TIP OF THE DAY: Ripen Tomatoes The Right Way

Keep ‘em on the counter. Photo by Nathalie Dulex | SXC. Never put tomatoes in the refrigerator: The cold kills their delicate flavor. If you’ve used half a tomato, it’s better to keep the other half covered in plastic wrap on the counter and consume it the following day. Tomato Ripening Tips You can ripen…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Berry Good Salad

Toss blueberries into a green salad. Add shrimp or chicken for a main course. Photo courtesy BlueberryCouncil.org. Seasonal berries are delicious tossed into green salads. Most berries pair well with a balsamic vinaigrette. Red berries look particularly fetching against the greens. The berries also pair well with cheese; add blue cheese, feta or goat cheese…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Make Your Own Salsa

With the many millions of dollars spent each year on bottled salsa, few people realize how easy it is to make homemade salsa. All you need is a sharp knife, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, bell peppers, onion), some chiles, seasonings (garlic, cilantro, salt) and lime juice. You can toss in corn, black beans or anything in…
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Tip Of The Day: Perfect Baked Potato

Is there a correct way to “open” a baked potato? Yes! says the Idaho Potato Commission. Pierce the baked potato with a knife or fork, once lengthwise and crosswise. Press the potato at both ends and it watch it “blossom.” If the potato is too hot to handle, use kitchen tongs or silicon gloves/pot holders.…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Perfect Steak, No Grill

No grill? No worry! Photo courtesy Allen Brothers, a NIBBLE Top Pick Of The Week. You don’t have to have an outdoor or indoor grill to make a great steak. Try this chef-honed technique that uses the oven and the stovetop: For two strip steaks or rib eyes (1-1/2″ thick) or filet mignons (2-1/2″ thick):…
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