HOW TO: Make a Parchment Paper Cake Circle

Have you ever had a cake recipe that called for parchment paper at the bottom of your cake pan to avoid sticking?  In culinary school, every cake we made was lined with parchment paper because a cake that was stuck to a pan is a cake that can't be sold.  For me, lining cake pans with parchment paper became a habit.  So, to this day I always line my cake pans with parchment paper to ensure that my cakes come out easily. 

 

It's easy to line square and rectangle pans with parchment paper, but circles were a little more tricky.  You could trace your cake pan with a pencil on the bottom side of the parchment paper then cut it out.  But, here is a quicker and easier method for making parchment paper lining for circular cake pans.

 

 

HOW TO: Get Sticky Ingredients Out of Measuring Cups

You know when a recipe calls for a sticky ingredient like marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, corn syrup or molasses... Do you ever find that you measure out the proper amount and pour it into whatever it goes into and continue with your recipe.  Only once you are done with the recipe, you find 1/3 of the sticky contents stuck to the sides and bottom of your measuring tool instead of in the recipe? 

 

This used to happen to me frequently until I picked up a tip to avoid it in culinary school.  Spray a light mist of cooking spray into your measuring cups and/or spoons before measuring out the ingredient to allow the contents to slip right out. 

 

Side Dish Roundup: Broccoli Recipes

Do you ever feel like you prepare the same recipes over and over?  That is how I feel about side dishes.  I have the same 5 or 6 side dish recipes that I rotate between our meals.  So, I've decided to expand my repertoire and incorporate new side dishes into our menu.  Since I'm already doing the research, I thought I'd share the recipes I find with you.   My Side Dish Roundups will include recipes that I plan on testing and adding to our menu staples.  They look so delicious!  I can't wait to try them!

Broccoli is another favorite in our house, which is great because it's so good for you!   Broccoli is high in vitamin C and dietary fiber.  Plus, it has several nutrients with anti-cancer properties! We usually just steam broccoli as a side dish, so I was excited to find tasty ways to prepare this veggie!

 

Vegetarian Chickpea Casserole

My girlfriend, Kelsey, gave birth to the most adorable baby boy a few weeks ago.  So, a bunch of girlfriends and I set up a food train to supply meals to Kelsey and her family as they get settled in at home.  I usually like to prepare comfort foods like pastas, casseroles, etc.  However, this meal would have to be a little different as Kelsey and her husband are vegetarians.  Sadly, we don't have a lot of vegetarian meal options in our menu staples.  So, I started searching for a tasty and hearty meal that I could prepare for my friends.

I wanted to be sure Kelsey and her hubby would enjoy the meal, so I emailed her two recipes and asked her to choose the one that sounds the best. She chose this Chickpea Casserole recipe and I am so happy she did.  I made one for Kelsey's family and one for my one and can tell you that it is absolutely delicious! 

 

It is packed full of bright flavors and it definitely fills you up like only comfort food can.  The best part is it's food you can feel good about... No highly processed canned soups, light in dairy and full of protein!  Oh, and did I mention it is incredibly delicious!?   It is a perfect meatless main course and could absolutely work as a side dish as well. 

 

I'm so happy we tried this vegetarian dish as it has officially been added to our menu staples.  It is so GOOD!!!  Give it a try... you won't be sorry!

 

What's for Dinner?

'What's for dinner?' That question used to haunt me until I started Menu Planning over a year ago. Now, menu planning is a scheduled part of our weekend routine. See how we do it here.

So, what's for dinner?

 

Sunday: Terriyaki Chicken Sandwiches, sweet potato fries and salad

Monday: Hamburgers, beet chips and salad

Tuesday: Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Orzo & Zucchini Salad

Wednesday: Fajitas, beans and salad

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Eat Out

Saturday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, steamed broccoli and salad

HOW TO: Strengthen Nail Naturally

When I was in high school, I heard that rubbing garlic on your nails would strengthen them.  I was skeptical, but figured giving it a try wouldn't really cost me much.  So, I tried and was shocked to discover that it was true.  Garlic is definitely a natural nail strengthener.  So, any time my nails start feeling weak, I rub a little garlic on them and Voila!  Strong nails!  

 

I've been using garlic as a natural nail strengthener for... well, lets just say a long time.  :)  Give this method a try... you will NOT be disappointed!

Side Dish Roundup: Zucchini Recipes

Do you ever feel like you prepare the same recipes over and over?  That is how I feel about side dishes.  I have the same 5 or 6 side dish recipes that I rotate between our meals.  So, I've decided to expand my repertoire and incorporate new side dishes into our menu.  Since I'm already doing the research, I thought I'd share the recipes I find with you.   My Side Dish Roundups will include recipes that I plan on testing and adding to our menu staples.  They look so delicious!  I can't wait to try them!

Zucchini is a favorite in our house.  It's low in calories and full of folate, potassium, vitamin A and manganese.  So good for you!  I thought I'd come up with some new ways to prepare an old favorite.  Yummy!