SusieJ's Advent Calendar December 14, 2011

Flashes in the pan

You can always add more

When I am experimenting with a recipe, I always add less than I think I'll need to tweak the recipe. If I think the recipe could use a half teaspoon of ginger, I'll add a quarter teaspoon, taste the dough or batter, and then add more if needed. Removing spice or salt is nearly impossible. I've become very cautious after adding one too many pinches of salt to hot cocoa. A small pinch in a quart of milk is nice; a large pinch is disgusting.

Measuring a half cup when you've poured a third cup into the batter already

This works whenever you measure and add a smaller amount than the recipe calls for: measure the amount the recipe calls for (say, a half cup), then pour or spoon from that measured half cup into the third cup measure. Much easier than trying to find the fractional difference and convert that into tablespoons.

[My son in the first blizzard of 2011]Quickly chilling water for pie crust

There you are, all ready to add the water to the pie crust, only to find you didn't chill any. Measure the maximum amount of water called for in the recipe, pour into a cocktail shaker (or thermos or water bottle) with an ice cube or two, and shake like crazy for 30 seconds. It's how bartenders cill cocktails. No one will care that you bruised the water.

Removing bread from a loaf pan

Bread seems to stick to the loaf pan no matter how well I've greased and floured it. After cooling on a rack for ten minutes, lay the loaf pan on one long side on the cooling rack. Slide the knife between the loaf and the top side of the pan. Then push down just a smidgen on the knife and pull it a little bit forward. This gently pulls the bottom of the loaf from the pan. Repeat on the short sides of the pan, then on the opposite long side.

Running out of tools

When you find yourself washing a measuring spoon, bowl or spatula mid-baking, it's a sign that you might need another one. Unless no one washes the dishes in your house. That's another problem entirely.