Tip for using your Kitchen Aid mixer to shred Chicken

A great trick to getting perfectly shredded chicken in just seconds.... throw the cooked chicken into your Kitchen Aid stand mixer with the cookie paddle attachment. Turn it onto speed 4-6 and in just 20 seconds you'll have perfect, restaurant style shredded chicken.  Tip: Make sure the chicken is warm/hot before you shred it. Refrigerated chicken is harder and may harm your mixer.

just add chicken!

FOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAN CUT THE RISK OF SPREADING DISEASE IN THE KITCHEN

Food-safety precautions can cut the risk of spreading disease in the kitchen

 Even if you’re diligent about scouring the floor and wiping the countertops, no kitchen will be 100 percent germ- or bacteria-free. Still, minimizing your chances of getting sick can be simple if you use some food-cleaning know-how and helpful utensils.

 A colander (or strainer) allows you to wash fruit and vegetables quickly and safely because it lessens the risk of contamination from other foods, such as raw meat, that might have been in the sink earlier. Look for a self-standing model so that you can rinse food with one hand and tumble it around in the colander with the other.

A corer can be used to remove the least edible parts of apples, pears, pineapples and other hard fruits and vegetables. Look for a blade large enough to remove the whole core, or your produce could have bits of seed attached.

A vegetable brush is best for washing potatoes, other root vegetables and hard-skinned fruits such as cantaloupe, mango and watermelon. It can reach into crevices that running water and paper towels can’t. Look for brushes that fit your hand and are comfortable to use. When scrubbing tender fruits such as plums, use brushes with softer bristles, such as nylon.

Cleaning tips

Some tools are useful, but you can do without others. For example, you don’t need to buy a produce wash. Friction and running water are enough to help remove soil from produce, says Linda Harris, a food-safety specialist at the University of California at Davis. Drying fruits and vegetables with a paper towel might remove more surface bacteria.

Wash refrigerator bins with dish detergent in warm water. Crisper drawers hold more bacteria than any other part of the refrigerator. Wash them often in a clean sink. After drying thoroughly with paper towels, spray the bins with a homemade sanitizing solution (a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water) and let stand for at least 15 seconds, then dry thoroughly again with paper towels before returning them to the refrigerator.

To wash or not to wash?

New research is shaking up what we thought we knew about washing our food, but some well-known advice still stands. Here’s what we found about which produce and other foods need a wash or rinsing and which should be left alone:

●Bagged, pre-washed greens: Yes. Consumer Reports’ 2010 tests of bagged, pre-washed greens, such as ready-to-eat salad, found bacteria that are common indicators of poor sanitation. A good rinse in a colander and a whirl in a salad spinner can remove soil and insects.

●Cantaloupe: Yes. Scrubbing the outside of rough-textured produce, specifically dimply cantaloupes, is extremely important in preventing illness caused by food. Bacteria can hide in the small crevices of the fruits and travel inward once a knife cuts through it. Scrubbing with a vegetable brush under running water is the surest way to prevent the fleshy part of the fruit from becoming contaminated.

●Eggs: No. Commercially produced eggs are cleaned as part of the packaging process and don’t need to be washed again. In fact, water can cause harm by entering the egg through its porous shell, increasing the risk of contamination.

●Herbs: Yes. Herbs are best cleaned in a colander under running water. Tossing them around helps to ensure that all surfaces get rinsed, but in the case of excess dirt and grime, swishing herbs in a clean bowl of water before rinsing is most helpful.

●Loose, leafy greens: Yes. For leafy greens such as lettuce, discard the outside leaves, where dirt and bacteria lurk most often. Then separate remaining leaves and wash individually, rubbing gently to dislodge soil. Salad spinners also help by removing excess moisture.

●Raw meat and poultry: No. Rinsing might rid meat of some bacteria, but those same bacteria will then wind up in the sink or elsewhere in your kitchen within splashing distance. It’s best to simply cook the meat thoroughly, which can kill bacteria once and for all.

●Tender produce: Yes. Produce such as peaches, plums and tomatoes should be rinsed under cool, briskly running water for 30 to 60 seconds and rubbed with a nylon vegetable brush to help remove soil and pesticides. Cut away damaged or decayed areas and dry thoroughly with a paper towel.

 Consumers Union of United States Inc.

Helpful Hints

I did not write these i found them and thought that i would share them with all my friends, Enjoy!
Household Tips

A sealed envelope - Put in the freezer for a few hours, then slide a

knife under the flap. The envelope can then be resealed. (hmmmmmm..)

============

Use Empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords It keeps them

neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures: get warm water and put

Dawn dish washing liquid in it. Pour it all over the steps. They won't

refreeze. (wish I had known this for the last 40 years!)

==========

To remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for

a few hours. Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The

wax will fall out.

===========

Crayon marks on walls? This worked wonderfully! A damp rag, dipped

in baking soda. Comes off with little effort (elbow grease that is!)..

==========

Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt

BLUE!) rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

============

Whenever I purchase a box of S.O.S Pads, I immediately take a pair of

scissors and cut each pad into halves. After years of having to throw

away rusted and unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would

be much more economical. Now a box of S.O.S pads last me indefinitely!

