These might be well known to some of us "sage" cooks, but here's hoping they help those new to the wonderful world of cooking!
I needed some way to put pickle relish into a squeeze container. I knew my standard size funnel was too small, and using a spoon was too messy. I thought of the lid to a Tupperware shaker container that I use a lot, took the cap off, and found my new funnel!
One night I was struck by the urge to indulge my a Jalapeno Cheetos craving. Not wanting to have orange, cheesy laptop keys, I came up with this solution. I got out my chopsticks - problem solved.
Here is my tip for keeping brown sugar moist. Use marshmallows! You can use bread, but bread gets moldy and then you have to replace it. Not so with marshmallows!
I always use a baggie to fill my deviled eggs, so I thought "why not try using a baggie to put the sour cream on my tacos and wraps". It is fantastic! You can evenly distribute the sour cream with no fuss or broken shells.
Getting the Last of the Butter From Tub
When I make instant mashed spuds, corn, or anything that I want to enjoy with margarine, I sometimes find the tub is almost done with too little even for a spatula. So, I simply set it upside down on the top of the pan and let it melt.
Bagged Shredded Cabbage for Slaw and More
We like coleslaw and are now buying bagged, shredded cabbage to make our homemade slaw faster and easier. You can also put the shredded cabbage in soup or even stir fry. It lasts quite a while in the refrigerator, and cabbage is so good for us!
To keep salads and other foods cold when you're cooking and serving out-of-doors, you'll need to do a little bit of planning and know which bowl you'll be putting your salads in ahead of time.
When you are vacationing and you know you will be staying in a hotel with a mini-fridge, throw some unfrozen ice pops in your suitcase when you go and pop them in the freezer when you arrive in your room.
Today I bought one stick of rhubarb. I chopped it and boiled it in a tiny drop of water, so it could make its own juices. I emptied the dregs of my jar of marmalade into the pan, cooked for a few minutes, then put it all back into the jam jar.
Snack Bucket from Coffee Container
Since I hate to throw anything out in the garbage if it can be used a second time, I made a snack bucket from a Folgers Coffee Container. To cut down the cost, I covered all the labels with wallpaper instead of painting the canister.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar for Memorial Day
An easy dessert for your backyard Memorial Day gathering is to set up an Ice Cream Sundae "bar" with several varieties of ice cream, toppings, chopped candy bar and cookie pieces, whipped cream, and cherries, of course.
Seal Plastic Bag to Make Airtight
To make an airtight seal on a plastic bag, use a sharp knife to cut an inch or two off the top of a water bottle or any other plastic bottle that has a screw on lid.
Spaghetti Instead Of Toothpicks
All five of my children love when I make homemade flautas for dinner. As I was preparing to fill the tortillas for frying, I found that someone had used the last of my toothpicks for a school project! OH NO!
Keep Baking Soda in Spice Container
I finally realized emptying a box of baking soda into an empty washed out spice container sure keeps it easier to use when needed, and keeps it fresh a lot longer.
Keep Recipes in a Three Ring Binder
To keep my recipes clean, I place them in a plastic sheet and organize them in a large three ring binder. When I use one, I take it out of the binder. When finished, I wipe up any spills then return it to its place in the binder.
To help in the battle with plastic wrap, keep in the freezer until needed. It will quickly warm up and regain its cling.
If you drop a raw egg on the floor, simply cover it with salt. Let it stand for a few minutes and it will solidify, making it easy to clean up.
With prices now so high, this idea is not only frugal but also helps to save our land fills and helps to organize the trash. Of course I reuse my Ziploc bags over and over after rewashing them several times.
Shop Pet Aisle for Reusable Can Lids
You can find rubber lids that fit aluminum cans at many pet food stores, designed for resealing pet food cans. I use these to recover opened aluminum cans or juice concentrate containers for "human" food as well.
Think Outside the Bird: Ideas for Cranberry Sauce
You can use canned cranberry sauce for the following ideas but I make my own and it works just as well. I absolutely love cranberries so I've naturally done all the ideas listed.
Try these ideas to simplify your tasks on the big day. Do you have tips? Post them here!
Pet Owners Beware of Grapes and Raisins
Many Pet owners have been using raisins as a training treat, and some have used them as a "healthy" snack alternative for their dogs without knowing the risk that they are putting their precious pets in.
Banana Splits for Valentine's Day
I started a tradition when my oldest son was 4 years old. Since our "sweethearts" are our children, we celebrate Valentines Day by having BANANA SPLITS for dinner! I make sure to have anything a person could desire for toppings.
