The post Essential Tips to Improve Your Baking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>While you may be able to get away with using measuring utensils for liquid ingredients or those needed in small quantities, in general, portioning ingredients by weight using a scale is the best way to ensure your recipe comes out as intended. For example, the weight of one cup of flour can vary by over 50 grams, depending on how tightly it’s packed—potentially meaning the difference between a moist, tender cake and one that’s dense and dry.
Once you’ve measured your flour, along with any other necessary dry ingredients, it’s a good idea to pass them through a sifter to aerate them and remove any lumps. Sure, it may take an extra few minutes (and add another dish to the cleanup pile), but it can significantly improve the texture of your baked goods and give them a light, velvety crumb.
The temperature of your ingredients can also make a difference in how seamlessly they come together. When butter, eggs, and certain oils are too cold, they can coagulate and cause lumps to form in the batter, potentially affecting the product’s ability to rise. To promote emulsification and improve the final texture, allow these ingredients to come to room temperature before use.
The post Essential Tips to Improve Your Baking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Tips for a More Efficient Dishwashing Routine appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>If you’re handwashing, pre-rinsing and soaking dishes can make a significant difference. For dishes with dried or stubborn food residue, a quick soak in warm, soapy water can do wonders. It loosens up the particles, making them easier to wash off.
When washing dishes, start by categorizing your dishes based on their type and degree of dirtiness. Wash the lightly soiled items first (like glasses and lightly used plates), and move towards the heavily soiled ones (like pots and pans). This method prevents the water from getting too dirty too quickly.
The right tools can make dishwashing easier and quicker. For handwashing, use a high-quality dish soap that cuts through grease effectively, a scrub brush for tough residues, and a soft sponge for delicate items. When using a dishwasher, choose a detergent that suits your machine and water type (hard or soft) for best results.
The post Tips for a More Efficient Dishwashing Routine appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post How to Make Your Brown Sugar Soft Again appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>If you need soft brown sugar immediately, the microwave can come to your rescue. Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, checking and fluffing the sugar with a fork between each interval. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can melt the sugar.
Marshmallows can also help to soften brown sugar due to their high moisture content. Place a few marshmallows in the container with the hardened sugar. The sugar will draw moisture from the marshmallows and become soft again.
For a more gradual softening, try the bread technique. Place a piece of bread in an airtight container with the hardened brown sugar. Seal the container and let it sit overnight. The sugar will absorb moisture from the bread, becoming soft and usable again.
The post How to Make Your Brown Sugar Soft Again appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post 3 Ways to Get More Out of Your Food Processor appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>If ever you find yourself baking, only to discover mid-recipe that you’re out of brown sugar, know that you can easily whip some up in your food processor using just two ingredients. Add one cup of granulated white sugar and two tablespoons of molasses to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until the molasses incorporates evenly. Voilà—rich, moist, flavorful brown sugar in no time.
We love cooking with herbs, but fresh herbs often come in quite large quantities, and it can be a challenge to use them all before they go bad. One of our favorite ways to get more out of the herbs we buy is to create our own salt blends. Place any leftover herbs in a dehydrator or oven on low heat until they crumble easily, then pulse in a food processor with ½ cup of coarse sea salt. Use it to flavor all kinds of dishes such as pasta and roasted vegetables, or fill glass jars with your salt to give as homemade gifts.
Skip the store-bought stuff—making your own whipped cream is a cinch when you’ve got a food processor, and the results taste so much better. Add one cup of chilled coconut or heavy cream to your food processor bowl and pulse a few times. Once the liquid no longer splashes, blend for 30 seconds to a minute until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Add a teaspoon of vanilla and your choice of sweetener to taste, incorporating with a final pulse.
The post 3 Ways to Get More Out of Your Food Processor appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post How to Prepare Dishes For the Dishwasher appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The first thing you must do is remove all of the excess large items into the garbage. For instance, if you’re cleaning a large china plate, take a separate fork and shovel everything on the plate into the trash, ensuring that none of that stuff eventually finds its way into the dishwasher.
Once your dishes are clear of all larger items, it’s time to give them a proper rinse. This is pretty much the last step your dishes will go through before you put them into the dishwasher, so make it count. Use hot water and allow all of the random junk to clear off of the dish.
Remember, the dishwasher is a powerful item, but the easier its job, the longer it’ll last for years to come. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your dishwasher doesn’t have to go overboard with its duties, so make sure you do that!
The post How to Prepare Dishes For the Dishwasher appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Are Vegetables Freezer-Friendly? It Depends appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>One of the best ways to extend the life of your produce is to freeze it, though not all veggies will hold up well in the freezer. Read on to learn more about which vegetables are freezer friendly and which ones you’re better off storing elsewhere.
