 Food
Quick And Easy Fix-its For Common Kitchen Mishaps
Posted: 4/29/2011
 Probably every cook has encountered a dinner disaster; fortunately, there are steps you can take when it happens to you. (NAPSI) - All cooks have less than desirable results from time to time. The good news is that whether it’s the recipe’s fault or your own, most cooking disasters can be fixed in a few easy steps.
Whether the soup is too salty, the sauce is too spicy or the veggies are a mushy mess, making a mistake in the kitchen doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch, throwing out expensive ingredients and wasting precious time. With these tips from restaurateur, “Top Chef” contestant and DinnerTool.com blogger Ariane Duarte, you can easily fix mistakes and save your meal.
Too Salty
If you accidentally dumped the contents of your saltshaker into your soup, a medium-sized potato can save the day. Simply peel and slice the potato, cook for 20 minutes and discard. The potato will release some of its liquid and soak up some of that extra salt.
Too Spicy
Ouch! Perhaps you overestimated your heat tolerance for jerk-rubbed chicken or you used peppers in a sauce that ended up hotter than you expected. In sauces, adding sweet ingredients such as tomatoes can serve to dial down the spice factor. A touch of butter, yogurt or another creamy dairy product can also tame the flames. If you’ve over spiced your meat, whip up a sweet, creamy sauce and serve it on top.
Mushy Vegetables
While it’s not possible to undo an overcooked, mushy serving of broccoli or asparagus, you can give it a new life in a soup. Puree the vegetables in a blender with some butter and chicken stock, then simmer in a pot with milk or cream. Season with white pepper and you have a delicious, nutrient-rich meal. If you have overcooked sweet potatoes or carrots, throw them in a blender or food processor with milk and butter to make a yummy puree. If you have soggy potatoes, fry them.
Overcooked Pasta
Good news. There is a simple cure for overcooked pasta. Sauté the noodles in a hot pan with some butter and olive oil—the pasta will be revived and take on a little bit of a crunch. Serve as planned or simply add a touch of wine, cream and Parmesan cheese and you’ll have a great dish.
For tons of great tips on how to fix common cooking blunders, including scorched soup and too sweet sauce, and for ingredient- saving tips like what to do with hardened cheese or stale bread, go to www.dinnertool.com/tips. |
