Author: Gail McGaffigan

You’re all set to put together a quick cheesecake; when you remember that it didn’t come out too good last time – You didn’t bother to soften the cream cheese first. You’re here to find out: What is a quick way to soften cream cheese? Discard wrapper and set cheese in a heatproof glass bowl.… Continue reading What is a Quick Way to Soften Cream Cheese?(quick answer + $1 DIY Boursin)

You’re just about to bake your favorite cookie recipe; when you remember that it won’t work, if the butter is still hard from the fridge. You’re here to discover: What is a quick way to soften butter? Place wrapped stick of butter on a plate. Microwave for five seconds. Roll the stick over 1/4 turn… Continue reading What is a Quick Way to Soften Butter? (quick answer + DIY $1 whipped butter)

For a long time, I seemed to have one pork chop problem after another- One recipe would leave them dry; another was moist, but tough. Just when I got it perfect, the sauce burned…but now, I can answer the question: “What is the best way to tenderize pork chops?”  Simply do not overcook them. Instead… Continue reading What is the Best Way to Tenderize Pork Chops? (quick answer)

Ground coffee looks great in clear jars; but a day or two later, it doesn’t taste so great. You are probably wondering, “what is the best way to store ground coffee?” Protect your coffee with the high standards used by law enforcement to preserve evidence: in small, vacuum-sealed packets.  Forget all of the other articles… Continue reading What is the Best Way to Store Ground Coffee (forensic science method)

Why are potatoes so great when you get them; but not-so-great later: bad spots, green patches, sprouting? You’re undoubtedly wondering: “What is the best way to store potatoes?” Scientists confirm that potatoes hold their quality the longest and best when kept in their original, vented, plastic bag. Close the whole bag inside a brown paper… Continue reading What is the Best Way to Store Potatoes?(quick answer & cancer warning)

Unless you’re looking for a really soggy pizza experience, step away from that microwave, and learn: “What is the best way to reheat pizza?”  Set oven time 375°. Place pizza on greased foil, upon a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes; or until it has reached desired browning, and an internal temperature of at least… Continue reading What is the Best Way to Reheat Pizza? (Quick answer & issues)

If melting chocolate does not always go well for you, you’re undoubtedly wondering… “What is the best way to melt chocolate?” Microwave the chocolate until it is about half-melted. This should take 30-60 seconds, depending on how much chocolate you’re melting and the strength of your microwave. Remove and stir with a silicone spatula. There… Continue reading What is the Best Way to Melt Chocolate? (Quick Answer)