Firm vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and legumes have a relatively low water content that allows them to be frozen without significantly changing their texture. While you can freeze them raw, for best results we recommend chopping them into small, uniform pieces and blanching them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Transfer quickly to an ice water bath to cool, then place on a baking grate to drain. Once dry, pack into airtight containers or Ziploc bags and freeze.
Veggies with a high water content such as lettuce, cucumbers, and radishes typically don’t freeze well and will develop a mushy texture when thawed. When used in dishes like soup or sauces that are blended before serving, this may not be an issue, but in general, freezing high-water veggies is not recommended. This also goes for fresh herbs if you’re planning to use them as a garnish.
Blanching firm veggies like carrots and beans may help to preserve their texture when freezing, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Mushrooms that are frozen raw, on the other hand, will become borderline inedible when cooked. To help keep them firm, slice and sauté in a little olive oil or steam for about 5 minutes over boiling water and dry in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
The post Are Vegetables Freezer-Friendly? It Depends appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post This Trick Will Prevent Pan Sticking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The first step is to preheat the pan before adding any food. Opt for medium heat, but be mindful of the type of food you’re cooking. Preheating creates a hot surface and makes it a lot easier for the food to glide across it without sticking.
Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the pan. Don’t worry about using too much oil, as a small amount will suffice to keep the pan moisturized and prevent food from sticking.
Here’s a foolproof tip in case food starts sticking to your pan. Simply add a splash of liquid, such as water, wine, or broth, to the pan. This will instantly deglaze it, loosening any stuck bits and saving your dish.
The post This Trick Will Prevent Pan Sticking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post How to Save Money in the Kitchen appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Planning your meals in advance will help you to save money and avoid expensive, last-minute grocery store runs. Take some time at the beginning of each week to figure out what you’d like to make, and then create a grocery list to stay accountable to while shopping. Buy your most frequently used ingredients in bulk, keeping an eye out for sales and discounts whenever possible. Choosing seasonal produce is also a great way to cut costs, as the reduced storage and transportation that these fruits and vegetables require is often reflected in their price.
Throwing away food is like throwing away money, so get creative with your leftovers by incorporating them into delicious new dishes. Transform any random veggies you may have in the fridge into a savory soup, or pulse stale bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs that you can mix into burger patties. Store leftovers in airtight containers, and organize your fridge so that older items are easiest to access. Remember the acronym FIFO—First In, First Out.
Pre-packaged foods and ready-made meals may save you time, but this convenience comes at a cost. Preparing your own meals as well as pantry staples like salad dressings, sauces, and snacks has the potential to seriously slash your grocery bill over time, not to mention the multitude of benefits that avoiding processed food can have on your health. If you have the space, you may even want to consider growing your own herbs or vegetables for additional savings.
The post How to Save Money in the Kitchen appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Why & How You Should Be Deep Cleaning Your Oven appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Giving your oven regular deep cleans helps to eliminate burnt-on food, which can improve its efficiency by promoting a more even heat distribution. This results in reduced cooking times and enhances the durability of your oven, saving you money on electricity and repairs over time. A clean oven will also be free of unpleasant odors from built-up food residue, so you can be sure that everything you cook will smell and taste delicious.
Before you begin, make sure your oven is unplugged and completely cool. Remove all oven racks and place them in a sink or tub filled with hot soapy water to soak. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and warm water, then spread the paste to cover all of the interior surfaces. Take care to avoid heating elements, as they can be easily damaged. Let everything sit overnight and use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste and any grease the next morning. For stuck-on stains, give them a spritz with some white vinegar to make them easier to remove.
Don’t overlook the oven knobs, as they tend to be one of the first places that grease and grime accumulate. Remove the knobs, wash them in warm water with soap, and dry them completely before reattaching them. Check your oven’s gasket seal for any debris, and finish by giving the exterior surface of your oven a final wipe-down with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
The post Why & How You Should Be Deep Cleaning Your Oven appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Clean and Organized appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The key to a clean and orderly fridge is categorization. Keep like items together in designated spots; for example, dairy on the doors, fruits in one drawer, and vegetables in another. For miscellaneous items, invest in clear containers or bins and label them for easy identification. A tidy fridge doesn’t just look nice; it can also save you time and reduce food waste by preventing items from getting lost in the mess.
To keep your fridge organized and reduce food waste, remember the FIFO rule: use up any older products before opening new ones. Store recently purchased or cooked items at the back and keep anything with a shorter shelf life front and center to ensure they get eaten first.
Dedicate a few minutes each week to go through your fridge and check for expired items, throw away spoiled food, and clean up any spills. Once a month, perform a more thorough cleaning by taking everything out and giving your fridge a full top-to-bottom scrub. This will help to keep everything in order and keep any odors at bay.
