Thanksgiving make-aheads
08.10.11
In case you haven’t noticed, the newsstands are full of magazines featuring recipes to celebrate all the upcoming occasions. I like to ease into the fall, however, taking advantage of tricks and tips to make the first of the feasts — Thanksgiving — the most manageable of the holidays.
Today, let’s talk about three dishes you can make up to two days in advance, so that we can pace ourselves and look forward to, instead of dread, all the seasonal cooking to come.
Slow cooker carrots and turnips
If you are that person who panics when the potatoes, carrots, turnip and cabbage are not all cooked at
the same time, then try this stress-reliever.
This dish looks fancy, holds on the “keep warm” setting for an hour or more, and reheats perfectly. This amount feeds a crowd.
2 to 3 lbs. carrots, peeled and quartered
1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into largish bite-sized cubes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Source: The Telegram
National Coffee Day: Tips For a Better Brew
30.09.11
Tip 1 – Buy Better Beans: No, we don’t just mean the more expensive bag in the coffee aisle. Fresher beans equal better coffee, so look to smaller, independent coffee shops that stock beans that are roasted on the premises or nearby. Quality establishments will stamp your coffee with its roasting date, so you know you exactly how fresh your coffee is. Coffee taste peaks from 1-3 days after the roast, and if stored properly will last up to two weeks.
Tip 2 – Store Correctly : Contrary to popular belief, you should never store beans in a freezer or a refrigerator . Coffee actually absorbs aromas from surrounding foods, and freezing the coffee will alter oil properties affecting taste. KRUPS recommends transferring whole bean coffee into an air tight container after opening, and storing in a cool, dry and dark place.
Tip 3 – Do it Yourself : Freshly ground coffee makes a world of difference, as beans start losing flavor immediately upon reaching the grinder. Grind beans yourself right before you brew, and pay attention to the coarseness of the beans, as different filter shapes require different textures. For example, mesh filters require a coarser grind, while paper filters require a finer grind, and espresso requires grinds that are almost of a sugar-type consistency for optimum flavor.
Source: myGLOSS