I will be doing more cooking classes at Williams Sonoma in Henderson NV. I am making plans for a special one showcasing recipes from my book in September. Please let me know if you would like to attend or just go by the store and sign up.
Today we had two classes - one for kids and then the Sous Chef Series. Good food!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Humidity and Cooking
Humidity can affect how things cook and/or how long items will last in storage. Even those of us that live in the desert can be affected. Here are some things to consider.
Bread - Normally I do not recommend putting bread in the refrigerator. However in the summer I do. That gives it a controlled environment and keeps it fresh longer. If left sitting on the counter in hot and humid conditions bread will mold very quickly.
Flour, Salt Sugar and other dry ingredients. Salt - use a cracker to keep it form clumping. Sugar and Flour I put in the freezer. This also keeps ants from finding them. Wrap the flour and sugar very tightly and put in a large freezer bag before you freeze them.
I f you do any baking in the summer the humid can affect the final product. Icing can "melt' or get very running in high humidity. Put them in the fridge too.
Bread - Normally I do not recommend putting bread in the refrigerator. However in the summer I do. That gives it a controlled environment and keeps it fresh longer. If left sitting on the counter in hot and humid conditions bread will mold very quickly.
Flour, Salt Sugar and other dry ingredients. Salt - use a cracker to keep it form clumping. Sugar and Flour I put in the freezer. This also keeps ants from finding them. Wrap the flour and sugar very tightly and put in a large freezer bag before you freeze them.
I f you do any baking in the summer the humid can affect the final product. Icing can "melt' or get very running in high humidity. Put them in the fridge too.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A Clean Grill is a Happy Grill!
If you are like me and use your grill a LOT, it starts to develop a lot of "character". Or some would say dirt. The truth is you need to give your grill a good cleaning at least twice a year. Some things to do that will help.
1. Soak the grill grates in soapy water. I find that mine are too big for the sink so I use a large disposable aluminum roasting pan. My grates are stainless steel. You may have some that are enamel or other material. No worries they can all soak. Be sure to scrub them with a wire brush or scouring pad to get all of the burnt on crud off. If you use an oven cleaner be sure to use gloves and rinse the greats at least three times before you put them back in.
2. Check the grill for any issues or places where drippings can build up. I have a removable tray under the firebox, but underneath it still gets dirty. Be sure to clean around the burners if it is gas grill and clean the inside of the grill too. That will help prevent fires or flare ups.
3. Check your gas supply line and make sure that it does not need to be replaced.
4. After all the parts are clean put them back in the grill and let them air dry. The first time you use the grill let it heat up for an extra 5 minutes to make sure that any residual cleaning chemicals are burnt off.
1. Soak the grill grates in soapy water. I find that mine are too big for the sink so I use a large disposable aluminum roasting pan. My grates are stainless steel. You may have some that are enamel or other material. No worries they can all soak. Be sure to scrub them with a wire brush or scouring pad to get all of the burnt on crud off. If you use an oven cleaner be sure to use gloves and rinse the greats at least three times before you put them back in.
2. Check the grill for any issues or places where drippings can build up. I have a removable tray under the firebox, but underneath it still gets dirty. Be sure to clean around the burners if it is gas grill and clean the inside of the grill too. That will help prevent fires or flare ups.
3. Check your gas supply line and make sure that it does not need to be replaced.
4. After all the parts are clean put them back in the grill and let them air dry. The first time you use the grill let it heat up for an extra 5 minutes to make sure that any residual cleaning chemicals are burnt off.
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