Q: What type of cutting board is the most sanitary?
A: Wood, plastic and composite cutting boards clean equally when washed.

Q: What is the best way to measure boiled water?
A: When a recipe asks for boiled water, boil the water before measuring; there is some quantity lost in the process of boiling.

Q: How long does baking powder and baking soda maintain "oomph"?
A: For best results, replace your baking powder and baking soda every 6 months.

Q: What is the shelf life for white and wheat flour?
A: White flour stores fine for one year in the pantry; however, wheat flour should be enclosed in a zipper-lock bag and stored in the freezer for up to one year at most.

Q:What is the best way to get a pit out of an avacado?
A: Cut around the avocado lenghwise down to the seed. Rotate two halves gently in opposite directions to separate them. Plunk a large, sharp knife into the seed, twist the knife, and out comes the seed.

Q: Can I bake a cake in a slow cooker?
A: YES, you can even bake a cake in a pressure cooker!

Q: How can I soften the sour flavor when I bake with sourdogh?
A: Add one teaspoon of baking soda to the dough.

Q: Should I use saffron for its taste or its color?
A: For both.

Q: How do I season a stainless steel pan to make it non-stick?
A: Heat the pan over low heat until a drop of water scatters across its surface.
Then remove pan from heat and add one TBS of light vegetable oil.
Do not use olive oil. Swirl the oil around the interior surfaces or use a paper towel to spread the oil and you are ready to cook.

Q: How do I clean the fond (blackened meat juices or residue after cooking) off the bottom of a pan?
A: Add water to the pan and bring to a boil. Boiling process will remove residue. To restore shine, stop at Habitat and pick up some Red Bear polish.

Q: How do I keep my aluminum cookie cutters or my carbon steel wok from rusting?
A: Wash and dry these products by hand. Do not put them in the dishwasher.
Use paper towels to dry them. Briefly heat the wok on top of the stove to
thoroughly dry it. Heat the cookie cutters on a try in a 300-degree oven for
5 minutes to thoroughly dry them.