To make uniform impressions in delicate thumbprint cookies, I wash the outside of a small extract bottle. I press the bottle with the cap in place into the cookies and twist for nice deep…
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Before party guests arrive, scoop ice cream into muffin tins lined with cupcake liners and refreeze. You won’t have to fuss later when serving cake. —Ellen C., Nashville, Tennessee
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To make cubed cooked chicken for recipes, simmer some boneless chicken breasts in a little water seasoned with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs. Cool and dice; keep them in the freezer for…
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When making biscuits or pie crusts, use a grid-style potato masher to cut shortening into dry ingredients. It works quickly. —Donna L., Antwerp, New York
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If I want to make easy dumplings for chicken soup, I use flour tortillas. I use a sharp knife to cut a stack of tortillas into strips. I add them to the simmering chicken mixture and let them…
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Need a pie crust but don’t have time to make one from scratch? Spray a pie plate with nonstick cooking spray, then drop in a 10-inch flour tortilla. Pour in the pie filling and bake according to…
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When a recipe calls for dried kidney beans, which must be soaked, cooked and drained first before being added to the other ingredients, you can substitute canned beans. One pound of dried kidney…
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When preparing a cake from a boxed mix, I make the most of the plastic bag the cake mix comes in. I use it to protect my hand when I grease the cake pan, then I just toss it away. —Erma I., Echo,…
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When a bottle of corn syrup is getting low, it takes a while for the remaining syrup to pour out. To hasten the process, I run the capped bottle under hot water. The corn syrup pours out quickly…
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Frozen bread dough can help you turn out beautiful breads in less time. Thawed bread dough should be soft, warm and pliable before it's rolled out. If it springs back when rolled, cover and let it…
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