In fact, I have noticed that the scissors get 'sharpened'' this way!

=============

Blood stains on clothes? Not to worry! Just pour a little hydrogen

peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood. Works

every time! (Now, where to put the body?) LOL

==========

Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal

for inside windows.... This way you can tell which side has the streaks.

Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean. Don't wash windows

on a sunny day. They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

============

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely

light scent in each room when the light is turned on.

========

Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell

freshly washed for weeks to come. You can also do this with towels and linen.

=========

Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3

hours prior to burning .

======

To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the

flowers. Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt

and leave your artificial flowers looking like new! Works like a charm!

============

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap

and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil on stove top.

===========

Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring

in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

===========

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

=============

When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the

corn's natural sweetness

===============

Cure for headaches: Take a lime, cut it in half, and rub it on your

forehead. The throbbing will go away.

=============

Don't throw out all that leftover wine: Freeze into ice cubes for future

use in casseroles and sauces ........LEFT OVER WINE,WHAT'S THAT? :)

=============

To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area

and

you will experience instant relief.

============

Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line.. So,

get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.

============

Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still,

leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

===========

When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to

tweezers or a needle Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, and

then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

=====

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer......... Clean a toilet.

Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.

The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous China ......

========

Clean a vase.

To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water

and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

=============

Polish jewelry.

Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the

jewelry for two minutes.

==============

Clean a thermos bottle Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary). =========== Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar.. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water.

Creative Uses for a Culinary Torch Tips and Tricks

I just bought one of these so i can't wait to use it...

Ideal for caramelizing sugar on crème brûlée, a culinary torch has myriad other uses in the kitchen for preparing both sweet and savory dishes. Here are a few suggestions.

Brown meringues. Use the torch to perfectly brown the meringue on fruit tarts, pies and baked Alaska.

Sear tomato skins. Set a tomato on a heatproof surface or hold with tongs and heat with a torch until the skin starts to crack. Let cool, then peel.

Broil grapefruit for a breakfast treat. Cut a grapefruit in half and pat the cut surface dry with a paper towel. Spread a little soft butter on the surface, then sprinkle with cinnamon and a thin layer of sugar. Heat with a torch until the sugar bubbles.

Make a crisp topping for oatmeal. Spoon cooked oatmeal into a bowl, sprinkle with a thin layer of sugar and heat with a torch until crispy.

Melt cheese. For a delicious finishing touch, top onion soup gratinée or chili with grated cheese and melt with a torch.

Toast a bread crumb topping on salads. Stuff tomato or avocado halves with chicken or tuna salad. Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, then heat with a torch until golden brown.

Roast bell peppers. Hold a bell pepper with tongs and heat with a torch until the skin is charred. Place the pepper in a paper bag, let cool and then peel.

 Throw a s'mores party. Place graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows on a platter. Invite guests to spear marshmallows with fondue forks and toast them with a torch, then assemble their own dessert sandwiches.

 Create a sugar crust on a rolled sponge cake. Sprinkle the cake with sugar and heat with a torch until the sugar is crisp and golden.

Tips and Tricks



Mash and freeze ripe bananas, in one-cup portions, for use in later baking, no wasted bananas (or you can freeze them whole, peeled, in plastic baggies).

Tips and Tricks "MIni Tortilla Bowls"

Cheryl's Corner, Photo

Here's a quick little trick to make these cute little bowls that you can fill with your favorite guacamole or re fried beans or salsa that will make you next Mexican dinner

look like you know what your doing, lol, anyhow, i just buy some mini tortillas and heat

one in the microwave for about 10 seconds so it bends a bit, i spray a salsa dish that is microwavable, of course, with Pam, then press your mini tortilla into the cup, i cook on high for about 1 min, then i take it out of the glass and cook it by itself for another 30-40 seconds till it browns, and there you have it, a cute little bowl for your condiments to make your plate look like it just came straight out of your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Its that easy, no mess and you can make a bunch of them and keep them
in a Ziploc bag.

Tips and Tricks, Cleaning your shower doors

Shower Doors:

I have clear glass shower doors. I have tried everything from CLR®, to Comet®, to Clorox® - you name it, I've tried it. Today I decided to try something different. I found a bottle of Resolve® spot remover for carpet and fabric. I figured "Why not? I have tried everything else." All I did was spray the Resolve® on the shower and with no effort ran a dish sponge over it and rinsed and every bit of the soap scum came off.

I found this tip on the internet, hope it works for ya all, it worked for me!

ZIPLOC OMELETTE'S

Lisa's Corner

ZIPLOC OMELETTE'S 

(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best
part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !)

Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with
permanent marker. 

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake
to combine them. 

Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green
pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc. 

Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake.
Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes [we did
15 minutes]. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more,
make another pot of boiling water. 

Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for
everyone to be amazed. 

Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in
the process and a great conversation piece...

(found this on the Internet) great tip and trick!

