Tag: cooking tips

Can you microwave Ziploc bags? Safety and guidelines

Ricardo Davis

– The article discusses whether Ziploc bags can be used in the microwave.
– Ziploc bags can be used as a microwave cooking bag.
– One suggested recipe using Ziploc bags is microwave corn on the cob.
– Ziploc bags are microwave safe.
– When steaming food in a Ziploc bag, caution should be taken as they can get very hot and release steam quickly.
– Only bags labeled as microwave safe, such as Ziploc bags, can be used in the microwave.
– Other plastic bags, like supermarket carrier bags, are not safe for microwaving.
– Vacuum-sealed bags designed for cooking, such as those used in sous vide machines, can also be microwaved.
– The author uses Ziploc bags for various cooking purposes, including storing leftovers and reheating food in the microwave.

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Are Chives and Green Onions the Same? Unveiling Their Differences and Culinary Uses

Ricardo Davis

Are chives and green onions the same? Here is a list of pertinent information about chives, scallions, and green onions, with no duplication:

– Chives, scallions, and green onions have similarities but also some differences.
– Scallions and green onions are the same ingredient, just labeled differently.
– They have a slender, elongated form with white bottoms and green tops.
– Some green onions are immature forms of bulbing onions, while others are specially developed to never form a bulb.
– Chives are a different plant species and are considered herbs.
– Chives are thinner and more fragile, with green leaves.
– They are harvested by cutting the leaves near ground level and regrow for future harvests.
– There are different types of chives, including common chives, garlic chives, and Siberian chives.
– Spring onions are a different type of allium with a small bulb near their roots.
– They are the immature form of bulbing onions and can come in different colors.
– Chives and green onions are not the same but can be used as substitutes for each other.
– They should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight plastic bag and can stay fresh for one to two weeks.
– Chives and green onions are often used raw in dishes like baked potatoes and scrambled eggs.
– There are recipes available that feature these ingredients, such as cheddar and chive biscuits and scallion-infused pancakes.
– Online cooking classes are recommended for learning more about these ingredients and their uses.
– Green onions can eventually grow into spring onions.

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Can You Eat Shrimp Tails? Unveiling the Truth

Ricardo Davis

– Shrimp tails are edible and can be eaten.
– They are commonly used in Thai and Northeastern Chinese cuisines.
– Shrimp tails add a crunchy texture to dishes and can be used as an impressive appetizer.
– Shrimp tails are composed of polymer chitin, which is the most plentiful organic fiber after wood.
– Studies have shown that humans can digest shrimp tails because human gastric juice contains the enzyme chitinase, which breaks down chitin.
– There are some nutritional benefits to eating shrimp tails, but some people may be allergic to the chitin in the shells.
– Chitin, the main component of shrimp tails, is found in supplements like Chitosan and is believed to lower cholesterol.
– Shrimp tails can be prepared by deep-frying them after coating them in flour and cornstarch.
– Shrimp tails can also be used to make shrimp stock by boiling them in water for 15 minutes until the liquid turns orange. The stock can be used in various dishes.
– Shrimp tails can be stored in the freezer in a Ziploc bag for up to three months before using.
– The article discusses whether shrimp tails can be eaten or not. It states that shrimp tails can be left on or taken off depending on the preparation method.
– If the intention is not to eat the tail, it is best to view it as a handle and leave it on when preparing appetizers like popcorn shrimp or shrimp cocktail.
– However, when cooking a dish that doesn’t include the tails, it is recommended to remove them before serving.
– The article mentions that leaving the tails on can enhance the visual appeal of the dish, which is why restaurants often leave them on.
– It concludes by asking readers if they would be willing to try eating shrimp tails.
– Shrimp tails are 100% edible and safe to eat.
– Shrimp tails are not usually substantial enough to make a meal on their own, but they add flavor and can be fried as a snack.
– Shrimp tails also have health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol.
– They have a briny, salty taste and a chewy, fibrous texture.
– It is possible to eat shrimp tails raw, but they can be difficult to chew and are often removed in dishes like ceviche and sashimi.

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How to Cook Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches Like a Pro

Ricardo Davis

Instructions for cooking a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich:
– Always follow heating instructions.
– Keep the sandwich frozen until ready to use.
– It can be refrigerated overnight to thaw.
– Do not refrigerate for longer than 3 days.
– Directions were developed using an 1100-watt microwave oven.
– Heating times may need to be adjusted as ovens vary.
From Frozen:
1. Remove the sandwich from the wrapper and wrap it in a paper towel.
2. Microwave on defrost (30% power) for 1 minute 30 seconds or until thawed.
3. Turn the sandwich over and microwave on HIGH for 55 seconds or until hot. For compact microwave ovens lower than 850 watts, add 10-20 seconds if needed.
4. Let the sandwich stand in the microwave for 1 minute before serving.
From Refrigerated:
1. Remove the sandwich from the wrapper and wrap it in a paper towel.
2. Microwave on HIGH for 50 seconds or until hot. For compact microwave ovens lower than 850 watts, add 5-10 seconds if needed.
3. Let the sandwich stand in the microwave for 1 minute before serving.

