Question: Please share with me a fast way to peel a pineapple. -Morgen
Answer: Pineapples can be stored at room temperature for about three days, after that store the fruit in the fridge to maintain freshness.
I used to work as a cook at a college, and here is the method we used. Using a serrated knife, cut both the top and bottom off.
Stand the pineapple on a cutting board, from the top, slice about one quarter into the pineapple, all the way towards the cutting board to cut off the peel.
Turn the pineapple and continue to slice. Cut the pineapple around the core and discard the core, which is tough and not enjoyable to eat.
Next, cut the pineapple into square, bite sized chunks. Pineapples do not retain freshness very long after being cut.
Question: Once I read that it is good to use leftover potato water for making bread, I now do that, and I like it a lot.
My friend told me to use potato water for killing weeds. Somehow something is wrong with this picture. She uses it to kill weeds and I use it to feed my family.
Answer: Leftover potato water, will kill off (cook) any grass or weeds growing in the driveway, between your pavers etc. If poured accurately, you may be able to take out weeds near the plants you wish to keep, and the same is true for pasta water.
Whenever I use this tip, I make sure that the water has just boiled and therefore in my mind, it is not the potato that is killing weeds but rather the water itself.
On the plus side, cooled down potato water can be poured onto soil so that a good amount of nutrients seep into the ground maintaining healthier soil.
I agree with you, potato water is outstanding for baking homemade breads and adding to soups and gravies. Potato water can even be saved and frozen for future use.
I just thought of another use for potato water! Dip sponges into potato water to get rid of carpet and fabric stains, works great on washable satin too.
Question: Now that we are allowed to gather in bigger group outside, I am having a large group of about 50 guests at my yard next month, for a wedding.
I would like to make grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time and heat them up before the guests arrive. I am also planning to prepare tomato soup.
Can you give me some hints so that the food tastes fresh when it’s time to eat? -Ernie
Answer: What I like to do is butter both sides of the outside of the sandwich not the inside where the cheese is, that way you don’t need to add any additional grease to the pan when you are frying them.
Hours before guests arrive, fry sandwiches on each side so that they are brown. Put sandwiches on large baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap so that they don’t dry out. Store in fridge.
Shortly before lunch, remove plastic and pop baking sheets into the oven for a few minutes to heat sandwiches.
Make tomato soup ahead of time and pour into a slow cooker to keep warm. Cover with lid and stir occasionally, so that no skin forms on the top of the soup.
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.
