Mushrooms
Do not wash mushrooms under water. Mushrooms have their own water base and this will remove some of its natural flavor. Instead wipe them clean with a cloth.
Bacon
Rinsing bacon under cold water will prevent almost 50% of shrinking.
Roasts
Before removing a roast from the oven leave it to rest for about 10 minutes to allow the natural juices to settle.
Fruit Juice
Lemons and oranges should be at room temperature. Before squeezing them make them soft by rubbing them against the counter or in the palms of your hands.
Hot Peppers
The spice of a hot pepper comes from the white membrane of the pepper. To avoid painful vapors don't handle the peppers under water.
Hard Butter
If there is no time to wait for the butter to get soft here are one or two ideas. For smearing bread you can dip the knife into hot water and then scrape up the butter. Or you can cut the butter into slices and soften it with a knife. Another idea for large amounts of butter is to put the slices between papers and hit/press it with a rolling pin.
Eggs
To test if an egg is fresh or old place the egg in salt water. If the egg sinks it is fresh and if it floats it is old.
Wine
Left over wine can be used in various dishes. Freeze the left over wine into cubes and use it as a cube stock.
Fudge
Always use a wooden spoon when making fudge.
Meringue
When making meringue use room temperature eggs.
Thicken gravy
Grate a potato on small and add the juice and grated potato to the water. Cook on slow heat for about 2 to 3 minutes.
