Finding 70s Weight Watcher Plan?I first joined WW in the 70s and thought it was the best. In my recent move my WW cookbook has disappeared and would love to find another. Also looking for a copy or image of the sheet that we kept track of what we ate. I remember it had a small check off of how many eggs, pork, etc. you ate per week. Can anyone help?
Keeping Carbonated Drinks Fresh After OpeningKeeping your carbonated canned drinks fresh after opening sometimes is a daunting task. Usually if they're open no matter what you put on them, they''re good for about a day and then all the fizz is gone. I experimented with many different things before I came up with one idea that will literally keep your carbonated canned drink carbonated and tasting like you just opened it for up to a week and, yes, you can use more of the drink and put this right back on and it''ll still hold it fresh and carbonated for 6 to 7 days!
Using Cooking Bags In Your CrockpotCan I use "oven cooking bags" in my crockpot?
Use Less Ingredients When BakingWhen making cookies and squares, I never find that I need as many chocolate chips or nuts as the recipe calls for. I have reduced the fat content of the sweets and have some ingredients left over for the next batch.
Cutting Time When Making PuddingInstead of heating cold milk in the pan with the packaged pudding mix, I heat the milk in the microwave first. It certainly cuts down on time spent stirring until the mixture boils!
Use Wooden Tongs on Your ToasterIf you have trouble getting toast out of your toaster because the toast doesn't pop up enough above the top or because you have sensitive fingers I highly recommend using wooden tongs.
Banana SaverYou just need a banana, a knife and a lid that fits the size of the banana from your bag of lids that everyone saves, a cutting board and that's it. First, you cut the banana in half. Eat 1/2 and save the other half for later or tomorrow.
How Can You Know If a Raw Egg Is Safe to Use?How do you know when an egg is still fresh to use?
What Is Sweet Milk?Sweet milk is fresh milk as opposed to sour milk which people used to make cakes with, and buttermilk. It has no added sugar and is what you buy to drink every day. It is just called milk today.
Barbecuing a Whole Turkey?Has anyone barbecued a whole Turkey? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Shelf Life of Swanson Chicken Broth in Cartons?My brother drives a tractor-trailer and ended up with 3 cases of Swanson chicken broth in the carton like boxes. They expire this month; can freeze these and/or does the 2 year after the date rule apply to these like other canned food? Thanks.
Product Review: Butterball Fully Cooked Smoked Turkey?Has anyone tried the Butterball fully cooked smoked turkey? Is it good enough to serve to guests for Thanksgiving?
Cut Pomegranates So They Don't Lose Their JuicesCut a cap off the top of your pomegranates then cut along the ridges on the pom. Look closely, they aren't perfectly round. You may need to FEEL the pomegranate to determine the ridges. There's usually between 5 and 6.
Keeping Brownies from Getting Hard on the EdgesWhy are my brownies always hard around the edges? The center is fine. I use a glass baking dish and have tried a metal pan but same results. Several people I know have this same problem. Can you help me? Thanks in advance.
Recipes Using WatermelonWatermelon is a favorite summer treat. It is often served alone but can be combined with other ingredients for delicious salads, sauces or desserts.
Drip Drain for WatermelonThese two stackable containers come in handy for many things. I pulled out four plastic lids and they fit perfectly. They are deep enough to keep the watermelon out of the juice which keeps it crisp and fresh. If needed, I can punch holes in them for more drainage.
Avocado PearHere is a receipt with only (for 2 persons) an avocado, a pear, a little bit of peppercorns and vinegar. Pepper and vinegar have to be a bit sophisticated, like pink or green or black pepper, raspberry vinegar or balsamic vinegar for example.
Muffin Tin MeatloafTry baking meatloaf in a muffin tin instead of the usual loaf pan. It will bake in half the time and you will have individual portions that are all ready to serve.
Marie Callender's Frozen Pie Crusts Instructions?Could someone give me the directions for baking a Marie Callender's frozen pie crust?
Ideas for Bland Stir-Fry?I recently made stir-fry from a recipe. It was pretty simple: tofu, onions, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basil. I stir-fried it for about 15 minutes. The consistency was pretty good, a tiny bit on the dry side. But the taste was bland.
Weight Watchers Popcorn BallsMicrowave popcorn (set aside). Melt butter add marshmallows and microwave until they look puffy (about 1 minute or so.) Stir to completly melt marshmallows then pour the melted mixture over the popcorn and carefully mix until it's coated. . .
