- Question: I struggle with timing a meal properly. What are your suggestions?
- Answer: Timing is very tricky- it was actually the LAST thing I “mastered” when learning to really cook. I make salads ahead of time and refrigerate (do not put dressing on yet). I also make desserts ahead of time- if you are baking and want the “fresh out of the oven feel” you can make up your pie or cookie batter and put it in the refrigerator. When you are eating- pop it in the oven and set the timer. Whala. Do not be afraid to make sides up and set them in an oven set on 170- you can also microwave many dishes without damaging the food (I do this with mashed potatoes-you can do this with rice and pasta-you can also add noodles back into hot water for a brief moment and strain again) I typically cook meats last- they are best hot off the grill- you don’t want meats sitting around. Microwaving meat definately changes it :)I typically have things made up before guests arive..lol, it is SO hard for me to cook and talk at the same time. I talk too much or I get in a “zone” and ignore my guests.
- Question: How can I start a “Meal Ministry?”
- Answer: A meal ministry can be as simple as making extra food for anyone you feel led to bless to cooking for large crowds for church, homeless, etc. It can take very little time/money to a lot of time and money! Whatever the case- if you are feeling led to this ministry it will be a huge blessing for the receiver and to YOU! Two sites I recommend are Meal Train, and Take Them A Meal – these sites allow you to gather a group of people via e-mail together to bless a particular person. For example, if you know someone who has undergone surgery, you can go on this site and send out e-mails letting friends know this family needs a meal. These sites do a lot of the work for you and are very easy to use.
- Question: I am nervous to step out of my comfortable zone and bless someone. I know it is the right thing, and I feel led…but I am a little embarrassed. Help.
- Answer: I “get it” I SO do….I used to be “shy” until someone told me that if I pretended to be outgoing no one would know the difference. It made sense! I started doing just that and then began to ask God to guide me to the people he wanted me to help. It is amazing when you submit to God’s will, how very close you feel to Him. I typically will make food for someone tell them I wanted to share God’s love with them today and ask if they will accept it. I have NEVER had someone tell me no 🙂
- Question: What is the difference between softened and melted butter? Does it matter?
- Answer:Yessss it matters, believe it or not! To soften butter, let it sit out at room temp or you can microwave for 15 seconds. Melted butter is completely melted. If you add melted butter to cookie dough most likely you will end up with flat/hard cookies. Don’t over melt!
- Question: I see that you grate your own cheese…why not buy bagged?
- Answer: Bagged cheese is a “Pet Peeve” of mine- I can’t help it! Blocked tastes better, is creamier, less expensive per cup, lasts longer and is not coated in cellulose (saw dust). Yes, you guessed it- your bagged cheese may be covered in sawdust. It takes about 5 extra mins to shred your own cheese and it is SO worth it.
- Question: I never have buttermilk on hand, is there a substitute?
- Answer: Yes! add 1 Tbsp of white vinegar OR 1 Tbsp of lemon juice to milk and let sit for 5 mins and stir well. This will give the same effect that buttermilk would.
