By Reena Nerbas
Egg Sizes
Dear Reena,
When purchasing eggs for a baking recipe, does it matter what size eggs I use? Thanks, Randy
Dear Randy,
Great question! Most recipes are calibrated with large size eggs.
Extra hint: Eggs for baking should be at room temperature, so that the egg disperses better, making the batter lighter. Bring eggs to room temperature quickly by soaking them in a bowl of warm water for 5 mins.
Cleaning Stainless-steel Faucet
Dear Reena,
What is the best way to clean a stainless-steel kitchen faucet? Bradley
Dear Bradley,
Either wipe the faucet with a small amount of olive oil. Or cut a lemon in half, and wipe fixtures to remove hard water and rust marks. This method avoids using harsh chemicals and smells fresh.
Butter Tart Fail
Dear Reena,
The last few times that I’ve made butter tarts, the brown sugar has settled on the bottom of the shell. Can you tell me why this happens? Claire
Dear Claire,
Here are a few possible reasons why the brown sugar is settling on the bottom of the shell. The shells are not chilled before adding the filling. The high humidity in the air may affect the outcome of the butter tarts. The sugar is not incorporated well before the shells are baked. Consider chilling the filled tarts before baking.
Extra tip: Ever run out of brown sugar when you need it? Mix 2 tbsp. molasses for every cup of white granulated sugar. Voila!
Shrinking Rayon
Dear Reena,
I bought a dress, it was absolutely, beautiful! I didn’t realize it was rayon, and I tossed it into the dryer, and shrunk it. Is there anything that I can do to save my dress? Samantha
Dear Samantha,
Don’t give up yet, put the dress in cold water and hair conditioner. Gently stretch the bottom, and it should return to the original length.
Feedback from Smart Contributor
Re: Watermarks on wood
Dear Reena,
I read your tips about removing watermarks on wood furniture, and they really work. Here is another suggestion: Heat the watermark using a hairdryer on the HIGH setting. Hold the hairdryer in place, and watch the mark disappear! Submitted by: Helga
Give These Hints a Try!
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A great substitute for a rolling pin, is a wine bottle. Submitted by: Olivia
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My best kitchen secret; to prolong the life of a jug of milk, add a quarter teaspoon baking soda to the jug. Shake it, the milk lasts several days longer. Submitted By: Chef Tony
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I found the best way to sear steak is to dry the meat with a paper towel. Next, I rub the steak with cornstarch and salt too season. Place the meat in the freezer for 30 mins. before grilling. Submitted by: Chef Tony
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Reduce freezer burn: I buy a bucket of ice cream once every summer. Since I live alone it lasts me for months. In order to prevent freezer burn, I remove the lid and lay a piece of plastic on top of the ice cream to prevent freezer burn, and then I replace the lid. Submitted by: Q
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Another way to reduce freezer burn: purchase a roast; leave the roast in the plastic wrap and wrap it one more time in aluminum foil. Submitted by: Q
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca