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Roast Some Turkey Necks for Awesome Stock

October 18, 2012 By 12 Comments

Heather says:

Want to take your Thanksgiving recipes up to the next level? You can get started now by buying and roasting turkey necks to make stock. Want to get a jump on your Thanksgiving prep? Go ahead and make your roast turkey neck stock now and freeze it for your Thanksgiving recipes*. Would I go to the effort of roasting turkey necks every time I want stock? No, but for a special meal like Thanksgiving, I find the richness of this stock is well worth the extra time and effort. (I specifically made it to go in a mushroom risotto, but this stock is perfect for adding to dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, whatever calls for stock or broth in your menu.)

Thankfully, I have noticed that turkey necks are becoming much easier to find -I live in a smaller town, if we have it, you probably won’t have to search too hard. Typically the necks are next to the cut up poultry and yes, you can definitely substitute turkey wings for the necks in this recipe.

Cheesecloth really comes in handy when straining your turkey neck stock or you can use it to make  a bouquet garni if you want. I prefer to take the toss it in the pot and then strain approach, what about you?

How to Roast Turkey Necks for Awesome Stock

Roast Turkey Neck Stock

: Roast Turkey Neck Stock

: Roast turkey necks make a rich stock for Thanksgiving recipes.

  • 3 lbs turkey necks
  • cooking spray or olive oil -unless you like scrubbing a roasting pan
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 6 peppercorns
  • 1 large carrot, scrubbed and cut into chunks
  • 2 ribs celery, washed, cut into chunks, with the leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 onion peeled, washed, and cut into quarters
  • Approximately 4 quarts COLD water

 Roast Turkey Neck Stock Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • Spray a roasting pan with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • Place the necks in the roasting pan, if you want, you chop up the necks with a heavy cleaver, this will allow more gelatin to leach into the stock, but I don’t always bother and didn’t this time -obviously. And, do I need to mention you should do this on a cutting board and NOT in your roasting pan?
  • Roast at 450 for about 45 minutes, turning occasionally, until the necks are a rich brown and cooked through.
  • Place the necks and remaining ingredients in a 6 quart stock pot.
  • Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
  • Allow to simmer, skimming occasionally for 4 – 6 hours.
  • Strain through cheesecloth and a strainer into a bowl or pitcher. Use immediately or follow the next steps to store:
    • Set the bowl or pitcher in a cool water bath, changing the water frequently, or just add some ice cubes a handful at a time. Place the stock in the refrigerator overnight and skim off any fat.
    • Pour the stock into freezer safe containers (I use zippered freezer bags) label and freeze.
Helpful equipment:
6 quart stockpot
Roasting Pan
Skimmer
Enjoy!

*Yes, I’m working on this year’s Countdown to Turkey Day and I’m thinking about trying to bundle it all together and having it available as an ebook for those of you who want it in that format. It’s just the time factor kicking my butt, once again. Whee!

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Rosemary Walnuts Recipe – Party Pick-up Nibble or Anytime Snack

December 29, 2011 By 3 Comments

Bobbie says:

Nuts are one of my favorite snacks. Some folks think I’m nuts. Wait – does that make me a cannibal? Nevermind…you need to make these Rosemary Walnuts for your next party or even for your family just because you want them to feel special. Aromatic rosemary complements the rich, toasted walnuts perfectly, and a touch of ground cayenne pepper kicks it up a bit. You can use more or less depending on the strength of your cayenne. Rosemary Walnuts are meant to be a savory snack, not a HOT & SPICY one – the pepper is just there to enhance the flavor. If you know you’ve got super hot cayenne, halve the amount used. If you have found yourself avoiding nuts because they’re hard to digest, you’ll want to keep reading after the recipe for a way around that issue.

Rosemary Walnuts Recipe

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons dried whole rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or 3/4 teaspoon white table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
  • 2 cups walnut halves (soaked and dried, if desired. See below.)

  Put the butter and seasonings in a heavy pan, and warm over low heat until the butter melts. Leave it on the heat for a couple minutes longer to allow the rosemary to permeate the butter.     Add the walnuts, stirring until all the  nut halves are well-coated with the seasoned butter. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake at 350F. Bake for 10 minutes if using nuts that have been previously soaked and dried. Otherwise, bake about 15 minutes. Allow to cool before tasting, no matter how tempting they smell, or  you will burn the dickens out of your mouth. (I learn these things the hard way so you don’t have to. It’s a public service I perform unintentionally.) Serve at room temperature. Store leftover nuts in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.

Making  Nuts More Digestible

Walnuts and other tree nuts, like all “seed foods” contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. The enzyme inhibitors, which prevent seeds from germinating until they are planted, can affect the ability of enzymes in your digestive system to properly digest the nuts or seeds. You can simulate the effect of planting by soaking the nuts, which will neutralize the enzyme inhibitors. They can be used in this soaked state, if desired, or dried at very low heat in an oven or by using a dehydrator.

The phytic acid in seeds, grains, legumes and nuts has a chelating effect in the body. It reduces the bioavailability of minerals in the food  you eat — and NOT ONLY the minerals in the seed food, but in the other food that is in your digestive system at the same time. In the intestinal tract, the phytic acid in seed foods will bind with iron, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc, blocking its absorption. So, while the minerals may exist in the food you consume, it’s changed into a form that your  body cannot use, and they are eliminated with wastes. If your diet consists largely of seed foods that have not been properly prepared, deficiencies may develop over time, possibly leading to health issues.

Procedure:

In a 2 quart bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of sea salt in water. Add 4 cups of walnut halves, then enough water to cover the nuts by a few inches. Leave the bowl in a warm place for 7 to 8 hours, or overnight. The water will be cloudy in the morning. Drain off the water, rinse the nuts well a few times until water runs clear. Spread nuts in a stainless steel baking dish or cookie sheet, and dry in an oven set at no more than 150F. A dehydrator set at 150F may be used instead. Time to dry will be 12 to 24 hours — until they are dry and quite crisp.

This same procedure can be used for pecans or almonds, however for almonds, the salt should be increased to 1 tablespoon for 4 cups of nuts.

 

Bobbie Laughman is an elder caregiver, writer and Slightly Nuts Person, who lives in Gettysburg, PA. You can contact her with questions or feedback at Bobbie@home-ec101.com

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Hearty Mushroom, Bacon and Green Onion Spread or Dip Recipe

December 28, 2011 By 4 Comments

 

Bobbie says:

Another Christmas behind us. I hope yours was “merry and bright” even if it wasn’t white – ours was a somewhat pale greenish yellow, but at least the company was pleasant. Anyway, a shiny New Year is just around the corner, and you know what that means: more parties. If you’re like me, you’ve had enough with the sweets already. This savory Mushroom, Bacon and Green Onion Spread is a perfect hearty appetizer or snack for holiday get-togethers or any time. Serve it as a warm dip with breadsticks or veggies. On Christmas Day, I served it chilled as a cracker spread, and it was a huge hit, especially with one of my brothers-in-law, who repeatedly made sure I knew how much he liked it. May be made ahead and re-warmed over very low heat. Remember, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for hours. Serve it in a small crockpot with a “warm” setting. I spread it in a small heatproof dish and use a vintage warming tray to keep it at serving temperature.

 

*Note from Heather* This recipe is easily converted to gluten free by using rice flour in place of all-purpose and using a gluten free soy sauce, Lee and Perrin’s Worcestershire Sauce is gluten free, check the brand you use..

: Mushroom, Bacon and Green Onion Spread Recipe

  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (common white or button mushrooms)
  • 1 bunch green onions (scallions, spring onions)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic (I used 4, actually, but I’m a little crazy for garlic)
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 8 cubes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

    • Finely mince the mushrooms. I did this in my food processor, with the steel blade, and using an on/off pulsing motion. Set aside.
    • Slice green onions using a very sharp knife, so you can slice them very thinly. Set aside.
    • Finely mince the garlic. Add this to the onions.
    • In a large heavy skillet, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside to cool, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
    • Saute the minced mushrooms in the bacon grease until they’ve given up all their liquid and have begun to brown a bit. Stir in the flour, mixing well, then add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt & pepper. Stir thoroughly.

    • Reduce the heat to low, and add the cubed cream cheese, stirring it into the mushrooms as it melts.
    • Add the sliced green onions and garlic and mix well.

  • Crumble the bacon and add to the mixture, along with the sour cream. Stir over low heat just until hot throughout.
  • Transfer to a heated serving dish and serve with breadsticks, veggie dippers or crackers, or chill thoroughly and serve cold as a cracker spread.