The post Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Clean and Organized appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Essential Tips to Improve Your Baking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>While you may be able to get away with using measuring utensils for liquid ingredients or those needed in small quantities, in general, portioning ingredients by weight using a scale is the best way to ensure your recipe comes out as intended. For example, the weight of one cup of flour can vary by over 50 grams, depending on how tightly it’s packed—potentially meaning the difference between a moist, tender cake and one that’s dense and dry.
Once you’ve measured your flour, along with any other necessary dry ingredients, it’s a good idea to pass them through a sifter to aerate them and remove any lumps. Sure, it may take an extra few minutes (and add another dish to the cleanup pile), but it can significantly improve the texture of your baked goods and give them a light, velvety crumb.
The temperature of your ingredients can also make a difference in how seamlessly they come together. When butter, eggs, and certain oils are too cold, they can coagulate and cause lumps to form in the batter, potentially affecting the product’s ability to rise. To promote emulsification and improve the final texture, allow these ingredients to come to room temperature before use.
The post Essential Tips to Improve Your Baking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Tips for a More Efficient Dishwashing Routine appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>If you’re handwashing, pre-rinsing and soaking dishes can make a significant difference. For dishes with dried or stubborn food residue, a quick soak in warm, soapy water can do wonders. It loosens up the particles, making them easier to wash off.
When washing dishes, start by categorizing your dishes based on their type and degree of dirtiness. Wash the lightly soiled items first (like glasses and lightly used plates), and move towards the heavily soiled ones (like pots and pans). This method prevents the water from getting too dirty too quickly.
The right tools can make dishwashing easier and quicker. For handwashing, use a high-quality dish soap that cuts through grease effectively, a scrub brush for tough residues, and a soft sponge for delicate items. When using a dishwasher, choose a detergent that suits your machine and water type (hard or soft) for best results.
The post Tips for a More Efficient Dishwashing Routine appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post How to Make Your Brown Sugar Soft Again appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>If you need soft brown sugar immediately, the microwave can come to your rescue. Place the hardened brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, checking and fluffing the sugar with a fork between each interval. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can melt the sugar.
Marshmallows can also help to soften brown sugar due to their high moisture content. Place a few marshmallows in the container with the hardened sugar. The sugar will draw moisture from the marshmallows and become soft again.
For a more gradual softening, try the bread technique. Place a piece of bread in an airtight container with the hardened brown sugar. Seal the container and let it sit overnight. The sugar will absorb moisture from the bread, becoming soft and usable again.
The post How to Make Your Brown Sugar Soft Again appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post 3 Ways to Get More Out of Your Food Processor appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>If ever you find yourself baking, only to discover mid-recipe that you’re out of brown sugar, know that you can easily whip some up in your food processor using just two ingredients. Add one cup of granulated white sugar and two tablespoons of molasses to the bowl of your food processor and pulse until the molasses incorporates evenly. Voilà—rich, moist, flavorful brown sugar in no time.
We love cooking with herbs, but fresh herbs often come in quite large quantities, and it can be a challenge to use them all before they go bad. One of our favorite ways to get more out of the herbs we buy is to create our own salt blends. Place any leftover herbs in a dehydrator or oven on low heat until they crumble easily, then pulse in a food processor with ½ cup of coarse sea salt. Use it to flavor all kinds of dishes such as pasta and roasted vegetables, or fill glass jars with your salt to give as homemade gifts.
Skip the store-bought stuff—making your own whipped cream is a cinch when you’ve got a food processor, and the results taste so much better. Add one cup of chilled coconut or heavy cream to your food processor bowl and pulse a few times. Once the liquid no longer splashes, blend for 30 seconds to a minute until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Add a teaspoon of vanilla and your choice of sweetener to taste, incorporating with a final pulse.
The post 3 Ways to Get More Out of Your Food Processor appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post How to Prepare Dishes For the Dishwasher appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The first thing you must do is remove all of the excess large items into the garbage. For instance, if you’re cleaning a large china plate, take a separate fork and shovel everything on the plate into the trash, ensuring that none of that stuff eventually finds its way into the dishwasher.
Once your dishes are clear of all larger items, it’s time to give them a proper rinse. This is pretty much the last step your dishes will go through before you put them into the dishwasher, so make it count. Use hot water and allow all of the random junk to clear off of the dish.
Remember, the dishwasher is a powerful item, but the easier its job, the longer it’ll last for years to come. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your dishwasher doesn’t have to go overboard with its duties, so make sure you do that!
The post How to Prepare Dishes For the Dishwasher appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Are Vegetables Freezer-Friendly? It Depends appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>One of the best ways to extend the life of your produce is to freeze it, though not all veggies will hold up well in the freezer. Read on to learn more about which vegetables are freezer friendly and which ones you’re better off storing elsewhere.
