Friday Tips

One of my adorable readers suggested that I post a weekly feature on handy kitchen tips. Her suggestion also included the idea of substituting orange juice for buttermilk. I'm pretty sure she was kidding...but seriously, don't do that! However, if you ARE out of buttermilk, here's how to make some "faux buttermilk" aka "sour milk" that will work in your recipe without having to run to the store.

Also more on our old friend baking soda!

I've Run Out of....
Buttermilk

Substitute:
Sour Milk. Stir 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
into 1 cup milk. Let stand for 10-15 minutes. Measure
and use as for buttermilk.

Kitchen Item of the Week...Baking Soda:
Sadly, there is no substitute for baking soda! You will have to go to the store and buy some more. :( However, it's cheap and handy to have on hand.

Baking soda has lots of other uses:

Medicinal: Baking soda can be used as an antacid, and according to one of my friends is the best thing to have around for pregnancy related heartburn. (However, don't use it if you're on a sodium restricted diet.)

Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to 1/2 cup water, dissolve completely and drink. Can be repeated in 2 hours if necessary.

Household: A baking soda paste will remove tarnish from silver.
Added to toothpaste, it's a mild abrasive that helps clean your teeth.
It's better than vinegar, salt or hot water alone in removing pesticides from vegetables.
Can help remove musty odors from books (although I kind of like that musty smell...)
Cleans tiles and and porcelain.
Can help maintain PH in water (like pools and ponds)

More information can be found at http://www.armhammer.com

Here are the instructions to make sure your baking soda & baking powder are still working.

To test baking soda's effectiveness: mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons of vinegar and the mixture should bubble immediately.

To test baking powder's effectiveness: mix 1 teaspoon baking powder with ½ cup hot water and the mixture should bubble immediately. Store in a cool dry place. Baking powder should be replaced every 6-12 months.