HANDY Kitchen Tips
Downsizing in the kitchen can be a challenge! Here, other readers clue you in on how they plan and prepare meals for one or two.
tipIn an earlier issue, a reader asked how to cut down a recipe when it calls for one egg. I solved that problem by using dry powdered egg substitute. So far, it has worked beautifully.
-Nancy P., Grants Pass, Oregon
tip When I make meat loaf, I make a full-size recipe and divide it into fourths-each is enough for two servings. I coat four 1-1/2-cup baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray and fill with the meat loaf mixture. I bake one for dinner and wrap the other three for the freezer. When we want meat loaf again, it's ready to thaw and bake.
-Susan W., Lakeview, Oregon
tipThe new silicon bakeware is great for RV cooking. It's lightweight and pliable, so it can be folded or rolled for storage.and it comes right back to shape when needed. Baked goods fall out neatly, and cleanup is a breeze.
-Sandy L, Naples, Florida
snack ideaIf you can't use up the entire can of whole-berry cranberry sauce, try this fun snack with the leftovers: Spread softened cream cheese on a tortilla all the way to the edge and top with a tablespoon or so of the cranberry sauce along one side. Add some chopped nuts, if you wish, and roll up the tortilla. Enjoy!
-Cecilia B., Des Moines, Iowa
tipI love to bake pies, but I can't finish a whole one. So I cut the cooled pie into pieces, leaving a 1/4-inch gap between each piece, and freeze it. Later, the pre-cut pieces are easy to remove, one at a time, and warm in the microwave for a "just-baked" taste.
-Lucille J., Wyoming, Illinois