Box for Transporting WatermelonIt's that time of the year when those delicious watermelons are in season. When we know we are going to pick up one or two, we put a box or the clothes basket in the trunk of the car to put it in. This secures the watermelon and keeps it from rolling around loose.
Chicken Salad for 20 People?How much chicken salad do I need to feed 20 people?
Watch Labels for MSGI recently discovered an insidious additive that almost all manufacturers are putting into foods, and I hope you all begin to watch for it. It is MSG (monosodium glutamate), and of course, we expect it to be in Asian foods.
How Do I Soften Hard Table Salt?I have some regular table salt that became hard. Is there a way I can get it back to its normal state?
How Do I Soften Hard Table Salt?I have some regular table salt that became hard. Is there a way I can get it back to its normal state?
Refrigerator Door Left Open?My husband accidentally left the the refrigerator door partially open. Do I throw all food away? I found this out at 6 am and we went to bed at 11 pm last night. I really need advice on this please.
Paper Towel as Coffee Filter SubstituteWhile staying at my son's cottage in a remote area, I ran out of coffee filters this morning. It didn't take me long to try a basic (Bounty 1/2) sheet and it worked
Silicone Turkey Lifter for Removing PansI have an 18 quart roaster which I use because I don't have a functioning oven. I generally use a 9x13 Pyrex dish when making lasagna and other casseroles and cakes but it's almost impossible to get out without tilting it or burning my hands.
Using Potato ChipsWhen I have those little "crumb" chips left in the bag, I grind them up in my "buzz" blender. Store in a container in the refrigerator, adding more as available. I add these crumbs to my mix a Tbsp. at a time when breading something.
Lightly Salting VegetablesI do not like frozen veggies without any salt. When I take spinach or broccoli out of the freezer, I put it into a small plastic container with a tiny bit of water. I then salt it and put the cover on, and shake it about to coat with the salted water. This way I don't need and butter or anything else. Microwave it and it is done in a jiffy and tastes great.
Microwave Tray Spice HolderMy 11 year old microwave died and I salvaged the ring and glass tray from it and made a spice holder, using clear caulk to hold the ring in place. I placed the glass tray upside down on top of the ring, drew a 'template' of where the clear caulk needed to go, let it dry overnight, and it worked for holding the ring/tray in place.
Apple Moist Cornbread MuffinsAt Walmart, while looking for a pastry blender (didn't find one), I saw a cheap ($1.89) 6 cup cupcake tin. I got one. And later, while using it, I made a nice discovery.
Crushing Crackers or Corn Chips for Soup EasilyI love crackers in my chili and corn chips in my soup. But crushing them leaves a big mess. So I figured out a way to accomplish the crushing without the messing. Put two matching bowls, one with the crackers or chips in it, and one to crush them between the two bowls. No muss, no fuss! N-JOY!!
Crockpot Baked PotatoesIn the past, I seldom baked potatoes because it takes so long to bake them in the oven, however, I do love them. Today, I tried baking some in the crockpot and they were scrumptious.
Pancake Without Leavening AgentLeavening agents are one of the most important ingredient in baking. Baking powder and baking soda are both leavening agents used to make your cake rise. Being a homebaker, I have discovered a simple technique to make cakes fluffy and well risen.
Out of Date Ezy Sauce?Would an unopened 2016 bottle of ezy sauce be ok to use?
Hot Dog Bun French ToastAs I was cleaning out my freezer, I found one hot dog bun in the back. I usually make bread crumbs with it. Someone on one of my Facebook groups suggested making French toast with it. It was a great use of it.
Parching Corn?My mother made parched corn with popcorn. Where do I buy corn on the cob (she shucked it off cob)?
Pasta Soup RecipesPasta is a common addition to many soups all across the world. You can find pasta e fagioli from Italy, ramen from Japan or a classic chicken noodle soup from many countries.
Shelf Life of Fruit Cups?Can you eat fruit cups past best by date?
Health Concerns About Food From China?Recently I've heard several people mention that they wouldn't eat Chinese canned goods. I buy different products from Dollarama (such as mandarin oranges, mushrooms, etc.) that come from China and am wondering what others think about using them? Thanks!
Coffee Travel Mug TipsSometimes, I just get in a hurry and don't think. When trying to take the top off my coffee mug, I all too often put the opening right next to my shirt on my chest for some 'leverage' and duh, coffee stain! I'm learning. Much better when you make sure the opening is to the side, when taking off the lid.
