Pineapple Hill Designs: Tuesdays Tip

Why Pineapple Hill?

The pineapple has been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the early American colonies. According to legend, the symbol began with the sea captains of New England who would spear a pineapple on a fence post outside their home to let the community know of their safe return home and to invite friends to visit and share their hospitality.

Likewise, we hope Pineapple Hill Designs boutique will make you feel “Welcome”! We know how important it is to find something special for that certain someone or just the right accessory to complete a room. We believe everyday is a day to celebrate, and we have just the thing to help you create something special out of the ordinary.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tuesdays Tip

15 Favorite Tips and Shortcuts

Unsure about the age of those eggs in your fridge? Place them in a bowl of water. If they sink, they’re still fresh; if they float, deep-six them.
Ripen tomatoes by placing them with an apple in a paper bag or covered bowl. The apple emits ethylene gas, which quickens the ripening process.
Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, often comes with roots still attached. Buy it in this form if you have the chance. The roots, when finely chopped, add authentic Asian flavor to stir-fries.
Spray measuring cups lightly with cooking spray before pouring in things like corn syrup, honey or molasses. Even the stickiest ingredient will slide right out.
Take the hassle out of potato salad by using red-skinned or new potatoes, which don’t need to be peeled.
Got a bunch of overripe bananas? Freeze them, then microwave on high for one minute. The skins slip off and the fruit is ready for baking.
Here’s to your health! Thicken soups with a puree of rice and vegetables in place of heavy cream. Have patience:
Resist the urge to peek when using a slow-cooker. Removing the lid releases heat and can lengthen the cooking time.
Roll sugar cookie dough out between two sheets of wax paper. This way you won’t have to add the extra dusting of flour that can often toughen cookies.
Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in a sealable plastic freezer bag. Reheat and it’s dinner.
When making brownies, line the pan with foil. It eliminates cleanup and makes it easy to cut neat square servings rather than having to pry them out.
Cast-iron cookware provides even cooking and does everything from searing meat to baking bread. A well-seasoned pan has a nearly no-stick surface, which keeps oil use to a minimum.
Clean your blender with a “soap shake.” Partly fill the glass jar with hot water and a drop of dish detergent. Let the blender run a few minutes, empty the soapy water, rinse with hot water and let drain.
Tart apples like Granny Smiths provide optimum flavor in Waldorf and other salads.
To seed tomatoes, cut in half cross-wise and gently squeeze out seeds or scoop out with a spoon