Firm vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and legumes have a relatively low water content that allows them to be frozen without significantly changing their texture. While you can freeze them raw, for best results we recommend chopping them into small, uniform pieces and blanching them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Transfer quickly to an ice water bath to cool, then place on a baking grate to drain. Once dry, pack into airtight containers or Ziploc bags and freeze.
Veggies with a high water content such as lettuce, cucumbers, and radishes typically don’t freeze well and will develop a mushy texture when thawed. When used in dishes like soup or sauces that are blended before serving, this may not be an issue, but in general, freezing high-water veggies is not recommended. This also goes for fresh herbs if you’re planning to use them as a garnish.
Blanching firm veggies like carrots and beans may help to preserve their texture when freezing, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Mushrooms that are frozen raw, on the other hand, will become borderline inedible when cooked. To help keep them firm, slice and sauté in a little olive oil or steam for about 5 minutes over boiling water and dry in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
The post Are Vegetables Freezer-Friendly? It Depends appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post This Trick Will Prevent Pan Sticking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The first step is to preheat the pan before adding any food. Opt for medium heat, but be mindful of the type of food you’re cooking. Preheating creates a hot surface and makes it a lot easier for the food to glide across it without sticking.
Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the pan. Don’t worry about using too much oil, as a small amount will suffice to keep the pan moisturized and prevent food from sticking.
Here’s a foolproof tip in case food starts sticking to your pan. Simply add a splash of liquid, such as water, wine, or broth, to the pan. This will instantly deglaze it, loosening any stuck bits and saving your dish.
The post This Trick Will Prevent Pan Sticking appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post How to Save Money in the Kitchen appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Planning your meals in advance will help you to save money and avoid expensive, last-minute grocery store runs. Take some time at the beginning of each week to figure out what you’d like to make, and then create a grocery list to stay accountable to while shopping. Buy your most frequently used ingredients in bulk, keeping an eye out for sales and discounts whenever possible. Choosing seasonal produce is also a great way to cut costs, as the reduced storage and transportation that these fruits and vegetables require is often reflected in their price.
Throwing away food is like throwing away money, so get creative with your leftovers by incorporating them into delicious new dishes. Transform any random veggies you may have in the fridge into a savory soup, or pulse stale bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs that you can mix into burger patties. Store leftovers in airtight containers, and organize your fridge so that older items are easiest to access. Remember the acronym FIFO—First In, First Out.
Pre-packaged foods and ready-made meals may save you time, but this convenience comes at a cost. Preparing your own meals as well as pantry staples like salad dressings, sauces, and snacks has the potential to seriously slash your grocery bill over time, not to mention the multitude of benefits that avoiding processed food can have on your health. If you have the space, you may even want to consider growing your own herbs or vegetables for additional savings.
The post How to Save Money in the Kitchen appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Why & How You Should Be Deep Cleaning Your Oven appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>Giving your oven regular deep cleans helps to eliminate burnt-on food, which can improve its efficiency by promoting a more even heat distribution. This results in reduced cooking times and enhances the durability of your oven, saving you money on electricity and repairs over time. A clean oven will also be free of unpleasant odors from built-up food residue, so you can be sure that everything you cook will smell and taste delicious.
Before you begin, make sure your oven is unplugged and completely cool. Remove all oven racks and place them in a sink or tub filled with hot soapy water to soak. Create a paste using equal parts baking soda and warm water, then spread the paste to cover all of the interior surfaces. Take care to avoid heating elements, as they can be easily damaged. Let everything sit overnight and use a damp cloth to wipe away the paste and any grease the next morning. For stuck-on stains, give them a spritz with some white vinegar to make them easier to remove.
Don’t overlook the oven knobs, as they tend to be one of the first places that grease and grime accumulate. Remove the knobs, wash them in warm water with soap, and dry them completely before reattaching them. Check your oven’s gasket seal for any debris, and finish by giving the exterior surface of your oven a final wipe-down with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
The post Why & How You Should Be Deep Cleaning Your Oven appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The post Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Clean and Organized appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>The key to a clean and orderly fridge is categorization. Keep like items together in designated spots; for example, dairy on the doors, fruits in one drawer, and vegetables in another. For miscellaneous items, invest in clear containers or bins and label them for easy identification. A tidy fridge doesn’t just look nice; it can also save you time and reduce food waste by preventing items from getting lost in the mess.
To keep your fridge organized and reduce food waste, remember the FIFO rule: use up any older products before opening new ones. Store recently purchased or cooked items at the back and keep anything with a shorter shelf life front and center to ensure they get eaten first.
Dedicate a few minutes each week to go through your fridge and check for expired items, throw away spoiled food, and clean up any spills. Once a month, perform a more thorough cleaning by taking everything out and giving your fridge a full top-to-bottom scrub. This will help to keep everything in order and keep any odors at bay.
The post Tips for Keeping Your Fridge Clean and Organized appeared first on foodisinthehouse.com.
]]>