The Mandoline: Slicing Made Easy
I’ve worked in restaurants off and on since I was a teenager. As a result, I’ve gotten pretty good at eyeballing consistent sizes when slicing anything. Then, I was given the gift of a Mandoline Slicer.
I love this contraption! Now, any dish I prepare that is best served by consistenly sized veggies (e.g., pickle chips or scalloped potatoes or sliced radishes for salad) is prepared using my mandoline. There are a couple reasons why consistent size is important; 1) same-sized veggies cook evenly, and 2) a dish with even sized pieces presents better, too! Things just look and taste better, in my humble opinion. Another BIG plus is that slicing goes SO much faster!
If you think a mandoline is a tool you’d like, one thing I’d strongly recommend is to look at one that includes a knuckle guard. The last thing you want to do is get caught up in your work and get too close to the blade.
Photo credit: Amazon.com
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Yard Larder: Dandelion Flower
Where I live, in rural Maine, the dandelion is not viewed as a yard intruder. We don’t mind wildflowers popping up in our yards. I shouldn’t speak for everyone, I guess, but I certainly don’t mind. I think they’re pretty, and thanks to a friend, see the flowers as a tasty appetizer, too.
Eat dandelion flowers? You bet! Dandelion flowers are the basis for dandelion wine. For a side dish, here’s a recipe for Dandelion Mushrooms that will surprise you with it’s flavor, which is reminiscent of friend mushrooms. This is the basic recipe. Use your kitchen creativity to spice it up how you like.
Dandelion “Mushrooms”
15 dandelion flowers, rinsed in water, but still slightly moist
1/2 cup flour or cornmeal
Enough butter or oil to fry
The previous three ingredients are really all that’s needed for this treat, but if you’d like a battered version, here are those ingredients.
1 egg
1/4-1/3 cup milk (depending on how full you like batter)
1/2 cup flour
Heat the butter/oil in a heavy frying pan.
Dredge the moist flowers in flour, or dip in batter to cover.
Fry quickly, turning to brown all sides.
These are best hot, but are good no matter what. I add salt and pepper at least, sometimes cajun spice or cayenne pepper. Flex your creative muscles.
Photo credit: ugod
Downsizing Clutter Sanely
This is part two in series on downsizing clutter.
I admit the process of downsizing and removing clutter can be daunting. Yes, let’s be honest. Your clutter didn’t accumulate overnight and it’s not going to depart your house in one night either. It’s a step by step process. How can you sanely downsize clutter and those excess belongings without losing your mind or being bogged down in, ” Where do I start?” Read more
Downsizing Your Clutter
This is part one of a two part series on downsizing clutter with a purpose. Read more
Keeping String, Twine and Ribbon Organized
Flickr Photo Credit: Lainey’s Repertoire
Need to keep those crafting and gift wrapping supplies under control? Finding some of these items to be the most challenging? Read more
Home Organizing Notebooks
Flickr Photo Credit: Dan4th
I started posting on this a while ago . . . the idea of having a reference manual for the running of your home on a regular and emergency basis. Read more
Helpful Hints: Organizing Your Sheets
Flickr Photo Credit: Melissago
OK, I admit it. I’m no Martha Stewart when it comes to folding bed linens. In fact, for years I’ve struggled not only with folding those fitted sheets, but with keeping all of my sheets organized so I can easily grab a set when I need to make a bed. Here’s what I’ve been doing for a while now, and it’s working out well for me. Read more
Helpful Hints: A Great List of Hints from My Mother-In-Law
Flickr Photo Credit: Karindalziel
These just came in an email from my husband’s mother. She knows I’ve been posting a bunch of hints on the blog, there are some really neat ones here that I’ve never heard before. Read more
Helpful Hints: What You Can Do with Rubbing Alcohol
Flickr Photo Credit: L. Marie
There are a ton of things you can do with rubbing alcohol. Is this news to you? Read on. Read more
Budget Tip: Cold Water Laundry
Flickr Photo Credit: Yves Lorson
Very rarely do we use hot water on our laundry. Read more
