What's the difference between puff pastry sheets and phyllo dough? Can they be used interchangeably? —E.H., Washington, Utah
Puff pastry dough is a rich dough made by placing chilled…
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Is pure vanilla extract equal to double-strength imitation vanilla? Are they interchangeable? —P.R., Burt, Michigan
Actually, it's just the reverse. Double-strength imitation vanilla…
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What is the difference between quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats…and can they be used interchangeably? —J.M., Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Quick-cooking oats and old-fashioned oats…
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I love the taste of salad dressing mixes but am sensitive to the MSG (a chemical flavor enhancer) they contain. Is there a recipe for a dry ranch salad dressing mix that does not contain MSG?…
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I'd like to make Raspberry Iced Tea. Is it okay to use frozen raspberries instead of fresh? —J.L., Wheeling, West Virginia
Yes, frozen raspberries can be substituted for fresh without…
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When I want to make a clear raspberry sauce, I puree the raspberries in my food processor and let the mixture drip through cheesecloth. Is there a faster, easier way to do this? —M.W.,…
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Is it necessary to keep butter refrigerated? I know people who just leave it on the counter. Is this safe and how long can it be kept unrefrigerated? —J.M., Walled Lake,…
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When I first make beef pot roast, it is tender and juicy. After it is refrigerated then reheated, it tends to be dry and tough. What am I doing wrong? —Q.K., Lakeland, Florida
The…
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Can oil be reused after frying and, if so, how many times can it be reused before it should be discarded? —A.M., Calgary, Alberta
We do not recommend reusing cooking oil since both…
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I love rhubarb pie but don't like the cloudy appearance I get when using flour as a filling thickener. Can I substitute cornstarch or tapioca? If so, how much should I use in relation to the…
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