Make your own seasoned bread crumbs.
Garlic: Mix 1/4 clove crushed garlic with 1/4 to 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine, then toss with 1 cup dry bread crumbs.
Cheese: Toss 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese with 1 cup dry bread crumbs and 3-4 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine.
To freshen dry bread and rolls: Moisten the bread lightly with cold water, place in a hot oven and heat thoroughly.
To preserve fruitcake: Add a bath of cognac to warm fruitcake just out of the oven. To preserve fruitcake until next year, wrap it in cognac-soaked towels and store in airtight containers.
When recipe calls for toasting nuts, what's the best method?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place nuts in an even layer on a cookie sheet. Place in the heated oven and toast for 2-5 minutes or until the nuts have a nutty fragrance. Stir occasionally. NOTE: Nuts are easier to chop when warm.
When making brownies or bar cookies, how can you remove nice-looking pieces from your pan?
Line your pan with tin-foil before filling with batter or dough. Make the foil a little longer than the pan to act as handles for easy removal. Bake as directed in the recipe. After the dessert is completely cool, remove it by lifting the foil handles. Place on a cutting board so the portions will be easy to cut. Also your pan will not need much cleaning by using this method.
