Showing posts with label kitchen tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kitchen tips. Show all posts
How To ( Freeze & Thaw ) Homemade Pizza Dough / Cooking Tips (Step By Step Pictures)
Forget about delivery pizza. Just keep a couple dough balls in the freezer, and you'll be able to whip up a homemade pizza faster than you could have one delivered.Make a large batch of pizza dough to save time and money when preparing the classic family favorite. Pizza dough freezes well if you wrap it properly. Prepare enough dough to last you for a few months for pizza anytime.
Ingredients:-
Pizza dough
Freezer bags & plastic wrap
A permanent marker
Click here to see my favorite Homemade pizza dough recipe ( Just replace honey with sugar to make it Vegan)
How To Make Pizza Dough:-
Prepare the pizza dough as you normally would and let it rise one time.Punch the dough down and separate it into round balls. Each ball should be enough dough to make whatever size pizza you usually make.
How To Freeze Pizza Dough:-
Wrap each ball of dough tightly twice in plastic wrap. Use enough plastic wrap so that the dough doesn't push its way out of the wrap.Place each wrapped ball of dough in a zip-top bag and squeeze out the air, then seal. Label the bags with the date and "Pizza Dough" so that you can find and identify them later.
How To Thaw:-
Simply thaw your dough in the fridge overnight. Then, take it out, and allow it to come to room temperature and to go through the first rise. Proceed with your pizza recipe as usual.
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Notes / Tips:
1) If your recipe makes enough dough for more than one pizza, divide your dough into individual pizza amounts before you package it for the freezer.
2) Store your pizza dough in the freezer until you need it. It'll keep indefinitely, but is best used within three months.
3)Turn this kid-friendly favorite into a complete meal by serving it with a side salad. Add a selection of veggies such as cucumber, diced tomato and chopped carrots. Top with a creamy dressing.
4)The pizza dough should be frozen after it has risen once and been knocked back. Divide the dough into your preferred portion sizes, wrap loosely in clingfilm and seal each ball of dough tightly in a freezer bag. Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge, or for 2-3 hours at room temperature, then roll out, spread on toppings and bake.
5)It’s best to transfer frozen dough from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before (or 10 to 12 hours before) you want to use it. But the dough balls pulled straight from the freezer and left to warm up on the counter will be completely defrosted in about 1-1/2 hours. The dough is practically indestructible.
6)If you want to bake the pizzas next day then do not freeze ,just line a floured baking sheet , put the dough balls on it, and cover them with plastic wrap, giving them room to expand (they’ll almost double in size), and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. To use dough that has been refrigerated overnight, simply pull it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before shaping the dough into a pizza.
7)Use a pizza stone and preheat it in a crazy hot oven for 30 minutes before baking. This gives you a great crispy crust and chewy, doughy center.
MY COLLECTION OF FAVORITE PIZZA RECIPES
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Ingredients:-
Pizza dough
Freezer bags & plastic wrap
A permanent marker
Click here to see my favorite Homemade pizza dough recipe ( Just replace honey with sugar to make it Vegan)
Prepare the pizza dough as you normally would and let it rise one time.Punch the dough down and separate it into round balls. Each ball should be enough dough to make whatever size pizza you usually make.
Wrap each ball of dough tightly twice in plastic wrap. Use enough plastic wrap so that the dough doesn't push its way out of the wrap.Place each wrapped ball of dough in a zip-top bag and squeeze out the air, then seal. Label the bags with the date and "Pizza Dough" so that you can find and identify them later.
Simply thaw your dough in the fridge overnight. Then, take it out, and allow it to come to room temperature and to go through the first rise. Proceed with your pizza recipe as usual.
More KITCHEN TIPS
1) If your recipe makes enough dough for more than one pizza, divide your dough into individual pizza amounts before you package it for the freezer.
2) Store your pizza dough in the freezer until you need it. It'll keep indefinitely, but is best used within three months.
3)Turn this kid-friendly favorite into a complete meal by serving it with a side salad. Add a selection of veggies such as cucumber, diced tomato and chopped carrots. Top with a creamy dressing.
4)The pizza dough should be frozen after it has risen once and been knocked back. Divide the dough into your preferred portion sizes, wrap loosely in clingfilm and seal each ball of dough tightly in a freezer bag. Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge, or for 2-3 hours at room temperature, then roll out, spread on toppings and bake.
5)It’s best to transfer frozen dough from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before (or 10 to 12 hours before) you want to use it. But the dough balls pulled straight from the freezer and left to warm up on the counter will be completely defrosted in about 1-1/2 hours. The dough is practically indestructible.
6)If you want to bake the pizzas next day then do not freeze ,just line a floured baking sheet , put the dough balls on it, and cover them with plastic wrap, giving them room to expand (they’ll almost double in size), and let them rise in the refrigerator overnight. To use dough that has been refrigerated overnight, simply pull it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before shaping the dough into a pizza.
