Food Hacks And Tips

[One Drop]

Is that carbon or stainless?

If you can manage to dry them after use a carbon cleaver is great, as it is really easy to keep them sharp on a steel.

I used one at home for years, not sure why I went back to a chef's knife.

Once you get familiar with them there are so many uses available, great tools.

 

[StudioStuntz]

If you can manage to dry them after use a carbon cleaver is great, as it is really easy to keep them sharp on a steel.

I used one at home for years, not sure why I went back to a chef's knife.

Once you get familiar with them there are so many uses available, great tools.

If you're dicing or cubing etc. with a butchers knife, one of them is that you have a shovel in one hand and your empty hand as a scoop/barrel to easily transport large amounts of those cut pieces and deposit them directly into a pan or bowl.

I have several carbon cleavers. Though they may dull quicker, they are easier to sharpen than stainless.
Sharp knives are a must, as dull ones can cause accidents.

Check out the edge on this blade:



Chefs knives have their advantages as well.

Once you find a longer one that fits in and feels good in your hand, they make an easy task of mincing while holding it between two hands and using the rocking motion.

 

[ThudThudThud]

I sure could use some help making pancakes, which I haven't attempted in years because mine always turn out the worst.

I tried scratch, I tried pre-mixed just add water, shake and pour, and I had to toss them all!

I like them golden brown to a half a shade darker and fluffy, not tuff like all mine.

If I could get a slight outer crust on them while still keeping them fluffy on the inside, that would be a bonus, but not necessary.

Did I over mix them, have the batter at the wrong temp?

Someone told me back then to add a pinch of corn starch, but I can't remember if that made them worse or just the same!

TIA

Okay. I spent years finding the perfect 'from scratch' recipe:
1-1/3 cups flour
1-1/3 cups milk
1 large egg
good pinch salt
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup melted butter

It makes great pancakes....
However, the "Krusteaz" add water premixed is SO MUCH BETTER.
Not good for you, and less satisfying to the soul than from-scratch , but the pancakes are wonderful.

If you have an electric griddle they make the best pancakes. Good and hot, butter the griddle, and wipe off excess before you add the batter.

And making batter 1/2 hour + beforehand really does make a difference.

 

[StudioStuntz]

Thanks for the recipe TTT, I'll be trying it in the next few months.

 

[BboogieXVII]

Is that carbon or stainless?

Stainless, that's always what I've had but I wouldn't mind trying out something a bit more fancy. Recently, one that looks exactly like the photo had the handle (and the steel part of the handle as well) break off while in the dish-washer. I found that to be a bit weird but possibly was caused by the hot temp in the dishwasher expanding and contracting the metal against the handle. I don't put these things in the dishwasher anymore.

 

[One Drop]

Stainless, that's always what I've had but I wouldn't mind trying out something a bit more fancy. Recently, one that looks exactly like the photo had the handle (and the steel part of the handle as well) break off while in the dish-washer. I found that to be a bit weird but possibly was caused by the hot temp in the dishwasher expanding and contracting the metal against the handle. I don't put these things in the dishwasher anymore.

Never put wooden handled knives in a dishwasher.

I don't put knives in a dishwasher at all, they are out of service until it's been put through a cycle. Just rinse or wash them as you go.

No reason to get a fancy Chinese cleaver, the cheaper ones are usually fine.

 

[Tom Bomb]

I still make Jean-Luc Picard's fabled balsamic vinaigrette. (I just call it Trekkie Sauce) Heard him rattling off the recipe during one episode - one particularly philosophical episode that revolved around 'tripping' the light fantastic on the holodeck.

From memory, you need; Extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt & pepper - and not much else, I think. Perhaps a little something else… I saw the show twenty odd years ago. But I'll bung in other stuff anyway, like sesame oil, soy sauce, sweet chilli, booze, or honey. Anything on hand, within reason. But, watch the over-kill - keep it simple.

I never measure anything but, once you're into it, after a little trial-and-error, it's dead easy. I just use old mustard bottles to mix it all together - ones with a good, tight seal - then it's just a quick shake and you're good to go.

Live long and prosper.

(Good thread . Thanks!)

 

[fdeck]

Salt, sugar, fat.

I avoid saturated fat, and limit my intake of the others. I just ignore the cooking tips that are irrelevant to my own dietary choices.

