Corn on the Cob Easy Peasy!

I used to cook corn on the cob in boiling water for 10 minutes and take it out and butter. That involved shucking the corn and dealing with the silks. What a mess.

The key phrase is "I used to". Then, our friend, Tom, gave us the 'Tip of the Year' (to date). Microwave it! Yea! No more silks to deal with and it's ready to eat in about 5 minutes-4 minutes in the microwave and 1 minute to put on the plate.

Chuck was in charge and did a great job so I took a video to walk you through the process. Here you go! Good Luck and happy eating.


 

It was Gravy!

After 50+ years cooking I decided it was time to learn how to make gravy from scratch. Thanks to my 'go to' class room on You Tube I found the following video. After following simple directions we had gravy today with our rice and pork tenderloin.

Recipe:
1/3 cup butter (I used 'fake' butter, but next time I'm going to use the real thing. I think it will have more flavor.)

1/3 cup flour

dash of salt and pepper. 

4 cups water, juices from meats, chicken broth, beef stock, 
or milk (good for white sausage gravy and biscuits)

Since the amount of flour and butter are equal amounts,I can  increase the butter and flour in the equally and increase the liquid in the same proportion.




It was perfect.

 I did add a little Kitchen Bouquet to give it a little brown color.

Great to have in your spice cabinet.

Tiny Tidy for Today-Going Crackers!

Don't throw away those stale crackers.  Just pop them in a 200 degree oven for 10 or 12 minutes. Voila-you now have fresh crispy crackers!

  

Tiny Tidbit for Today!

More about honey:


I have read that honey doesn't spoil. Do your research.  Here is a link that talks about that fact: Search io9

Reheat thick or crystallized honey in hot water not in a microwave. A microwave could burn it. It doesn't take long.  Practice being patient:)


If my honey is fresh, but still too thick to pour, I just run in under the hot water tap* for a few minutes.  It doesn't take long!

*tap...is that a Southern word for spigot or is spigot Southern for tap?

Tiny Tidbit for Today

1 Cup Crisco + 2 TBS Water 
equals
1 Cup Butter or Margarine

(Probably doesn't taste as delicious?
   ...just saying:)

Breakfast Time!

It's 6:30 a.m. and time for breakfast.  I have been trying to eat only protein for breakfast,saving my carbs for later in the day*. Probably not the way to do it...but there you go! My repertoire of egg recipes is depleted...
(*no Chuck has not bought into this regimen.)

 I have had poached eggs, scrambled eggs, an omelet,a frittata, a fried egg, and the easiest-a boiled egg.  I usually boil several eggs at a time...eat one and put the rest in the fridge.  I have loved cold hard-boiled eggs since I was little and hunted for Easter eggs.  

I punch a hole in the end of each egg that is the roundest, put the eggs in a pan, cover with water, set it on a burner, turn on the burner, and after 15 minutes the water should be boiling and the eggs would be done.  Then, I put them under cold water to stop them from cooking.

I now have a new method after buying a dozen of 'Great Day' Farmers Market at Walmart.  Inside the top of the carton were instructions on "How To Hard Cook An Egg".  I tried it and loved it and am now sharing the secret with you.

HOW TO HARD COOK AN EGG

Compliments of Great Day Farmers Market and Walmart-www.GreatDayFarms.Com

1. Place the eggs into a saucepan. (I still punch holes in the most round end of the egg.)  Fill with cold water (be sure the water covers the eggs by about two inches.)

2. Bring the water to full boil.  Once it's boiling, put a lid on the saucepan and remove it from the burner.  Let the eggs stand for 12 minutes still covered by the lid.

Note: I found that the more eggs I cooked the longer I had to let it stand. The first time I only had two eggs. Today I did six and found that the center was a little too soft.  If fact, next time I will let them boil another minute or two and then let them set for 14 minutes.

3.  Place the eggs under cold running water until they are completely cooled.  Softly tap egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. (I start from end with puncture in it.) Continue peeling until the eggshell is completely gone.

Additional Tips:
From Great Day:

• Always pour cold water into the saucepan to keep the eggs from overcooking
• Refrigerate your hard-boiled eggs if they are not being eaten right away (hard boiled eggs still in the shell can be stored for one week). I mark ends with 'HB' and date!
• If your hard boiled eggs are tough to peel, gently roll them in your hands to crack the entire shell.