 

~20 servings 2 TBSP each

Bobbie Laughman is an elder caregiver, writer, and Generally Nice Person, who lives in Gettysburg.  Have a question you’d like Bobbie to answer? Just want to say Hi, There? Contact her at Bobbie@home-ec101.com

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Crunchy Nut Toffee Recipe and Candy Thermometer Calibration

December 23, 2011 By 10 Comments

Bobbie says:

Buttery, crunchy, goodness topped with chocolate and nuts. What’s not to love? Not much, in my mind, even without the chocolate. Toffee is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Greater, delicious-er, abundantly gift-worthy and not too difficult to master.

The hardest part about candy making is having a good recipe. I’ve completely given up on those that rely on timing, because they never come out right for me. There are too many variables – do you have the same size pan as the recipe writer? Does it conduct heat the same way? Do you have the heat at exactly the same level? Just too many ways too mess it up a tiny bit, but in candy making, that tiny bit can make all the difference between fondant and hard candy. Ask me how I know.

So, now I always look for candy recipes that rely on temperature, because that is quantifiable and replicate-able, independent of the variables of each kitchen. Very science-y.

That is, as long as you have a good, reliable thermometer.

After trial and error and tears and sadness, I settled upon the one kind that, in my experience, seems to be the most reliable. Here’s a picture of mine:

This is my thermometer. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.

This is my thermometer. There are many others like it, but this one is mine.

Note that the glass is entirely sealed. One of those that made me cry was glass, except for the top, which was a plastic cap. This one used to have a wooden knob on the clip, as a handle, but my thermometer has served me for many years now, and at some point, that broke off. It was handy, but not required to the functionality.

Since success in candymaking is a mattter of degrees, it’s essential to know that your thermometer is going to give you an accurate reading. No matter what kind of thermometer you settle upon, you should calibrate it, to verify that it does give you an accurate reading. It’s not hard to do, requiring just a pot of boiling water and a few minutes.

Water boils at 212°F at sea level. At higher elevations, the boiling point is lower, due to the changes in air pressure, but at all elevations, changes in atmospheric conditions (weather) can cause a change of a few degrees in the temperature at which anything will come to a boil. To avoid wasting money spent on ingredients in a failed recipe, take a few minutes to calibrate your thermometer before starting your day’s candy making.

How to Calibrate a Candy Thermometer

Don't let it touch the bottom of the pot

Bring a pot of water to a boil, and insert the thermometer. Most candy thermometers have a clip of some sort. Clip it to the side of the pot so that it does not rest on the bottom, because that will not give you an accurate reading of the water temperature. Leave it in for a few minutes, then read the temperature. If the water is boiling at a temperature different than 212°F degrees, adjust the temperature in your recipe accordingly.

 

For example: the water boiled at 208°F degrees. 212°F – 208°F = 4°F, so if your recipe requires cooking to 300, you should adjust it down by four degrees to 296°F, for that day. (If the weather changes significantly that day, it may be wise to check it again.)

 

Oh, one more tip on candymaking. If it’s a recipe that requires cooking to a certain temperature, like this one does, follow the instructions AND the list of ingredients precisely. If you think you can wing it, I’ve saved you the trouble of testing that theory, because I’m a wing-it kind of cook. Trust me, don’t do it. Just…don’t. So, when the recipe says to use butter, then use butter. And by butter, I mean NOT margarine. NOT “lite” butter. Sugar means granulated white sugar. Not Splenda, not sucanat, or any other kind of sugar or sweetening substance. Substitutions will cause failure because the recipe was not formulated to work with it. Okay, let’s do science.

: Crunchy Nut Toffee Recipe

  • 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped nuts of your choice, toasted if desired
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup very finely chopped nuts (for topping)

  • Have an ungreased baking sheet or 13x9x2 pan ready.
  • Melt butter over low heat in a 2 quart heavy saucepan. Add sugar, corn syrup and water, stirring to combine, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a metal spoon, until mixture comes to a boil.
  • Clip thermometer to side of pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom, to avoid a false reading.
  • Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 300°F. Stirring is important to keep the temperature increasing evenly.
  • The candy mixture will go through several color changes with the rise in temperature, from a pale yellow, to golden, and finally to the rich brown of caramels.
  • Once the temperature gets to 275°F, pay very close attention, since it can rise VERY quickly from there to 300°F and higher. Remove from heat and immediately stir in nuts.
  • Pour onto waiting pan, scraping with a silicone spatula, and spreading it evenly in pan. You needn’t spread it out to the edges – keep it the thickness you prefer. Cool completely. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in the top of a double boiler, and spread on the cooled candy. Sprinkle evenly with finely chopped nuts. Chill in refrigerator to set the chocolate. Turn out of pan onto waxed paper. If desired, spread addtional melted chocolate and nuts on the other side. Once cool and chocolate is set, break into bite-sized pieces.

