Gail McQueen Professional Home Economist

HOME

ABOUT

ENVIRONMENT

LINKS

CONTACT

FOOD & NUTRITION

Back

Tips Pitting Olives To remove the pit from olives, simply crush the olive lightly with the flat side of a large knife. The stone will easily slide out from the olive.   To Soften Brown Sugar Brown sugar that has become hard can easily be softened by using the microwave. Place half a slice of fresh bread beside 1 cup of hard brown sugar in a casserole dish or microwaveable bowl. Cover with lid or plastic wrap vented at one edge. Microwave, on High, for 25- 45 seconds. Use a fork to break up lumps. If sugar still remains hard, repeat with remaining piece of bread.   Crystalized Honey Honey that has crystallized can be made liquid again with just a few seconds in the microwave. Place 1/2 cup of the crystalized honey in an 8-ounce (250 mL) glass measure. Microwave on High for 45 - 60 seconds, stirring once, until honey is warm and crystals have dissolved.   Buying Winter Squash? Here's a guide. When choosing a squash, look for one that is firm, dry, and without cracks, dents or bruises. Part of the stem should still be attached, to reduce moisture loss during storage and to prevent bacteria from getting in. If the squash has not been waxed, the skin should be dull coloured, not shiny. Squash that is picked with smooth, shiny skin usually has been picked before maturity and won't be as sweet. Don't be afraid to handle the squash. If it feels heavy for it's size, you know you have a good one.Weight indicates that it has not lost moisture and that it has more edible flesh. If you're having trouble cutting squash ... Try placing the pierced whole squash in the microwave for 2 to to 3 minutes on high. It will be softer and much easier to cut.   Thinking of roasting chestnuts?... Read all about it in the article " Roasting Chestnuts More Than Just A Song"   Leftover Tomato Paste? A lot of recipes call for only a tablespoon or two of tomato paste. What about the rest of the tin? Here's a great solution. Place a small sheet of plastic wrap onto a plate or small tray. Measure out individual tablespoons of tomato paste, spooning them out in dollops onto the plastic. Put the tray of dollops into the freezer and leave it there until all of the paste is frozen (at least 3 hours). Transfer the dollops to a freezer bag. There is no need to take the dollops off of the plastic. Just fold the ends of the plastic wrap around the frozen dollops of paste and transfer all of them to a freezer bag at once. Store the bag of paste dollops in the freezer until needed. The dollops will peel easily off of the plastic. You will have frozen, pre-measured portions of tomato paste as required. So easy, no waste and so convenient.   Chopping Nuts with No Food Processor? Here is an easy way to chop nuts (walnuts, pecans or peanuts). You will need a sheet of waxed paper about 10 - 12 inches in length and a rolling pin. Place a small quantity of nuts (up to 1/2 cup) in the middle of the sheet of waxed paper. Fold the paper in half so that the nuts are covered and in a mound in the center of the paper. With a rolling pin, roll over the nuts several times until they are broken into small pieces. It's quick and there is no mess to clean up.