Thursday Tidbits

 A few tidbits to think about and use.  It doesn't take a lot to jazz up a regular dish or make a new 'favorite' for the family.

Maybe you will find a hint or tip that you can use!

• Add a couple tablespoons of strong coffee to any chocolate cake or muffin recipe.  Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Think about using chocolate milk instead of regular in puddings or mixes.  Add a tablespoon of vanilla to about any baked recipe to elevate flavor!!
• Add fresh diced tomatoes to coleslaw.  My sister in-law does this and it is so good.  It is a requested dish at all gatherings.  Finely chop the tomatoes - it really adds a new dimension to slaw!
• Deviled eggs all spruced up!  Instead of using mayo think about sour cream or onion or ranch dip.  I use sour cream a lot and it really adds to the flavor of the eggs.  I have used ranch dip as well and YUM!

                    Great way to use up those cake mixes you got cheaply over the holidays

• Use brownie, cake, muffin or cookie crumbs on top of ice cream or pudding
• Reuse those squeezable condiment bottles - wash and use for decorating icing on cakes and cookies
• Do your nuts or dried fruit always drop the bottom of muffins and quick breads?  Dust them well in the flour mixture before adding to the batter.  It helps them stay 'afloat' in your batter when baking
• Keep a pair of kitchen shears ALWAYS handy.  They are great for 'chopping' green onions, lettuce or anything that isn't too hard.  I have used to cut bite size pizza pieces and have even used to cut up meat before using for stir fry.  Many uses - wash thoroughly after every use in hot soapy water.
• Peel your broccoli stems before cooking.  That makes them so tender and you use more of the veggie - no waste.  The stems are actually my favorite part!!!!  You can keep those peelings (cleaned) in that baggie of goodies for making veg stock.

                                                           An oldie but a goody

• Cut a sandwich into quarters to make the 'fancy'.  Any sandwich looks fancier this way!
• Keep a small container of instant potatoes on hand - they are great to use as a thickener in soups and stews and it's added an added veggie!
• Add a spoonful of mayo per every 2 eggs you whip up to scramble.  It keeps them fluffy and it is really tasty!  No more dried out scrambled eggs
• Always place your flour or sugar canister in the sink (dry) before filling.  No more mess all over the countertop!
• Have baked beans left over (think Easter).  Smash them and add to meatloaf mix before baking.  Moist meatloaf!  Smash and season with a little taco seasoning and use in tacos or tortillas like refried beans.  Make yourself a bean sandwich - really good - I know some are saying yuk.  Use in open face sandwich (great on buns) with a slice of cheese on top - broil till cheese is melted and bubbly.  Great side.
• Ground turkey or chicken - if you want to use in a more traditional ground beef way - add stuff!  Add beef bouillon (I always do), shredded cheese, or chopped mushroom and/or onion/peppers.  Stick in some bread crumbs and an egg and some of the above ingredients and make 'meatloaf; burgers.  You can really jazz it up and stay healthy.

Just a few tidbits to stretch a dollar or spruce up your cooking/baking.  I love finding new ideas that enhance flavors and make cooking fun.

Anyone have a great tip they use?  Please share!

Have a wonderful day!!!!!