Number of servings (yield): 12

 

 Bobbie Laughman is an elder caregiver, writer and Avoider of Shopping (Whenever Possible) who lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. If you have a question you’d like Bobbie to answer, send it to her: Bobbie@home-ec101.com

 

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Gearing Up for Christmas 2010 & a Confession

December 22, 2010 By 17 Comments

Heather says:

Before reality hit, I was thinking of doing a Countdown to Christmas in the same style as Countdown to Turkey Day, but then I began to think of all the extra traditions that some families have and the whole concept became overwhelming. If you’re trying to make sure you have everything ready for Christmas. Laura Otero has a few To Do lists from her Motivation Monday series that would serve as a great checklist to make sure everything is on track. My hope is to have something together before the start of Advent next year. And the busyness? That leads me to my confession.

In the shuffle, I forgot to turn in an affidavit saying I am excused from jury duty. There is an exemption in SC for primary care givers with young children. After all, it’s hard to make a babysitter magically appear in the middle of the day for an undetermined amount of time. Not only did I forget to turn in the affidavit, I completely forgot about jury duty.

Completely.

The court date was the 17th.

Yesterday, I sheepishly got the affidavit notarized, after calling the magistrate court in a panic and never reaching a human. I’ve never really gotten into trouble -caught if you must be technical- and I was furious that it could be over something as stupid as missing jury duty. My husband had a field day teasing me about how he was going to have to tell the kids their mom missed Christmas because she was in jail -unlikely, but that didn’t stop him. Thankfully if I had remembered to call the night before, I would have learned I didn’t actually have to show up, so all the panic and fear was for nothing.

In that light, I’m going to give myself a short vacation. I’ll be back on Boxing Day and we can start talking about the New Year?

To better prepare for next year, let’s talk about Christmas traditions:

When does your family decorate the house?

When do you put up the tree?

In our home Christmas dinner is usually quite similar to our Thanksgiving Menu, but usually a little pared down. What about you? Do you have a different menu for Christmas?

Do you have a special Christmas breakfast?

Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Cinnamon rolls -made the night before and popped into the oven first thing?

individual monkey breads

Photo Credit: Rachel Matthews @sthrnfairytale

Or how about Monkey Bread? Rachel and makes gorgeous a version that cuts down on some of the grabbing, individual monkey bread.

We’re a little naughty and always have a mimosa during the madness that is a houseful of over-tired from Midnight Mass- sugar-riddled children bouncing off the walls . (They are cooped up because it’s usually 6am and they can’t go outside and play until at least 9 for our neighbors’ sakes). What’s a mimosa? It’s champagne with a splash of orange juice. It’s easy, it feels positively decadent.

If we’re lucky and we usually are, the kids crash and there are early naps for all.

Before I sign off, I want to remind you that all of the above? It’s just the icing; keep it in its place. Real families and real life don’t usually look like perfect greeting cards. The kids get cranky, the grown ups bicker, a dish gets burned, the cat knocks over the tree. Whatever. It’s not what matters.

Stop on Christmas Eve and just be thankful. Quit worrying about the details, they don’t matter as much as you think.

If you are safe, warm, and fed, that’s so much more than so many have.

Let the rest go.

I want to wish each and every reader a very Merry Christmas.

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Chocolate Biscotti Recipe

December 1, 2010 By 11 Comments

Heather says:

What’s your favorite cookie? Mine is the very simple chocolate biscotti. I prefer this recipe without the chocolate chips and with the walnuts, but since I was making it for the family, they got it their way.

Biscotti is actually an ancient technique for making food fit for travel. Consequently biscotti is suitable for mailing. Just remember that not everyone is a biscotti fan.  I dig the crunch, the chocolate, and the way they aren’t overly sweet. The word biscotti comes from two Latin words, “bis”  for twice and “coctum” for baked. Humans being the way they are, eventually slurred the words together. I’m sure y’all¹ understand.

