With the hustle and bustle of the season, our chaotic schedules often spill over into our culinary endeavors. Anyone who has ever been distracted in the kitchen knows that mishaps are inevitable. But don't worry—there are ways to salvage your meals! Here are some practical tips to fix common food disasters and save your culinary creations.
Burned rice is a common kitchen mishap, but it can be remedied. According to Marian and John Bear, authors of How to Repair Food, you can salvage burned rice by turning off the burner, placing the heel of a loaf of bread on top of the rice, covering the pot, and waiting for about five minutes. The bread will absorb most of the burned aroma. Carefully remove the rice, leaving the burnt portion at the bottom of the pot.
If your whipped cream refuses to stiffen, don't despair. First, chill the cream, bowl, and beaters well. Place the bowl of cream into a larger bowl filled with ice while whipping. Add the white of an egg to help stabilize the cream. If it still doesn't stiffen, gradually whip in 3-4 drops of lemon juice. For whipped cream that needs to be prepared ahead of time, add a touch of unflavored gelatin (1/4 teaspoon per cup) to prevent separation.
Overcooked potatoes can turn your mashed potatoes into mush. Instead of adding milk, use dry powdered milk for fluffier mashed potatoes. This trick helps absorb excess moisture and gives your potatoes a better texture.
Too much salt in your soup or stew? Add a thinly sliced potato per liter of liquid while simmering. The potato will absorb the excess salt and turn opaque. Remove the potato before serving. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon each of cider vinegar and sugar, adjusting in 1/2 teaspoon increments until the taste is balanced.
Burned gravy can be saved by stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter. This will help smooth out the flavor and mask the burnt taste.
If your hands smell like garlic or onion, rinse them under cold water while rubbing with a large stainless steel spoon. The stainless steel helps neutralize the odor.
For a guaranteed success this holiday season, try this No-Fuss Roast Turkey & Fixings recipe:
225 minutes
Makes 8 to 10 servings
By following these tips and tricks, you can reduce food waste and ensure your meals are a success, even when things go wrong in the kitchen.
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