Kitchen Notes #04

On Vinegar:

1. Soak fish in vinegar and water before frying for a sweet tender taste.

2. Remove fishy smell from hands or chopping board by washing with vinegar and water.

3. Add a little vinegar to the water when cooking rice to make it whiter.


On Pasta:

1. Always use the right amount of water when boiling pasta; follow the directions on the package. This will help dilute the starch released during cooking and therefore prevent sticking.

2. When using a small pot to cook spaghetti, don't cut the noodles to fit them into the pan. Hold spaghetti in a bunch and put one end into the water. As the ends of the pasta soften, bend the pieces and feed the rest in gradually or coil them around using a wooden spoon or fork until they are submerged.

3. Drain pasta quickly and use immediately. Do not rinse pasta in cold water unless it will be served cold. The cool splash removes surface starch, which helps the sauce hold on or cling to the pasta.


On Tomato Sauce:

1. Give fried foods such as fried fish, chicken or pork chops a healthy tasty twist by adding tomato sauce.

2. Use tomato sauce in marinade to tenderize meat faster and for added flavor.

3. Mix spaghetti sauce with rice, add vegetables, pork, sausages, seafood or any other leftover food and you've got a simplified version of paella or risotto.


Others:

1. Steamed fish can be tastier and less fishy if marinated in pineapple juice before cooking.

2. When cooking pancakes, make more than it is needed and freeze the extra. When in need of a sweet treat, thaw the frozen pancakes, fold into half moons and fill with canned fruits. Heat pancakes in oven, microwave, or even toaster until the stuffing is bubbling, then serve.


Source: Del Monte Kitchenomics