Combining Snacks to Save SpaceI recently went to the dollar tree and found these snack breakfast bars. When I got them home, I realized that each one had 5 packettes in them. But they were taking up almost no room. So, I opened them both and saw I could fit all 10 in one package. I saved room in the pantry and they didn't flop around in the box and get broken.
You Can Cut a Frozen TurkeyDue to the virus, it will just be my husband and me for Thanksgiving. I purchased the smallest turkey breast I could find, but even that is too much. Both of us prefer the taste of turkey the first day. Since the meat was already frozen, the butcher at the store was unable to cut it.
Spicing Up Your Ramen NoodlesAre you tired of eating the same old ramen noodles? Well then I have a tip for you. These cheap noodles can be made into more interesting meals with just a few extra ingredients.
Pie Crust ProtectorThe outer rim of a disposable aluminum pie pan works well to keep pie crust from browning too much. Cut the rim of the pie pan and place it on top of the pie crust while baking.
Use That KaleI received a cut fruit arrangement and the greenery was kale - lots of kale! Instead of throwing it out to the wildlife, I decided to make Kale soup. Now, you may be thinking, it was just used for decoration in the arrangement, and you'd be correct. However, kale is food, and it was washed and used next to other foods so there is no reason on Earth not to use the kale from the arrangement also!
Reinforcing the Bottom of a Disposable PanI like to give baked goods as gifts in disposable containers. However, sometimes the bottoms are flimsy. To reinforce them I tape a cardboard cereal box or other thin cardboard box I have. It makes it easier to transport, and I don't have to worry that the bottom will bend out of shape.
Substitute For Pork Chop FatIn years past, I have made some very good pork chops and gravy. Today, they're pretty good but not as I remember them.
Start Instant Coffee with Cold WaterI've found this hack very useful in order to make instant coffee taste more like a freshly brewed cup. Just mix your instant coffee granules with a little bit of cold water, stir to dissolve, then add your hot water.
Stickers to Reseal FoodsI constantly get too many address labels and stickers free in the mail and have lately been using them to reseal my no seal packages rather then use plastic bags or other packaging methods. Just a simple sticker will seal just fine, from cat food to cheese or my liverwurst.
Cutting Whole WatermelonFresh watermelon is so delicious this time of year; with a little planning and these easy tips, it'll be faster, with less mess.
Uses for Canning Jar RingsYou may have excess rings leftover from jar canning. These can be used for a variety of uses; from crafts to cooking.
Homemade Panko BreadcrumbsI had never used panko. I bought a can out of curiosity. I thought it was OK, but I also thought I could do better. I did do better. This homemade panko made with fresh baked French bread is far better than what you buy after it sits on a shelf for who knows how long.
Check Produce Labels For DateAnyone having issues with produce spoiling much quicker than they should? I have made a few Costco trips and each visit I'm always left with something spoiling much sooner than they should (especially oranges).
Using Baby Food in RecipesWhen I can get baby food for free with coupons, I buy it even though my babies are all grown up. I buy the applesauce and use in my baking or for a snack. I also use it and other fruits to flavor plain yogurt. The puréed vegetables are excellent to add to soups or to add to yogurt or sour cream for a savory dip.
Recipes Using SardinesSardines are small fish usually of the herring family, commonly sold in rectangular tins. These are high in Omega 3 and add an umami flavor to all sorts of recipes.
Using Shrimp PasteShrimp paste is small fermented shrimp used in many South East Asian cuisines. The smell is quite strong and can be unappetizing to those who are not used to it, but is cherished by many Asian countries.
Bagel Tool to Thinly Slice MeatAfter hurting one hand, I decided to try using my bagel slicing tool to hold my somewhat frozen chicken breast firmly (and SAFELY) vertically, allowing me to cut it thinly for a meal. I think I will try it to slice ham for lunches in the future as well.
Perfect Basted EggsI love fried eggs but I hate when the edges get crispy. I love poached eggs but they're just a bit too droopy. Basted eggs are right in between fried and poached, and they are so easy to make.
How to Make Sushi CakesYou don't have to be a professional baker to make professional looking decorative cakes. Sometimes you just have to find the right products to add to your cakes to make them shine. I made these sushi cakes using regular cake batter, frosting, and candies you can find at any shop. It cost me 1/10th of the price that I would have paid had I ordered them from a custom bakery and they were absolutely delicious!
Makeshift Vegetable SteamerI used my pizza pan that has holes in it as a lid for my large frying pan to steam vegetables. It worked perfectly!