7)Use a pizza stone and preheat it in a crazy hot oven for 30 minutes before baking. This gives you a great crispy crust and chewy, doughy center.
How To Buy,Store & Freeze Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb and is sometimes referred to as coriander.Cilantro and Coriander come from the same plant, but they are not the same thing — although the words are often used interchangeably. "Cilantro" refers to the herb — the green leafy bits. "Coriander"refers the spice — the roots and seeds, which are usually dried.
It makes a good complement to spicy foods. Cilantro is commonly used in Asian, Mexican and Indian cuisines.Although it is usually just the leaves of the fresh cilantro plant that are used, the stems and roots are edible as well.Cilantro is typically sold in bundles of fresh leaves and stems or grown in the garden.
Cilantro is available year-round.Choose cilantro with bright,aromatic & evenly-colored green leaves, showing no sign of yellowing or wilting.If it has no aroma, it will have no flavor
1) As soon as you arrive home with fresh cilantro, remove the cilantro from the produce bag.
2)Pick out any wilted leaves & remove any leaves at the bottom of the stems. (You do not want the leaves in the water.)
1) Place the stems (with roots intact if attached) in a glass of water and cover the the top loosely with a plastic bag.Leave plenty of room for the leaves to breath but secure it tightly around the bottom of the glass with a rubber band and refrigerate.
2) When ready for use, simply pull out or snip off the desired amount and re-cover.
3)The water should be changed every 2 to 3 days and also pick out any wilted leaves when you do.
4)Do not wash the herb until you are ready to use it.This technique will keep your cilantro fresh for up to 2 weeks.
1) Gently rinse the bunch in cool water and let air dry.. I even pat them with a towel sometimes. Get them dry as possible.
2) Snip the tips of the stems with a pair of scissors/kitchen shears Or pick the leaves if you don't like using the stem part in your food.
3)After the leaves are completely dry i put them in a airtight ziplock container or freezer bag. Label them with name & date & freeze.
4) When ready to use just break the amount you need, give it a rough chop and add to your dish..Do not thaw before using.
Or
Place a small amount dry cilantro leaves in a single layer on a cookie sheet. When frozen, gather into a ziplock bag, returning to the freezer immediately. Use within 6 months.
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Notes/Tips:-
Frozen cilantro is not great for garnishes, but it’s just fine for most recipes, including guacamole, soups, and any sauce that calls for fresh cilantro.
When freezing ,after picking the leaves, mix them with a small amount of olive oil... just enough to coat the leaves. Then pack into freezer bags and freeze for later use. The olive oil makes it really easy to separate the frozen leaves and also adds an extra flavor to the mix.
Frozen cilantro separates fairly easily and even in chunks chops easily on a cutting board.
You can also puree the leftover herbs(any) with just a little oil and freeze the puree in ice cube trays.
Cilantro can be frozen for upto 4-6 months.
Do not wash the cilantro until you are ready to use it, as it tends to go bad more quickly when moist.
Fresh cilantro leaves do not simmer well because heat diminishes their flavor quickly. The leaves should be removed from their stems and added to a dish just before serving. In fact, a very quick rough chop of the leaves will release the herb’s full strength of flavor; again, chop and use immediately.
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How To Make & Freeze Your Own Wraps/Burritos for Healthy, Tasty & Cheap Breakfasts/Lunches/Dinners ( Step By Step Pictures)
Burritos are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner it's fast, portable, and can be ready in under 2 minutes by freezing it ahead.These are not only easy to make but also freeze well, and give you complete control over what's inside
Take sometime on Sunday to make and freeze a batch of your favorite burritos, then enjoy a hot and incredibly filling meal anytime all week long, that only takes 2 minutes .
These are the BEST and will keep you full for hours!You can fill your burritos with whatever ingredients you like best,these are easy on the budget and a perfect make-ahead idea from leftover too.Just divide your leftovers evenly among the tortillas, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze, Voila.
Assemble Your Burrito:- Lay large (8″) flour tortillas out on a clean surface & Divide the fillings evenly between the tortillas.
Roll the burritos :- By folding over the top of the tortilla, folding in the sides, then rolling to the end.
Prepare To Freeze :-Wrap each one in plastic wrap then, if the ingredients inside differ, mark the outside with the initials.After wrapping i usually put then in a freezer in a tray for 1 hour or so until it firms up.Date and label a freezer bag, then place the burritos inside and freeze.
How To Reheat The Frozen Burrito:-When you’re ready to eat, Remove a breakfast burrito from your freezer about five to 10 minutes before breakfast(if possible:). Unwrap the burrito and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the burrito on medium-high for two to three minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add condiments, such as vgean sour cream or chipotle dressing, after the burrito is heated.