 

[Tom Bomb]

I was learning the ins and outs of aioli when I found this little gem - almost makes itself drool

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Tom Bomb]

​

 

[StudioStuntz]

I was learning the ins and outs of aioli when I found this little gem - almost makes itself drool

Invalid Link Removed

Looks and sounds good...especially the crispy part.

 

[Gazman]

A tea bag steeped in hot water, makes a refreshing beverage.
Okay to share.

 

[Lobster11]

A tea bag steeped in hot water, makes a refreshing beverage.
Okay to share.

I've heard that before but have always been skeptical. Have you actually tried it and confirmed that it works? Sounds pretty nutty to me.

 

[Gazman]

I've heard that before but have always been skeptical. Have you actually tried it and confirmed that it works? Sounds pretty nutty to me.

Yup, it works. Learned it today at my "Cooking for singles" class. Tomorrow we learn about bread, and what happens when you toast it.

 

[Lobster11]

 

[One Drop]

How to make coffee if you have no filters, machines, devices, or appliances:

Put a 1-2 scoops of ground coffee beans in a mug or tall glass. Add sugar at this point if you use the stuff.

Pour enough boiling water onto the grounds to just wet them, and let stand 30 seconds.

Pour the rest of the boiled water into the mug and stir, or if you have no utensils, tap the mug gently on the counter top, or blow on the grounds at the top to break the surface tension and let the grounds sink to the bottom of the mug.

Wait about 3-5 minutes until the liquid looks clear, enjoy. Do not drink the dregs and don't try to get that last sip before the grounds as you will invariably get some in your mouth, not very nice.

It's very much like a long version of Turkish or Greek coffee, and in Indonesia they traditionally prepare coffee this way, called Kopi Tubruk or 'collision coffee'. There they sometimes boil the two together for 2 minutes, and add sweetened condensed milk for a nice treat.

It makes a great flavourful cup and works fine with all kinds of grinds, from fine to coarse, but best results, as with a French Press, are to be had with a coarser grind.

 

[MJ5150]

We went to a taping of The Chew last week, and I picked up this tip from Michael Symon....
After preparing the salad greens, pour some dressing around the outside of the bowl, then toss lightly.

-Mike

 

[Rob22315]

How to make coffee if you have no filters, machines, devices, or appliances:

Put a 1-2 scoops of ground coffee beans in a mug or tall glass. Add sugar at this point if you use the stuff.

Pour enough boiling water onto the grounds to just wet them, and let stand 30 seconds.

Pour the rest of the boiled water into the mug and stir, or if you have no utensils, tap the mug gently on the counter top, or blow on the grounds at the top to break the surface tension and let the grounds sink to the bottom of the mug.

Wait about 3-5 minutes until the liquid looks clear, enjoy. Do not drink the dregs and don't try to get that last sip before the grounds as you will invariably get some in your mouth, not very nice.

It's very much like a long version of Turkish or Greek coffee, and in Indonesia they traditionally prepare coffee this way, called Kopi Tubruk or 'collision coffee'. There they sometimes boil the two together for 2 minutes, and add sweetened condensed milk for a nice treat.

It makes a great flavourful cup and works fine with all kinds of grinds, from fine to coarse, but best results, as with a French Press, are to be had with a coarser grind.

The Greeks do this with an ultra fine grind.

 

[StudioStuntz]

How to make coffee if you have no filters, machines, devices, or appliances:

Put a 1-2 scoops of ground coffee beans in a mug or tall glass. Add sugar at this point if you use the stuff.

Pour enough boiling water onto the grounds to just wet them, and let stand 30 seconds.

Pour the rest of the boiled water into the mug and stir, or if you have no utensils, tap the mug gently on the counter top, or blow on the grounds at the top to break the surface tension and let the grounds sink to the bottom of the mug.

Wait about 3-5 minutes until the liquid looks clear, enjoy. Do not drink the dregs and don't try to get that last sip before the grounds as you will invariably get some in your mouth, not very nice.

It's very much like a long version of Turkish or Greek coffee, and in Indonesia they traditionally prepare coffee this way, called Kopi Tubruk or 'collision coffee'. There they sometimes boil the two together for 2 minutes, and add sweetened condensed milk for a nice treat.

It makes a great flavourful cup and works fine with all kinds of grinds, from fine to coarse, but best results, as with a French Press, are to be had with a coarser grind.

Nice post. Any idea why they call it "collision coffee"?

 

[One Drop]

Nice post. Any idea why they call it "collision coffee"?

Because the grains and water 'collide' in the cup!