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How to Boil Potatoes for Potato Salad: Expert Tips

Ricardo Davis

– How to boil potatoes for potato salad
– Boiling time depends on the size of the cut potatoes
– Recommended chopping method for medium to large potatoes
– Boiling time for large potato cubes
– Boiling time for baby potatoes or diced potatoes
– Boiling time for whole large potatoes
– Whether to peel the potatoes for potato salad
– Recommended type of potatoes for creamy American-style potato salad
– How to prepare Yukon gold potatoes for American-style potato salad
– Recommended type of potatoes for French-style red potato salad
– How to prepare baby red potatoes for French-style red potato salad
– Recommendations for German potato salad
– Availability of various potato salad recipes

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Can You Freeze Coconut Milk? A Comprehensive Guide

Ricardo Davis

– Freezing coconut milk is a simple and effective way to preserve it.
– Canned coconut milk can be frozen, but the texture may become slightly lumpy after thawing.
– It is best to use fresh coconut milk for freezing.
– Opened canned coconut milk lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
– Unopened canned coconut milk can last for 2 to 5 years in the pantry.
– Frozen coconut milk can last for up to 6 months.
– When freezing coconut milk, leave at least ½ inch of headspace in the container for expansion during freezing.
– Smaller portions of coconut milk can be frozen using silicon trays, plastic zip top bags, or ice cube trays.
– Label the container or bag with the date before placing it in the freezer.
– To defrost frozen coconut milk, it is advised to place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
– Alternatively, it can be microwaved in short bursts or placed in a bowl of lukewarm water for 30 minutes.
– After thawing, the coconut milk should be stirred to re-integrate the texture.
– Once thawed, frozen coconut milk can be used in most recipes that call for it.

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How to Reheat Shrimp: Best Methods for Delicious Results

Ricardo Davis

– The article provides tips on how to reheat shrimp using different methods.
– The oven method is recommended for maintaining texture.
– The stove method is the author’s go-to method.
– The steamer method is mentioned as a way to reheat shrimp without drying it out.
– The sooner shrimp is reheated, the fresher it will taste.
– Steaming method: Fill a pot with water, place a steamer basket inside, and put the shrimp in a single layer in the basket. Steam for 2-3 minutes.
– Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 300°F, spray the basket with oil or use parchment paper, place the shrimp in a single layer, and reheat for 2 minutes on each side.
– Microwave method: Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe container, sprinkle with a bit of water, seal the container, and microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.
– Fried shrimp can be reheated using the same methods as unfried shrimp, except for steaming.
– Other methods for reheating fried shrimp include using the microwave, stovetop, oven, air fryer, flash frying, and broiling.
– The article provides tips on how to reheat shrimp scampi and shrimp boil leftovers.
– The recommended methods for reheating shrimp scampi are using the microwave, stove, or oven.
– For larger servings, the shrimp scampi can be placed in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and heated for about 10-15 minutes.
– Reheating shrimp boil involves placing everything in a microwave-safe bowl, covering, and reheating.
– Another option for shrimp boil is to simmer it in extra stock on the stovetop until warm.
– Leftover shrimp can be used in various cuisines such as Mexican, Thai, Italian, or Southern dishes.
– Shrimp can overcook quickly, resulting in a rubbery and tough texture.
– Reheating shrimp should be done at a lower temperature.
– Letting leftover shrimp come to room temperature helps prevent overcooking.
– Adding liquid to the pan while reheating shrimp helps prevent drying out.
– Reheating shrimp should only take five to six minutes, any longer risks overcooking.

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Can You Freeze Sour Cream? The Dos and Don’ts!

Ricardo Davis

– Sour cream can be frozen.
– Freezing sour cream can affect its quality and texture.
– Some manufacturers advise against freezing sour cream.
– Sour cream can be stored in a plastic bag, glass container, or silicone ice cube tray.
– Frozen sour cream can become lumpy or grainy once thawed.
– Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to thawed sour cream can help restore its texture.
– Sour cream can safely last in the refrigerator for one to three weeks.
– Sour cream that has a bad smell, mold, or a yellow or discolored color may be spoiled.
– Sour cream is a dairy product rich in vitamins and minerals.

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Panko Bread Crumbs Substitute: Exploring Delicious and Nutritious Alternatives

Ricardo Davis

– Panko breadcrumbs are made from crustless white bread that is processed into flakes and then dried.
– Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese specialty but used worldwide for their crunchy texture.
– Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a crispy topping or can be fried.
– The article suggests several options for substituting panko breadcrumbs, including crackers, crushed pretzels, white bread, cereal, crushed potato chips, crushed tortilla chips, dry stuffing mix, corn flakes, coconut flakes, bread crumbs, nuts, matzo, and toasted rice.
– The article provides a recipe for making a panko substitute using a food processor and baking the crumbs until lightly toasted.
– Tips for making the panko substitute include using stale bread, using parchment paper for easy clean-up and crispier results, and spreading the substitute thinly on a baking sheet.
– Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted for panko breadcrumbs in most recipes, but the results may not be as crispy.
– Panko substitute breadcrumbs can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
– They can also be stored in the fridge for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to three months.
– A recipe is provided for making panko substitute breadcrumbs using crackers in a food processor.
– Other options for panko substitutes include crushed pretzels, white bread, cereal, potato chips, tortilla chips, stuffing mix, corn flakes, coconut flakes, bread crumbs, nuts, matzo, and toasted rice.
– Tips are provided for making the crispiest panko substitute, such as using a large baking sheet and avoiding overbaking.
– The nutritional information for the panko substitute made with crackers is provided.

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