May 16, 2010
- Overdone Pasta
Put in ice water or run under cold water for a few minutes to stop the cooking process and contract the starch. Then reheat in tomato sauce – the acid will perk it up further.
- Burned Bread
Scrape off the worst, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and present as crostini or use for croûtons.
- Sticky pasta
Drain and cool immediately. Then return the paste to a sauté pan, add at least one tablespoon of olive oil, and toss while reheating.
- Over-charred Steak
Rub it with a mix of ground pepper, chili powder, and garlic, then present as “blackened”.
Or slice it up as is and use in stir-fries, salads, or fajitas.
- Over-salted Soup
For clear soups, add some uncooked pasta or a raw, peeled potato to the pot. The starch will absorb much of the salt. Discard the pasta or potato after 15-20 minutes.
- Dry Fish
Brush with butter-and-lemon mixture, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro, marjoram, or savory. The sauce will add moisture, and “cool” herbs like these, flavor.
- Overcooked Vegetables
Cool as quickly as possible, in ice water (just like with pasta), then reheat briefly in hot stock and squirt on some acid (lemon, or lime) before serving.
- Stale Rolls
Wet your fingers and flick some water on them, then microwave in a microwave-safe cooking bag for no more than 5 seconds, or wrap in foil and heat in a 120-degree Celsius oven for 10 minutes.
- Limp Greens
Bathe them briefly in a bowl of very cold water (no ice, which will bruise the leaves), then wrap in a damp towel and refrigerate.
- Overripe Fruits
When it’s too far gone for even fruit salad, use for smoothies, purees, sorbets, or ice creams.
posted in Household Tips, Kitchen Tips by Squall | Comments Off on How to Hide Kitchen Mishaps