Crush That Garlic!

When garlic is pressed, pounded or crushed, it releases more of its oils and gives the dish a sharper and more distinct garlic flavor.

Why Silicone Spatula?

Spatulas used to be just for baking but with the new silicone spatulas, they are becoming a popular tool in cooking, as well. More over, wooden spoons and stainless steel turners! The silicone spatula, being super-flexible and heat-resistant, has the ability to get at the very last bit, drop and crumble of any food from a pan or container. Think stirring white sauce over heat or making creamy scrambled eggs. Another plus: A silicone spatula does not absorb odor like a wooden spoon and is easy to wash because of its smooth finish. But beware when shopping. Some silicone spatula brands sold locally wear out right away. Check that the product you are buying is made of 100% silicone and not compromised by other material.

Wrap Wise

Wrapping the bars in foil and cellophane not only makes them pretty. It also keeps them moist for weeks.

Oven Do's and Dont's

DO'S:

• Do preheat oven 10 minutes before baking.
• Do put the oven rack at the center of the oven for proper heat distance.
• Do use an oven thermometer to make sure you are baking at the proper temperature.
• Do clean up any spill on the oven floor o they will not burn when oven is used again.

DONT'S:

• Don't let the pans touch the sides of the oven or touch each other.
• Don't put the pans one on top of the other when baking two racks. Stagger them so heat will still circulate properly.
• Don't open the oven door until at least half of the baking time has passed.

Too Salty Soup

Here's the remedy:
To rescue an overflavored pot of soup, drop a whole and peeled potato into the soup. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove the potato. The starchy spud will absorb the saltiness of the dish, leaving your soup good as new. Still find it too salty? Repeat the process until you achieve your desired taste.

Table Setting Ideas

MONOTONE
Create a bold statement by splashing a single color in varying shades on your table. Getting confident and cool!

WHIMSICAL
Get festive with colors and patterns. Lay out a pristine, white tablecloth and set out a mix of cute and cheery pieces.

HOMEGROWN
Turn your table into a proud Filipino spread by using wood, capiz, pandan and other local materials. Add uniquely native items, like tribal figurine, as an example.

SOPHISTICATED
Black and white combination is an undisputed classic but do not be afraid to add a pop of color, like red or hot pink. Also, bring in sleek of elegance with the use of marble or metal.

SIMPLY CHIC
A beautiful table presentation need not be expensive. Look for fabric on bargain and get enough yards to cover your table. Head to a weekend market for inexpensive plates and serving vessels.

No Piping Bag?

Here's the solution: Just place the sauce in a plastic bag and cut off one corner tip to create fine lines when you drizzle.

Scrub and Sanitize with Citrus Fruits

Squeeze the life out of lemons, lime, calamansi or dalandan before throwing them out. Disinfect chopping boards by scrubbing them with it. Let it sit for 10 minutes then rinse away with water.

Tidy up your microwave oven in a snap! Fill a bowl with water and leftover citrus fruits, then put inside the microwave and heat for a minute. Remove the bowl. Unplug the microwave and wipe with a damp sponge.

For cleaner countertops, apply any available citrus fruits or combination of and baking soda on surfaces then rinse with damp cloth.

F.Y.Ice Cream

Use an ice cream that's not loaded with extenders. Softening and mixing it with other ingredients will cause your ice cream to deflate. Therefore, losing a lot of volume.

Facial From Your Pantry

You'll need:

• a cup of quick-cooking oats
• 2 whole eggs
• 2 tsps fresh milk
• 4 tsps honey
• ice cube

Here's how:

1. Make a thick paste of the first-four ingredients.
2. Using your finger tip, apply the paste to your face and scrub lightly. Leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
3. Gently scrub the ice cube to your face (this step will tighten your pores). Rinse again but this time with cool water.

Baking Tips for Cookies

1. Drop cookies leaving about 2" in between to allow spreading.
2. Make cookies of the same size and thickness, so that, they will bake at the same time.
3. For uniformity in size and shape; drop cookies can be made using a ice cream scooper, while for the molded cookies dough, it can be weighed.
4. If you have only 1-2 baking sheets, you can use it repeatedly for one batch of cookies without washing but make sure you dry and cool it first. Otherwise, the cookie dough will start melting before it reaches the oven and it will spread too much.
5. Remove cookies from the baking sheet while hot. Do not wait for them to cool and become crisp in the pan.
6. To avoid overspreading of drop cookies, sit the dough with cover inside the refrigerator for several minutes.