"Chefy" Tip of the Day

[Kchurchill5]

I thought this might be fun to do.

In catering, you look to find easy ways, 'tips/tricks,' to really make your food look fancy - special - or unique. When really, it isn't anything difficult.

So, my first tip is COMPOUND BUTTER.
Yes, that simple. You can add it to steak, chicken, pork, vegetables, baked spuds, grilled bread, etc.
It also freezes well; so, you can just cut off a slice when needed.
And, you can make a host of flavors.

- Orange or lemon zest and juice, shallot, garlic, thyme, parsley, oregano
(now, depending on what you are cooking, you can really add any herbs)
- Maple syrup, orange zest and juice
- Lime juice and zest, jalapeno, garlic, shallot
- Honey, grapefruit, nuts
- Red wine, garlic, shallot, rosemary, thyme
- White wine, shallots, lemon juice and zest, herbs
- Cumin, chili powder, garlic, lime juice and zest, shallot
- Your favorite jelly or preserves, and nuts

You get the idea. You can go sweet, savory, or spicy. Just mix with butter. Add to a small sheet of parchment paper; and roll into a log. Twist the ends; and put in a freezer ziploc bag. Then, cut off a slice when needed.
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Turn, plain rice, pasta, veggies or proteins into something really delish!

[LindasBusyKitchen]

Great idea Kim!

[Kchurchill5]

Thx, anyone can chime in their favorite ideas tips/tricks anything.

There are tons of really cool ideas out there; and, many we all know - but, nice to share and remind people of some easy tricks. Especially with the holidays coming.

[Kchurchill5]

Think of corn on the cob with chipotle lime butter
Grilled chicken with green chile cotija cheese butter
and ...
Cilantro, garlic, lime and shallot butter on the side tossed with white rice.

Face it, you would probably add butter to the cob and rice anyways; so, why not jazz it up. And, a little of the cheesy butter on the chicken is a bonus!!

[LindasBusyKitchen]

I am going to love this thread

[lovinretirement]

A quick and easy way to slice fresh mushrooms is by using your hard boiled egg slicer. But the mushrooms must be fresh, because if they're a little old, the outside "skin" will get soft and will just tear.

[Memack]

THANK YOU KChurchill5!

[Kchurchill5]

Love the mushroom idea. I have to try that one. Welcome Memack

[Kchurchill5]

Hey, how about the Rachel Ray Tip ... but, I hate to tell her. I saw it before she did it.

Place a cooling rack or grate over a bowl; then, press your eggs over it to make perfectly chopped eggs for egg salad. Or do avocado for perfect guacamole.

And you can do boiled potatoes too. I cut them in half after they are boiled and press them through the grate. Easier than a ricer; quick and easy.

[Kchurchill5]

The egg slicer ... Cut a big whole dill pickle in 2" pieces. Then, use the egg slicer. Perfect slices. Then, turn 1/2 way and slice again. Perfect diced pickles for tarter sauce or anything else. Easy Peasy!!!