Martha A. Cheves's Blog, page 110

Breads and High Altitudes

High altitude adjustments:
• Baking yeast bread at high altitudes actually presents very few problems; however, a few factors must be considered. The following adjustments may help convert a regular recipe into suited for high altitudes.

• Decrease yeast by 1/2 teaspoon for every tablespoon of yeast in the recipe (1 foil package = 2 1/2 teaspoons).

• Decrease sugar by 1 teaspoon for every tablespoon of sugar in the recipe.

• Dough tends to rise faster in higher altitudes; the higher the alti...

Canned Food, Shelf Life

One of the most frequently asked questions about canned food is its shelf life and "use-by" dates. The codes that are stamped on canned food are manufacturers' codes that usually designate the date the product was packaged. The codes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and usually include coding for time and place of canning. Most manufacturers offer a toll-free number to call for questions about canned food expiration dates. For a sampling of how to read product codes, See Below.

Stir, Laugh, Repeat Review - Joyce White

Review by Joyce WhiteStir, Laugh & Repeat Like many noncooks, I have a distinct yearning for the taste of yester-year. Martha has compiled a cookery book of recipes that appeal to our palette as well as our memories. I hate recipes where I have to know what is what and where to find it and which wine to serve with it. All of Martha's recipes are simple and the ingredients easy to find. I wish I had read this book when I was young. I got married at 18 and didn't know how to boil eggs...

Onions and Tears

There are many methods recommended for cutting onions to avoid tears. Each method has its supporters. Try each of them, if one works for you, use it.
Methods:
• cut the root off last; • refrigerate before cutting; • peel them under cold water; • have a fan behind you or alongside to blow the vapors away; • place a piece of bread on the knife tip to absorb the fumes; • chew gum while peeling and slicing onions. • hold you breath and cut them as quick as you can • have someone else cut them...

Zucchini

Zucchini (courgette in French) are a variety of vegetable marrow, a summer squash. They are tender and tasty when young, but most varieties are tasteless when large and overgrown. When buying zucchini, look for squash that is firm and heavy for its size. Do not wash until ready to use.  Peeling is not necessary and the skin is thin and very fragile.

Mild bitterness in zucchini, like that in related species like cucumbers, may be result from environmental factors such as high temperature, low m...

Cheezy Squash

8 med. yellow squash, sliced
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook squash, pepper and onion in a saucepan with just enough water to cover. Cook until the squash is tender, about 10 - 15 minutes. Drain well and mix in cheese. Pour into a 2 qt. baking pan sprayed with non-stick spray and bake 15 minutes.

Reminders

I want to remind everyone to stop by A Book and A Dish to see my latest reviews and the Author's recipes.  There are some really wonderful authors floating around our world and they can cook too!

Salads Made Perfect

During the summer I love a good salad and often make it my main dish or sometimes my complete meal. To do this I add my favorite meats.. chicken, pork, beef, seafood.  I toss in some cheese, veggies, fruit and nuts for an added crunch. And instead of bread or crackers I'll add croutons.  In short, I try to be creative with my salads by adding color and texture. 


Mrs. Cubbison's is running a contest for a chance to review their croutons, dressings and meat loaf mix.  Please feel free to visit t...

Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies

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As you can tell from the picture I used 4 different toppings.  I love my white chocolate so some had to be adorned with them.  Some I sprinkled with chocolate sprinkles, some with candy coated chocolate sprinkles and some with a mix of chopped peanuts and chocolate sprinkles.  These are really kid friendly cookies and with the holidays around the corner, they are perfect to add to your holiday trays and even to leave for Santa.  And don't forget the school parties.  Think how proud your...

Sodium Content in Foods

Sodium Content in Foods – based on ½ cup servings
Corn, Fresh - traceCorn, breakfast flakes - 126 mg.Corn, canned - 302 mg.
Mushrooms, fresh - 6 mg.Mushrooms, canned - 484 mgMushrooms, cream soup - 477 mg
Peas, fresh - 2 mgPeas, frozen - 92 mgPeas, canned - 200 mgPeas, soup - 450 mg
Potatoes, fresh baked (1) - 6 mgPotatoes, boxed instant - 246 mgPotatoes, frozen hash browns - 223 mg
Rice, fresh - 3 mgRice, quick processed - 383 mgRice, breakfast cereal - 142 mg
Wheat, roll berries- 1 mgWheat...