your recipe is key. Start by experimenting with your favorite vegetables, or swap out the protein for something new. Add in herbs and spices to enhance the flavor and make the dish your own.

For example, try adding chopped carrots and celery to the Sausage and Potato Skillet for an extra dose of veggies. Or swap out the sausage for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner dish. The possibilities are endless, and the result will be a one-pot meal that’s uniquely yours.

By customizing your one-pot meals, you can also tailor them to your dietary needs or preferences. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, replace the potatoes in the skillet with cauliflower or broccoli. Or, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, switch out the meat for plant-based protein sources like legumes or tofu.

Learning how to customize your one-pot meals not only adds variety to your dinner rotation, but it also allows you to create a dish that’s perfectly suited to your tastes. In the next section, we’ll share some tips and tricks for making one-pot cooking even simpler.,

Tips and Tricks for Making One-Pot Cooking Even Easier

Learning how to make one-pot cooking even easier doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can create delicious meals with minimal effort. Here are some tips to help you streamline your one-pot cooking process:

  1. Prep ahead: Before you start cooking, take some time to prep your ingredients. Chop your vegetables, measure out your spices, and portion out any other ingredients you’ll need. This will save you time and stress when it comes to actually cooking your meal.
  2. Use a good quality pot: Investing in a high-quality pot will not only make your cooking experience more enjoyable, but it will also ensure that your meal cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
  3. Layer your ingredients: Start with ingredients that take the longest to cook, like root vegetables, and layer the rest of your ingredients on top. This will help ensure that everything cooks at the same pace.
  4. Experiment with different spices: One-pot cooking is the perfect opportunity to experiment with different flavors and spices. Don’t be afraid to try something new and add some heat, sweetness, or tang to your meal.

By using these tips and tricks, you can take your one-pot cooking to the next level. With a little bit of planning and a good quality pot, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to make and even easier to clean up.,

In Conclusion!

In conclusion, one-pot country cooking is the ultimate time-saving solution for busy weeknights. The top five recipes we’ve covered show that nutritious and flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated. By customizing your one-pot meals and using the tips and tricks we’ve provided, you can make this cooking method even easier. So why not simplify your routine and give these recipes a try? As the saying goes, “Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” With one-pot country cooking, you can definitely enter the kitchen with abandon and enjoy the delicious results.

Posted in Kitchen Tips

Storing Your Onions in This Room Could Have Some Unexpected Benefits

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

TikTok has gotten incredibly popular in recent years, and some of the most shared videos on the app involve food hacks like the viral feta pasta or last year’s epic Dalgona coffee trend — but every now and then there’s a tip that really leaves people scratching their heads.

The latest controversial life hack to come out of TikTok is shower onions, and it’s exactly what it sounds like: keeping onions in the bathroom. And it turns out, there’s an actual legitimate reason someone might be doing this.

This conversation grew out of a video posted by TikTok user @karalynndunton, who met a guy on Tinder and then found herself in his apartment, snooping in his bathroom. While all this seemed a bit commonplace (except maybe not under the backdrop of a global pandemic, though that’s another story entirely), she came across pretty common items in the bathroom, from hygiene products to grooming products. She even marveled about how neat and well-organized his bathroom was. Things were about to get odd, though.

Allrecipes

Posted in Kitchen Tips

I Tried 6 Ways to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Easier to Peel, and This Is the Best One

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

How do you peel a hard-boiled egg without the shell sticking? And how do you peel hard-boiled eggs without tearing them up? Some say easy peeling starts with how you cook eggs, whether it’s adding baking soda, salt, or vinegar to the water. Others say your peeling technique matters most, from enlisting a spoon or a jar to dousing eggs with water.

So, what is the easiest way to peel hard-boiled eggs? I tested six of the most popular methods on the internet to find out.

Allrecipes

Posted in Kitchen Tips

Our Most-Requested Recipe Tool Is Finally Here—And It’s Going to Make Dinner So Much Easier

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Allrecipes community, rejoice! We just launched a new recipe scaling tool that’ll make resizing recipes so much easier. There are two reasons we know you’ll love it: 

  1. We understand that recipes aren’t always one-size-fits-all. Sometimes a recipe makes enough for two, but you need it to feed a family of four. That’s just the nature of cooking—it needs to be adaptable. 
  2. You asked for it. This is one of our community’s most-requested features. You’ve waited patiently while we perfected the tool and now it’s finally here! 

Allrecipes

Posted in Kitchen Tips

This Shockingly Easy Trick Keeps Cheese Fresh 3x Longer

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

You’re standing at the fridge door, staring down at a block of Cheddar cheese. It’s only been a couple of weeks, but there it is—a fuzzy, moldy reminder that you once again bought more cheese than you could eat in time. Sound familiar? Well, it’s time to say goodbye to that sad cheese saga for good.

We’ve stumbled upon a cheese hack so easy and effective, you’ll never believe it can solve all your cheese troubles. It only takes one step (and one pantry ingredient) and it will ensure your cheese stays fresh until you whittle it down to the very last nub. 

Allrecipes