¹Intentional.

Chocolate Biscotti Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder²
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 6 TBSP butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (It is possible to reduce the sugar depending on your preference)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup walnuts -optional
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • about 1 TBSP confectioners or powdered sugar

²Hershey’s Special Dark Unsweetened Cocoa Powder is a thing of beauty. Just sayin’

    Directions for easy chocolate biscotti

    Set out the butter and eggs. (The butter to soften, the eggs to come to room temperature).

    Pre-heat the oven to 350ºF. Butter and flour a baking sheet.

    In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl cream the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. While this is going on, crack the eggs, beat them lightly and stir in the vanilla. Add the vanilla egg mixture a little at a time to the butter and sugar and beat until well combined.

    Slowly stir in the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be stiff, this is normal. Add the chocolate chips and walnuts if you want them. Flour your hands and divide the dough in half. On the floured baking sheet, shape the dough into two, slightly squashed logs. They should be about 12 inches long and two inches wide. Dust with confectioners sugar and bake for 35 minutes. The logs should be slightly firm to the touch.

    I didn't get a good picture of the cooked biscotti logs, but when the come out of the oven, cut on the diagonal, like this.

    Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. On a cutting board cut the biscotti carefully with a serrated knife. The logs should be cut diagonally into 3/4 inch slices. Place the slices cut side down on the baking sheet and return to the oven for approximately 10 minutes.

    Cool on a wire rack and enjoy.

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    Practical Gifts for New and Aspiring Cooks

    November 30, 2010 By 30 Comments

    Heather says:

    Despite what the media wants to say, I know many families are in practical gift mode, either by choice or circumstances. If you have a new or aspiring cook on your list, some of these kitchen items may be a hit. With the exception of the knife block, I’ve tried to keep the items fairly conservatively priced.

    Be careful with the presentation.

    A fat separator isn’t exactly thrilling to open, but perhaps you could include your grandmother’s recipe & technique for gravy. Adding a personal touch to these items changes the tone from, “Boy do you need some help in the kitchen or what?” to “Hey, I’m excited about your interest.”

    A word to the husbands out there. Unless your wife has specifically asked for kitchen items or small appliances, these probably are not going to cut it. I know *I* love getting items like these, but if you’ve been reading for a while, you’ve probably noticed I’m a kitchen geek. My Christmas list focuses on items that will help me improve my food photography. That’s probably not normal, take that into consideration. I’d file these gifts in the siblings, adult children, aunts, uncles, & cousins circle. You’ve been warned.

    The items I have listed are all tools I use frequently. There may be better or more expensive options out there, but these are ones I have experience with and believe to be a good investment. As you may guess, my kitchen sees a lot of use. These are the tools I rely on.

    Not included in the list are: silicone whisks, wooden spoons and spatulas, measuring spoons, and measuring cups. All of these items are great and receive a lot of use, but I didn’t see any of my favorites on Amazon, but I know you can find great versions at World Market, one of my other favorite places to get lost. Sometimes, I just wander around their kitchen section and drool.

    This list is not all inclusive of everything you need to set up a kitchen. I will do one of those in the future.

    Chicago Cutlery 3 Piece Walnut SetThat said, let’s start with my favorite beginner knife set.

    I still have two of these three knives, I use them all the time. I also haven’t ever properly taken care of them (except for the sharpening) and they have taken the abuse. The chef knife is the one I reach for on a daily basis. It’s so cheap that I really don’t worry about eventually replacing it. I know that probably puts me in some form of culinary sin, but there you have it. I’ve had these knives for ten years, but I have no idea where the paring knife went.

    Chicago Cutlery 3 Piece Walnut Set 22.98

    Chicago Cutlery Knife BlockI’m torn on suggesting the knife block. Really all a beginner cook needs are the three knives pictured above, but some cooks like variety and this one includes the sharpening steel. They will still need a sharpening stone. Please remember that knives are pretty personal. Some people swear by Henckels and Wusthoff, those are both fantastic brands and I used them when I cooked professionally and my restaurant footed the bill, but at home these are the ones I reach for time and time again.

    Chicago Cutlery Walnut 10 piece knife set with block 89.95.