 

Microchips,Low Fat Chips, Tips and Tricks

Cheryl's Corner, Recipe and Photo

Here is a quick and low fat way to make Chips or Tortilla's for Tostadas

take four regular size corn tortillas and lay them right on the glass

in plate in your microwave oven, set your oven for 4 minutes if your oven is a real good one just cook for 3 minutes on one side, then turn them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, they should be a good color brown, and crisp, may sprinkle with salt if you like.

Microchips, no guilt chips and salsa

These make a low fat tostada, i have these for lunch alot around here.

Tips and Tricks for Sandwiches and Snacks with your Seal a Meal

Cheryl's Corner Idea and Photo

Here's a quick tip for you if you want grab and go meals for the kids or Husband.

Make your snack or sandwiches or lunches what ever it is that you are making

put it on a sturdy paper plate, and if you have the larger twist tie quart size baggies, just place your lunch or snack right on the plate, slip a baggie right over it and if you have Seal a meal or Equivalent to that (you know the thing that you suck all the air out of the food thingy) seal it up and stack it in the refrigerator, label it if you like. your family will think your the greatest!

'wrapped plated and ready to go in the fridge'

Photo of the Day! Great Looking Salad, Don't eat the green part of the flower

Cheryl's Corner
To Pretty to Eat

Don't eat the Green part of the flower, this is what a chef told me once,when i asked him if
the flower was edible, so there ya have it.
I just thought that i would share this Lovely salad photo with you, it really does look
to pretty to eat. I certainly would serve this salad if i wanted to impress!
Tips and tricks



Dessert Tips and Tricks "Nutella Crepes"





Cheryl's Corner
"Nutella Crepes"

This is a simple dessert to make when you have leftover crepes.
Just lay a crepe flat out spread a little bit of Nutella all over the crepe, then fold it up
like you were folding over an enchilada, place on a plate drizzle on some cream or ice cream
sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon and serve with Hot Chocolate.
Simple and Delicious.
Note*
you may warm up the crepes in the microwave after you spread on the Nutella.
Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks Eggs Benedict Photo of the Day!

 Eggs Benedict Cheryl Style

Cheryl's Corner, Recipe and Photo



Here's a cool way to serve your Eggs Benedict

all that i can say is yummerz! and i want some now!

I wouldn't serve this to the kids it might scare them.
When ever i make something like this look good on the plate then take a photo, it does get cold, so i just zap it in the microwave for about 40 seconds, I don't like cold food at all.  But yeah i do take photos of most of the items that i cook its just a fun hobby, Yeah I'm out there! Chow!!

Tips And Tricks When serving An Egg roll

Egg Rolls, Cheryl's Corner Recipe and Photo

Heres a neat way i served an egg roll, If you have some Chinese soup spoons, there easy to find at dollar stores or at Cost Plus or your neighborhood Chinese market, anyhow, slice your egg roll on the diagonal, place a piece of egg roll on the spoon and  drizzle on some of your favorite Duck or Plum sauce, arrange your spoons on a fancy platter like you see pictured here, another tip that i have is add a little bit of Cherry unsweetened Koolaid to your plum sauce for some added color and taste make sure that you stir it really well, it really brings your sauce up a notch! Enjoy. 

Parmesan Popcorn

Parmesan Popcorn, Cheryl's Corner Recipe and Photo

This is what i like to snack on when just plain old popcorn wont do it for me.  Pop yourself a bag of microwave popcorn, pour it into a bowl, drizzle it with melted butter as much or little as you like, (if your me, but your not, you'd use Parkey Butter Spray, that's my butter) after you drizzle on your preferred butter, sprinkle on as much or as little Parmesan Cheese that you like and there you have a very simple flavored yourself popcorn snack.

Easy Appetizer Tostada Cups made with Tostidos Scoops

Cheryl's Corner Recipe and Photo

If you are making a south of the border type menu here is a quick and easy recipe for some mini appetizers that you can make ahead and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them, and there so simple, just take some turkey meat (ground) or lean hamburger, cook it up with some onions, and a package of taco bell  taco seasoning, cook according to package and if you have a hand mixer zap that meat until its real fine or you can put it on the food processor till finely chopped, drain it, place it in a larger sturdy,not cheapo, Ziploc type bag, cut the corner with scissors, because your are going to squeeze the meat into the little scoop cups just like you do with frosting, add a little cheese an olive or a tomato piece and place these on a plate or platter that you can easily put in the microwave to heat, these make the cutest little appetizers, its like having a little mini taco salad, there cute and fun and tasty

Ralphs Supermarket will Fry up your Fish Free, Palm Springs, CA Store

Yes you heard that right, the Palm Springs, Ca. store on Sunrise and Ramon, will fry up your fish for free, I know that frying fish is not the healthiest way to go, but hey, if you feel like having fish for dinner and you don't want to go through the hassle of getting your fryer out, this is definitely the way to go, I had the Talapia last week, it was wonderful, they use a slightly spicy corn meal batter that is very light, that's my tip for you for this week, try it you might like it, i did and I'm hooked,

Cheryl's Corner, Photo

Cheryl's Corner Recipe and Photo

Heres a cute way to serve breakfast if you have kids!

Here is the cute food photo of the day!!
its a creative way to serve an omelet wouldn't you say