Question: I am writing to inquire about some hints that I read about which were published in the 1950’s, I am wondering if they actually work? Submitted by George
Answer: Many of these old tips are still relevent today. Here are the vintage tips along with our findings today.
Then: A teaspoon of salad oil added to water prevents, rice and noodles from sticking together and prevents water from boiling over.
Now: I always add a small amount of canola oil, to the rice and heat them up for about 30 seconds before adding water to the pot. This does prevent the rice from sticking together; however, the water is still able to boil over the edge of the pot.
Then: To split a cake into layers, use dental floss to cut through the layers.
Now: I have used this tip many times, not only for cutting cake layers, but also for cutting cinnamon buns after filling and rolling them. The dental floss is strong, and the floss prevents the dough from losing its shape.
Then: A tasty addition to a cucumber salad is chopped rhubarb.
Now: For people who love the tartness of rhubarb, this is a great way to add colour and texture to a salad. Bring the rhubarb to a boil for two minutes, along with a little sugar, drain, chop and add to salad.
Then: If you have too much fat in cooked gravy, wrap an ice cube into a cheesecloth. As the fat hits the ice cube, it will stick to the cheesecloth.
Now: I use ice cubes, without the cheesecloth. I drop one or two ice cubes into the gravy and allow the fat to stick to the ice. Remove the ice cubes with a spoon.
Then: Sperate egg yolks by breaking the egg through a funnel. The egg whites flow through and the yolk stays in the cup.
Now: This works, although it seems like an unnecessary amount of work. Purchase an egg separator from the dollar store, if you prefer to use a kitchen tool to separate an egg.
Then: To peel citrus fruit for a salad, pour boiling water over them and let stand for five minutes. The white part will peel off with the skin leaving the orange clean.
Now: I tried this tip, and while some of the white peel was removed, but the orange became mushy and unappetizing.
Then: A little lemon juice added to the water in which rice is boiling will whiten it.
Now: The change in colour by adding a small amount of lemon juice is hardly noticeable; however, adding two tablespoons of lemon juice to one cup of water, changes the flavour to zesty and the colour to a light yellow. It’s a nice ingredient to add in order to switch up an old dish. Add broth and butter for an even bigger change.
Discovery that really POPS
The following is one of my favourite discoveries for 2020. For an easy snack option, make your own healthy popcorn. Choose a tall microwave safe plastic container. Rinse the container and pour out the water, but do not dry the bottom of the container. Drop one quarter cup of popping corn kernels into the container. Salt the kernels. Place a lid on the container, the lid should be larger than the container and should not be snapped close, it should just lay over the top to prevent the popcorn from flying out. Pop the corn in the microwave for about two minutes, depending on the strength of your microwave. No need to add oil, butter or margarine. The small amount of water on the bottom of the container is enough to allow the salt to hold onto the kernels. Season as desired and eat. Healthy, cheap and delicious!
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.