OPTIONAL STEP:- Unwrap the burrito & microwave on microwave safe plate for 1 minute , then Coat an 8-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium to medium-high heat.Transfer the burrito to the hot skillet (seam side down ) and cook until light brown, carefully flip the burrito and cook the another side. ( this step can be skipped if you have cooked tortilla, mine was not cooked).
Wrap in foil if desired. Repeat with the rest of the tortillas
Breakfast is served!..Enjoy :)
Notes:-
1)Whenever making burrotis keep the ingredients simple and flavorful. Rice, beans, sautéed vegetables,roasted potatoes and/or a sprinkle of vegan cheese will do the trick.
2) DO NOT ADD fresh vegetables, like fresh tomatoes or lettuce as they don't take freeze well.
3) Allow your burrito filling to cool, place it in a warm tortilla, wrap the burrito and let the tortilla cool to room temperature. Freezing hot burritos can cause uneven freezing, which can alter the texture and taste of the food.
4)Ideal way to freeze your wraps once you've made them is to wrap them in foil, then tightly wrap them again in plastic wrap. Doing both may create a lot of waste, but it ensures that your precious burritos aren't exposed to freezer air, and your food doesn't spoil or get freezer burned before you get a chance to eat it. ( I didn't do this way as i used double sided freezer bags )
5)You can also thaw burritos in the refrigerator overnight, then wrap each in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until hot. The thawed burritos can also be deep fried for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
6)If frozen carefully, the burritos can last for a year.( It will be gone wayyyy before that i promise..:)
Burrito Pictured above is 3 Ingredient Healthy Vegan Burrito ,one of my all time favorite.
Has anyone else tried freezer burritos? What are your favorite ingredients? How about a breakfast burrito?
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Super Easy & Effective Ways To Clean Your Your Kitchen Appliances
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Ghost Pancakes ( Halloween Breakfast )
These pancakes are perfect for Halloween. Start off your Halloween morning with a spooky pancake breakfast.These ghost pancakes would be such a simple and easy Halloween breakfast treat! Serve with a side of fruit and enjoy!
Ingredients:
Your favorite pancake batter
Chocolate Chips
Check out my collection of pancake recipes here
Procedure:-
1) Heat a non stick skillet/ griddle on a medium heat.
2)Spread the pancake batter in blobs on the pan, 1 1/2 tablespoons of batter at a time. Do not worry too much about the shapes, just make sure they aren’t circles.
3)Place two chocolate chips, pointy side down, on the pancakes for eyes and another chocolate chip for the mouth.
4) Cook until bubbly on top and set on edges. Turn; cook other side.
Notes:-
1) You can use berries or raisins or craisins instead of chocolate chips.
2) No two ghosts will be exactly the same and that makes it fun! For even more fun, if your kids are old enough they can make the pancakes themselves!
3)Frozen chocolate chips work best as they don't melt and make the griddle sticky.
4) Alternative Way to make ghost pancakes:- Pre-fill a squirt bottle with pancake batter. Squirt outline on hot griddle first, then fill in with more batter.Cook one side of ghost and then flip. let second side get to the point of being almost done and then insert chocolate chip eyes. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on pancakes right before serving to give them more of a ghostly glow!
5)Need a good pancake recipe..check out my collection of pancake recipes here
Basic Indian Style Tomato Gravy #VEGAN ( How To Make In Bulk And Freeze ) Step By Step Pictures
This traditional Indian Style Tomato Gravy can be used as a base for all sorts of vegetables or tofu . This is often referred to as a "curry". It is usually eaten with plain white rice or with Indian Bread Roti/Naan/Paratha.
How To Make Basic Indian Style Tomato Gravy In Bulk & Freeze For Quick Meals
Preparation Time:- 15 Minutes
Cooking Time:- 30-40 Minutes
Makes:- Gravy for 3-4 Curries approx
Recipe Source:- Preety's Kitchen
Ingredients:-
Oil:- 1/4 Cup
Cumin seeds:- 1 Tbsp
Bay Leaves:- 2
Garlic:- 1/8 Cup, chopped
Ginger:- 1/8 Cup,chopped
Onion:- 5-6 medium/small size, chopped
Tomato Puree:- 4 Cups ( Grind the fresh tomatoes until smooth to make tomato puree)
Salt
Turmeric Powder:- 1 Tbsp
Red Chilli Powder:- 1 Tbsp
Garam Masala Powder:- 1 Tbsp
Coriander Powder:- 1/2 Tbsp
Dried Mango Powder/ Aamchoor Powder:- 1/2 Tbsp
Cardamom Powder:- 1 Tsp
Nutmeg:- A Pinch
Cinnamon:- 1/2 Tsp
Brown Sugar:- 1 Tbsp
Procedure:-
1) Grind the onion ,ginger and garlic together in a food processor till you get a smooth paste.
