Question: Do you have any secrets for making really, good fried chicken? Seth
Answer: I used to recommend, soaking the chicken overnight in canned chicken stock (one or two cans for six to eight pieces of chicken) because it brings out the flavour. I have since discovered that marinating the chicken in buttermilk is even better. Before cooking consider the taste of the oil to ensure you like the flavour. Preheat your skillet with oil to about 375F, the temperature will drop as you add chicken. Coat the chicken with flour, return it to the buttermilk and then the flour, as this will add a better coating. Fry the chicken and then drain on towels for about five minutes before serving. Do not overcrowd the pan, allow your chicken enough room, between pieces. If making the chicken ahead of time, keep it hot in the oven at 250F.
Question: How do you fertilize a cactus? Serena
Answer: Cacti are hardy plants that require low nutrient care. Homemade cacti fertilizer is as easy as combining one tablespoon of Epsom salt and four litres of water. Misting plants with a spray bottle rather than pouring water into the pot is preferred. Succulents (plants with leafy tissues that conserve moisture) only need fertilizer in late spring or summer. One of the very best trade secrets for happy cacti is to add compost rich in nutrients to soil mix.
Question: Do you have a recipe for making vinegar from herbs? Emilie
Answer: In a large re-sealable glass container combine one large bunch of clean herbs such as, basil or tarragon with three cups white wine vinegar. Store in a cool, dry place, can be used for up to one year. This is great for vinaigrettes. Additionally, some herbs, such as parsley, chives and basil can be pureed with a small amount of water in a blender, and then frozen in ice cube trays. They can later be stored in plastic bags for use in flavoring soup and sauces. Herb butter can be made with the addition of about fopur tablespoons chopped, dried herb leaves and a dash of lemon juice to 1/4-pound of butter softened at room temperature. The butter should then be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container.
Question: What is an easy way to remove cat hair from clothing? Sofia
Answer: A lint brush is the most popular option for removing cat hair from fabric. Or you could rap a large roll of masking tape around your hand and as you run your hand over your clothes, it picks up the hair and sticks to the tape. Each layer of tape can be pulled off to give you a fresh surface underneath. Another option is Pet Pick-up brushes which are brushes with a specialized head that captures hair in the nap of the fabric and releases it when brushed in the opposite direction. Fabric sprays applied to clothing for static cling also repels pet hair. Another option is to rub a fabric softener dryer sheet over the surface of clothing as a pet hair pick up. Store clothing in plastic dry cleaner bags in the closet to prevent hair from accumulating.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