    A peeler is another kitchen essential that can help take the drudge work out of cooking. A good peeler with a comfortable handle is an absolute kitchen necessity. Get rid of the chintzy all metal, rusted thing in the tool drawer and replace it with my favorite version. (I kind of like Oxo as you’ll notice in this list).

    Oxo Good Grips Peeler 11.75

    Need something super cheap as a stocking stuffer for a baker? How about a good biscuit cutter? I swore by using a glass until a friend sent me an actual biscuit cutter. What a difference. Go ahead and include this recipe for these excellent no-knead biscuits.

    Biscuit Cutter 6.18 (If you aren’t ordering enough for free shipping, just wait until you see one at a box store like Target)

    Le Creuset SpatulasA spatula is a spatula you say? I thought that, too until I received one with a Le Creuset gift. I went out and purchased similar spatulas to compare and I have to say the quality of this brand is superior to the cheaper versions I’ve found, the flexibility and strength are great. The head has never separated from the handle in the year and a half I’ve been using it. I don’t necessarily like the color of these -I dig red in the kitchen- but you may like the green.

    Le Creuset 3 Piece Spatula Set 24.95

    Want good gravy? A good fat separator makes pan gravy so much easier. Insert the plug, strain the pan juices, use the drippings on top to make roux, and then remove the plug and whisk in the  delicious pan juices. So easy. So good.

    OXO Fat Separator 14.99

    Taylor ThermometerThermometers are essential in the kitchen. I loved this one until I left it beside the grill and an afternoon thundershower did it in. That was totally my fault, not the thermometer’s.

    Taylor Thermometer 14.39

    So this one might be slightly off topic, but if you have a wine drinker on your list, a waiter’s tool is a great gift. The wine reps used to hand these, with their logo, naturally, out and we’d snatch them up. A wine tool is far superior to a standard cork screw and doesn’t take up much room at all in the kitchen.

    Waiter’s Wine Tool 8.01

    OXO Manual Can Opener

    The newbie cook on your list will be the hero of the apartment complex during every power outage. Having an emergency food pantry really doesn’t mean a whole lot if you can’t get into the supply. Manual can openers are a must for every kitchen. Yes, even yours.

    OXO Manual Can Opener 12.75

    If you have someone who is starting to get serious about learning to cook, a set of ramekins may be exactly what they need. Why? There’s a technique called mise en place where cooks line up their measured ingredients. It’s an especially useful technique when you’re just learning and want to set yourself up for success. Going through the recipe and measuring ingredients beforehand helps reduce errors and ensures all the ingredients are actually on hand.

    6 Piece Ramekin Set 14.99

    I won’t lie, I’m a big fan of Pyrex. Next up we have a few of my favorites from that brand.

    Pyrex Bakeware 3 pieces + Lid 19.88

    Pyrex 1 Cup Glass Liquid Measuring Cup 9.63 (Yes, glass is far superior to the crappy plastic ones you see)

    Pyrex 1 Quart Glass Liquid Measuring Cup 11.98 Not only is this handy for measuring liquids, it’s great for heating them in the microwave before adding to a recipe.

    There are many more Pyrex items I’d add to the list, but I’m trying to keep this post under control, but still my glass mixing bowls are always handy, as are the 8×8 baking pans. You get the idea, I am a Pyrex fan for their price and quality.

    This last item seems like a bit of a stretch, as it’s not really recommendation for a newbie cook,  but I use mine far more often than I ever thought I would and it’s going strong almost 12 years later. (This post is making me feel old) You see, it’s not only handy for peeling apples, it also peels potatoes in a flash. When you end up being asked to make potato salad for 60, that’s nothing to sneeze at. If you have a baker or preserver, they may love this handy device.

    We also use this for a rare treat of french fried potato spirals. Oh. My. Word.  I suppose you could bake them, but as a once in a while treat?

    Heaven, deep fried or apple pied.

    Apple Corer, Peeler, Slicer 23.37

    I know this list isn’t comprehensive, so what would you add? Aside from baking sheets? (I get mine at a restaurant supply store, great quality, low price).

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    Countdown to Turkey Day: The 2010 Postmortem

    November 26, 2010 By 14 Comments

    Heather says:

    After big events or projects, a lot of companies like to get together and do what they call the postmortem. It’s a way to figure out what went well, what didn’t, and what you should do differently next time.

    You could do this privately and save it for yourself, but what’s the fun in that?

    I and other home eccers would like to know:

    What was your favorite part of the meal? Will you make it again?

