Tips & Tunes

We had a few unanticipated successes in the kitchen over the weekend so I thought I would share some (albeit unsolicited) Moore kitchen secrets.

• Add a little instant pancake mix to your scrambled eggs / omelettes and they will be a little fluffier. An added bonus IMO is that it also seems to get rid of that funky dog breath aroma that scrambled eggs sometimes have. I realize you all might be reading that last sentence thinking WTF? If you haven't already tuned out, I used one heaping tsp of Aunt Jemima Complete for 6 large eggs. I think that a server at IHOP tipped us off on this one. BTW - the County Omelette at IHOP is unbelievable. (Hash browns, Ham, Cheddar with Sour Cream on the side......)
• Don't throw away that uneaten baked potato. Slice it up the next morning and saute with onions and a little butter for easy breffis 'tatoes!
• Speaking of baked potatoes - here is a trick I think we learned from Randy's Mom. Poke holes in the 'tato with a fork. Microwave on high until soft to the touch (about 6 min for an average Idaho.) Wrap tightly in foil and the steam will cook it the rest of the way - wait at least 10-15 min. It stays hot for quite a while and is ready when you are. You get oven-baked fluffy without the time commitment.
• Quick and Easy salad dressing that goes great with Greek Salad - found on the inside of a Feta container....3T Olive Oil, 2T Red Wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp Pepper, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 large pressed garlic clove. Mix together all ingredients. We didn't have Red Wine Vinegar but found that Cider Vinegar worked really well.
• If you hate chopping onions - get a pair of onion goggles - or I bet swim goggles work just as well if you have 'em. You will NOT be driven to tears.
• When making chocolate chip cookies - or any cookies that call for softened butter - do not use melted butter. It will completely change the texture and the look of the cookie. If you don't have time to wait for it to soften on its own - use the defrost setting on your nuker and go no more then 20 seconds at a time.
• and last but not least - if you have to be in the kitchen but would rather be anywhere BUT - crank up some good tunes. I downloaded the latest Shins album today and it is pretty darn good. I am really digging the song Sea Legs.

OK - enough of the Betty Crocker business.