Dollar Tree Country HamIn the cooler at Dollar Tree, I saw some packages of cured ham for $1.00. It looked like a bargain to me and I thought it sure would make some good seasoning for a pot of navy beans.
Mock Chicken GravyI haven't bought a stewing hen since the middle of the last century. It goes without saying, I don't have a reserve of chicken stock for making gravy. I don't even have a stock pot. I do have a window, though...and I make do. (that's Southern talk for improvising).
Using Annatto SeedAnnatto seed is used as a red food coloring and for flavoring. Annatto is used for coloring cheeses such as cheddar and also for butter. Most often found in Caribbean, Latin American and Filipino cuisine.
Wrap Banana Stems in PlasticMany people like to wrap the stems of their banana with plastic wrap to slow down the ripening process. It can give you more days before bananas turn brown and overripe.
Using an Electric SkilletElectric skillets are an easy way to expand your kitchen cooking surfaces. It's great for any dish that would use a frying pan.
Alternative Uses for Shrimp Cocktail SauceCocktail sauce is traditionally served with shrimp but people often have sauce leftover. This spicy tomato based sauce is flavored with horseradish. It is good as a replacement for catsup or tomato paste in many recipes.
Cooking Eggs in a Plastic BagAlthough many people have cooked eggs directly in a plastic zip top bag, it is not recommended. Both Ziploc and Glad make steam bags that are intended for cooking purposes and will not create any harmful toxins.
Making Really Smooth Sweet Potato Purée?I have been freezing sweet potato purée for later use, but need some advice on getting the purée really smooth.
Fixing Jam That is Too ThickMaking and canning your own jam is a great way to preserve bumper crops of fruits and berries. If the jam is too thick you might try adding heated fruit juice prior to adding it to your canning jars.
Using a Squeezo StrainerThe Squeezo strainer is used for canning and pureeing fruits and veggies. Usage tips can be found lower on this page.
Measuring Sticky IngredientsIt can be difficult to remove sticky ingredients such as peanut butter, lard, or molasses from the measuring cups. Here are a few methods to have the ingredients slide right out.
Using an Air FryerReducing the use of fryer oil in food preparation is possible with an air fryer. Hot air flows around the food to cook a crispy entree.
Using CheeseThis page contains tips for using, storing, and substituting types of cheese in recipes.
Substitutes for Mushrooms in Recipes?Some people just don't like the flavor or texture of mushrooms. If you are preparing a recipe calling for them you have several options. You can simply leave them out, but the dish may not taste the same especially if they are a major ingredient. Or you can substitute other veggies, such as eggplant, zucchini, carrots, etc.
Labeling LeftoversLabeling your leftovers can help organize you fridge and save on food costs and waste. There are some helpful tips below for marking your containers.
Fixing Mushy Rice with BreadIf you have ever had the rice in your cooker come out mushy or soupy then this quick and easy fix is for you. You will need a piece of bread and the tip below.
Decorating CupcakesCupcakes are cooked in a muffin tin instead of a cake pan, for individual small cakes. They are often used for parties instead of a traditional birthday or wedding cake, and can be decorated in all sorts of different themes for any event.
Using Expired Cake Mix?If a box of cake mix has been forgotten in the back of your pantry, it may still be usable if it's not too old. Sometimes, it's necessary to add new baking soda or powder to help it rise.
Using Crockpot Insert in the OvenSometimes you may want to use your crockpot ceramic insert in the oven. This is generally possible, but it is best to check with the manufacturer to determine if their's is oven safe. You will also need to determine the range of temperature settings for your pot.
Making Pea Soup from Braising LiquidThe next time you braise meat, don't throw the leftover braising liquid away. Use the braising liquid to make this pea soup recipe instead.
Butternut Squash PureeMicrowaving butternut squash first and then cleaning and peeling, leaves you with the flesh ready to puree. Use your food processor and then refrigerate or freeze for future use.
Making Pancakes On a Tin CanMaking a simple cook stove from an empty food can provides a great way to make pancakes while on a camping trip. The tutorial below describes how to prepare your can, lists the materials needed, and offers a simple pancake recipe.
Making Gumpaste FlowersLearn how to make lovely gumpaste flowers to decorate your next cake. Supplies list and directions follow.
Making Espresso PowderInstead of buying expensive espresso powder, make it at home from regular ground coffee. Besides making a great cup of strong espresso, it will add flavor to your baking and recipes.
Make Beef Patties Inside Ziploc BagOne way to shape your homemade beef patties is to place the seasoned meat in a ziplock bag and press and shape. They won't stick and it is definitely a less messy method.