2) Heat the oil in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pan on a medium flame. When hot add cumin seeds & bay leaf.
4)Add the onion , ginger & garlic paste you prepared. Fry until light brown in color and all the moisture from onion paste is gone.
4)Add the tomato puree, sugar and all the spices. Cook for 15-20 minutes stirring in between until the raw smell of tomatoes are gone and gravy is well cooked. Do the taste test and make any adjustments if needed.
5)Switch of the gas, let the gravy cool down .
How To Store / Freeze The Basic Indian Style Tomato Gravy
1) Label the bags and fill the gravy ( as much you need for one recipe individually) in the freezer safe zip lock bags or airtight containers.
2) Put all the bags in one big gallon size freezer safe bag to avoid any leakage and pop them into the freezer.
When ready to use just take out one ziplock and put the frozen gravy directly in a pan and heat it on medium-low heat. As soon as it melted you can add anything of your choice like mix of precut frozen veggeis, or cut tofu or potatoes ,chickpeas and peas, etc.Let it come to a boil and do the taste test , adjust the seasonings if you want ( you can add any other seasonings if to like depending on what recipe you are making) and then switch off the gas. Sprinkle some cilantro leaves over the top and serve hot.
More Vegan Recipes & Kitchen Tips
How to Freeze Pancakes For Quick Breakfast / Cooking Tip
Make and freeze pancakes in advance and enjoy them anytime. This is a great way to help you save money and TIME.It really makes mornings a lot easier!Once they're frozen, reheating pancakes is simple enough that even older children can warm them up for breakfast on their own.
How to Freeze Pancakes
1)Make your favorite pancakes (Double the recipe if you want) Check out some great pancake recipes here
2) Allow to cool completely.
3) Once they are cool. Place the pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes. (This step is important to prevent the pancakes from sticking together. SEE NOTES BELOW FOR ALTERNATIVE WAY)
4)Place them in a freezer bag or container and freeze. Before freezing, label with the name/type of pancakes and date that they were made.
Microwave: Place frozen pancakes on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave uncovered on high for about 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, or until heated through, but don’t overcook them or they’ll get tough.Then finish in the toaster for another minute or so to crisp up the edges.
Toaster Oven:-Slide the lever to the lightest setting . Pop the pancakes in the slots and toast on one or two cycles until warm.
Conventional Oven: Place frozen pancakes in a single layer on a cookie sheet and cover with foil. Bake in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot,cover tightly with foil, which will keep them from drying out.
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Notes / Tips:-
1) Use the frozen pancakes within 1 to 2 months for best quality.
2) Use the same method to freeze the WAFFLES &/OR FRENCH TOAST
3) You Can also freeze the pancake batter:- Mix up your favorite batter and pour it into a gallon size ziplop bag .Ensure all the excess air is out of the bag. Seal and freeze.Whenever you're ready ,just thaw in warm water or overnight in the refrigerator. Cut off a corner of the bag and pipe the pancakes directly onto the hot griddle.
4)Alternately, if a baking sheet won’t fit in your freezer or you are simply feeling lazy (like i always do) then freeze pancakes by placing a square of wax or parchment paper between each one in a stack.
5) Unless a freezer bag shows signs of wear rinse and reuse! Not only will this save your wallet, it helps reduce the amount of waste in our landfills.
How To Revive Stale Chips
Microwaving stale potato or tortilla chips restores their crispiness beautifully.
Spread 2 Cups of chips on a pyrex pie plate and microwave on high for 1 minute. Place the hot chips on a double layer of paper towels and allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Source:- America's Test Kitchen Tip
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How To Use Pantry Door For Storage / Kitchen Storage Tips
When it comes to storage/organization every inch counts, so why not make use of doors too. I bought this spice rack and hung on my pantry door for more storage. Put some hooks on the side to hang whatever you need. Just keep in mind to put lighter objects on the rack.
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How To Use Binder Clips In The Kitchen
It can be used to hold the recipe cards while cooking/baking .It holds the card upright which is easy to read and out of your way.Also use them for keeping all recipe clippings together in one place.
Use a binder clip to keep your sponges cleaner, longer, allowing it to air dry.
Use binder clips to reseal multi-serve bags of frozen foods, pretzels, chips etc.
Binder clips also come in handy to keep kitchen-towel in place.
Use them to keep garbage bags from slipping down into your trash can.
And last but not least They're great for clipping coupons together & keep them in your purse or car.
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How To Prepare Perfectly Crunchy Raw Onions For Salad (With Pictures)
Sometimes raw onions are too harsh to eat but this simple ice water trick makes them entirely palatable. Soaking in an ice water gives them an incredible crunch. These are great for salads or serve over burgers.
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