    What will you never make again?

    How were your estimates, did you have the right amount of food or was there too much or little of an item?

    And of course,

    Were there any disasters?

    I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Next year my plan is to have the series pre-assembled so I can release it by email to our Canadian friends in October.

    I’ll be starting the annual Sweets for the Season series tomorrow. Do you have any requests? I’ll do my best, unless it requires special equipment. Transparency, my stand mixer is on its last leg, I’m hoping it makes it through this year. If it doesn’t, Sweets for the Season may be temporarily derailed.

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    Countdown to Turkey Day November 24, 2010 The Eve of the Event

    November 24, 2010 By 3 Comments

    Heather says:

    Tomorrow’s the big day. Are you ready?

    For many families today is for baking and food prep. Here are few last minute tips to help everything go smoothly.

    • Check the turkey now. Has it completely thawed?
      No?
      Use the water bath method to finish defrosting the turkey.
    • If you have several recipes calling for diced onions and/or celery, go ahead and chop it all today. Cover tightly before refrigerating.
    • Do not pre-cut your potatoes and toss them in the fridge, it’s a bad idea.
      If you want a head start on mashed potatoes, you can make them today and then bake in a covered oven safe dish to reheat (with lots of butter, please). Alternately, tomorrow morning, peel and dice the potatoes, then hold them in a bowl of cold water. Rinse the potatoes before cooking in salted water. The same goes for sweet potatoes, exposure to air makes them oxidize.
    • If you’re using your own bread for dressing, go ahead and tear / cut that up today, too.
    • Cornbread for the cornbread dressing? Make that today, too.
    • If you don’t have children or pets and you have a formal dining room vs the every day table, you can even go as far as setting the table, BUT put the plates / glasses on the table upside down or cover them with a large -clean!- sheet so they don’t catch any dust.
      Tomorrow, just before the guests arrive, flip or uncover everything. If you have young children or pets, just don’t. Somehow or another they’ll just make more work for you or create an embarrassing fur / sticky fingerprint situation.
    • If you’re playing host to friends and family, check the guest bathroom. Make sure there’s enough TP, soap, and something to dry off hands that doesn’t look like it’s only purpose is decorative. I can’t be the only person who worries about messing up someone’s starchy, frilly towel arranged over sea shells. Make sure the towel for hand drying is in an obvious, convenient spot. It’s better than having guests forced to wipe their hands on their pants.
    • If you have room, go ahead and chill any beverages that will be served.
    • If you choose to roast your turkey, it can be trussed today. Need a tutorial see How to Truss a Turkey. Just don’t forget to take the turkey out of the refrigerator about an hour before cooking.

    Do you have any last minute tips for everyone?

    familyPlease remember even if nothing comes out right, your mom, sister, and drunk uncle Roy are driving you nuts, or if it’s just not turning out as planned,  that Thanksgiving is a celebration in the spirit of gratitude. The fact that we have friends and family willing to even begrudgingly come together is a sign we are truly blessed. If you know someone, perhaps a serviceman or woman far from home, set an extra place and welcome them to your table. It doesn’t matter how simple the meal, the intention is what matters. We have two families in this life, the one we are given and the one we create; embrace them both this holiday season.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from Home-Ec101.com.

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    Countdown to Turkey Day November 23, 2010

    November 23, 2010 By 11 Comments

    Heather says:

    Tick. Tock. Your time is running out. However, you’ve been following along with this year’s Countdown to Turkey Day and aren’t stressing, right?

    • Grab your Thanksgiving Shopping List and buy your produce and other perishables.
    • If you went the fresh route, pick up your turkey.
    • If your turkey is thawing, take a moment to get rid of the condensation that may be pooling under your thawing turkey.
      You don’t want to have your turkey resting in a bacterial swimming pool.
    • If your turkey is still in the deep freeze, pull it out and put it in the refrigerator. Give it as much of a head start on a water bath thaw as possible.  If you need tips, check out: How to Quickly Thaw a Turkey in a Water Bath.
    • Take some time today and get the house as close to company ready as possible.
    • Find your meat thermometer, roasting pan, the blades for the food processor, and any other kitchen gadgets that don’t often see the light of day.

    Don’t worry, it looks like more than it is. Finally take a moment and confirm that you have enough servingware, silverware, plates, etc for your guests.

    Are you ready?

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