Making Green Apple MonstersThese fun little monsters are made from green apples with sunflower seed teeth and a strawberry tongue. They are perfect for parties or for a special treat for lunch.
Sifting Flour for a Recipe?Why do I have left over sifted flour when I sift 3 cups? Are you supposed to use all of the sifted flour when making a recipe?
Substitute for Whole Milk?What can I use to substitute for whole milk if I don't have evaporated milk?
Making Pecan Log BallsAn alternative to serving a pecan log sliced is to take the slices and roll them into balls. Place the balls in paper cupcake pan liners and offer to your guests.
Substitutes for Measuring SpoonsSometimes you can't get to your measuring spoons, perhaps they are still packed after a move. This page offers some interesting alternatives to consider, they are plastic caps from commonly used products.
Using Pumpkin as Serving BowlsYou can make decorative, creative serving bowls using a pumpkins. The hard skin and dense meat allow the pumpkin to contain even a soup.
Using Canned Peach Juice in Making a Pie?The first person said to use 2/3 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed into enough of the peach juice to make a paste and stir over heat then pour into peaches. Can I use plain flour if I haven't got cornstarch and what effect will it have in the pie?
When Life Gives You LemonsWhen at first it appears that life is giving you lemons, you may find a blessing in the final results.
Cooking Turkey Bacon in the OvenAlthough turkey bacon is a lot less messy to cook than pork bacon, you can still save time and avoid any stovetop messes by preparing it in the oven. Learn how to easily and quickly cook turkey bacon in the oven.
Cooking Liver in a Crockpot?Can I cook more than one piece of liver in my crockpot at a time? What tastes better milk or cream? and how much?
Roasting a PumpkinTo roast a pumpkin, you will need to cut it in half and remove the seeds. Lay those halves on foil and bake.
Substitutes for Pectin in Jams and Jellies?This page offers some suggestions for substitutes for pectin in homemade jams and jellies. In fact some fruit is high enough in naturally occurring pectin that they don't require it at all.
Using Wilton's Candy MeltsWilton's candy melts are intended for use in making molded candies or as a dip to coat cookies, pretzels, etc. This page contains some suggestions for how to use Wilton's candy melts.
Uses for Leftover Hamburger Fat?Like other forms of leftover animal fat hamburger fat can be saved in the fridge and used to season vegetables or other dishes. It can also be used to make suet cakes for wild birds. This page contains several uses for leftover hamburger fat.
Making Cream of Chicken Soup GravyFor a quick batch of gravy you can use cream of chicken soup. The condensed soup doesn't need much when poured over rice or potatoes.
Cooking Lentils with Brown RiceComplete the protein of your rice by adding lentils before you cook it. It tastes delicious and is good for you.
Can Under Cabinet Lighting Affect Shelf Life of Food?I keep my loaf of bread in an air tight plastic bag, as well a my fruit in a bowl, on my kitchen counter. I think that the kitchen cabinet lightening, which is under all of my cabinets, causes these foods to go bad because of the light and the heat. My husband says I'm crazy.
Substitute For Onion in Recipes?Not everyone can eat onions due to dietary restrictions. You may be out or just not like onions. There are recipe substitutions for onion or you can just omit it.
Cooking Steamed Vegetables in the Microwave?The microwave is a convienent way to quickly steam vegetables. In just a few minutes, you can have a healthy side dish ready for dinner.
Using a Hitachi Home Bakery ll HB-B102?I have a Hitachi Home Bakery ll HB-B102 and no manual. I need to know how long to bake wheat bread. There is no setting for basic bread or wheat bread. Can you help?
Substituting Bran Flakes for Bran Buds in a Recipe?I bought Bran Flakes not buds. Can I substitute bran flakes for Bran Buds and what is the measurement difference?
Using Tangerines?This citrus fruit is not as available as they once were around Christmas time. Tangerines have a unique flavor and the canned fruit is a great addition to a fruit salad.
Using a Food ScaleA food scale needs to be kept clean in order to work properly. You can use a wide plastic lid to catch drips on top, and tare the scale to zero before adding food.
Use Muffin Tins to Make Large Ice CubesWhen larger than normal ice cubes are in order, using muffin tins can make the size you need. They will last longer in a pitcher, beverage cooler or punch bowl.
Separate Egg Yolk Using a Plastic BottleTake a recycled soda bottle to separate an egg yolk from the white using suction. It works perfectly without breaking the yolk and making a mess.
