Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: I know you are not supposed to put meat on the counter to thaw. So what is the best method for defrosting frozen meats in the microwave?

-- Lydia W. in Seattle

DEAR READER: You are correct, and this pertains more to meat, fish and fowl than veggies or bread, etc. For the microwave defrost method, here are the steps: Place the food on a microwave-safe plate or in a container (remove all wrapping and packaging) and select the "Defrost" button. This uses a low power setting to defrost, not cook. Expect to take somewhere from a few to five-plus minutes per pound, depending on your microwave and the size and weight of the food.

Rotate the food (several times) while defrosting if your microwave does not have this feature.

If defrosting ground meat, scrape off the thawed outer portion as it defrosts. If you don't, the outer meat will start to cook.

P.S.: The cool-water-and-sink method is good, too. Fill the sink with tap water, place the package in and, when the water is cold, drain and replace with more warm -- not hot -- water.

DEAR HELOISE: I just recently have joined the bandwagon of using parchment paper when I bake. When I use it, I use four plain magnets the size of a dime and anchor down the corners on my metal cookie sheets. Problem solved. Also helps when removing the cookie sheet from the oven, as the sheet doesn't slip off.

-- Mo in New Hampshire

DEAR READER: Mo, yes, this will hold the paper down, but remove the magnets before baking, just to be safe. They will be burning-hot when you take the cookie sheet out of the oven. Also, place the cookie dough on each corner of the parchment paper first. The weight will help keep the paper from curling up.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a son who is a chef. One day he made potato salad for us. He had a method to cook the cubed potatoes, then cooled them off immediately by pouring cold water over them. But what I found interesting was he squeezed fresh lemon juice on the potato salad. I have never tasted such flavorful potato salad in my life.

-- J.J., via email

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

Heloise@Heloise.com

Food on 05/18/2016

Upcoming Events