Print | Close X

10 Ways to Hide Cooking Goofs

You can hide everything from overcooked vegetables to stale rolls.

Overdone pasta
Image 1 of 10

From Comstock.com

Overdone pasta: Put in ice water or run under cold water for a few minutes to stop the cooking process and contract the starch. Then reheat in tomato sauce—the acid will perk it up further.

Sticky noodles
Image 2 of 10

From Comstock.com

Sticky noodles: Drain and cool immediately. Then return the pasta to a sauté pan, add at least one tablespoon of olive oil, and toss while reheating.

Overcharred steak
Image 3 of 10

From Comstock.com

Overcharred steak: It's all about spin, says John DeShetler, professor and chef at the Culinary Institute of America. Rub it with a mix of ground pepper, chili powder, and garlic, then present as "blackened." Or slice it up as is and use in stir-fries, salads, or fajitas.

Oversalted soup
Image 4 of 10

From Comstock.com

Oversalted soup: For clear soups, add some uncooked pasta or a raw, peeled potato to the pot. The starch will absorb much of the salt. Discard the pasta or potato after 15 to 20 minutes.

Dry fish
Image 5 of 10

From Comstock.com

Dry fish: Brush with a butter-and-lemon mixture, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro, marjoram, or savory. The sauce will add moisture, and "cool" herbs like these, flavor.

Overcooked vegetables
Image 6 of 10

From Comstock.com

Overcooked vegetables: Cool as quickly as possible, in ice water, just like with pasta, then reheat briefly in hot stock and squirt on some acid (lemon, lime, or even orange) before serving.

Stale rolls
Image 7 of 10

From Comstock.com

Stale rolls: Wet your fingers and flick some water on them, then microwave in a microwave-safe cooking bag for no more than five seconds, or wrap in foil and heat in a 250-degree oven for ten minutes.

Limp greens
Image 8 of 10

From Comstock.com

Limp greens: Bathe them briefly in a bowl of very cold water (no ice, which will bruise the leaves), then wrap in a damp towel and refrigerate.

Overripe fruit
Image 9 of 10

From Comstock.com

Overripe fruit: When it's too far gone for even fruit salad, use for smoothies, purees, sorbets, or ice cream.

Burned bread
Image 10 of 10

From Clipart.com

Burned bread: Scrape off the worst, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and present as crostini; or use for croutons.
Find more ways to hide everything

Comments :

Print | Close X