Kitchen Kraftiness

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So you're a whiz in the kitchen and can turn out a whole variety of dishes at short notice. But, do you know how to frost fruit, freeze cookie dough, bake with butter milk and make your own crème fraiche? Here are a few easy tips and tricks that are guaranteed to give you the culinary edge and boost your status from sous-chef to executive- chef.

How to make your own Creme Fraiche

In a glass bowl, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Stir gently till well mixed. Cover the bowl and let it stand at room temperature for at least 24 hours until it thickens.

How to make quick Caramel Apples

Place caramels and water in deep-sided microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until the caramels are fully melted and the resultant mixture is smooth. Stop the microwave and stir at least 2-3 times. Take bowl out of the microwave and dip apples in the hot caramel mixture. Turn apples in the mixture so that they get evenly coated; scrape excess from the bottom of the apple. Keep the coated apples in the refrigerator and when the caramel is set, drizzle melted chocolate over them. Let them stand on a tray lined with waxed paper until the chocolate is firm.

How to Frost Fruit

Brush strawberries, grapes or any fruit of your choice with light corn syrup using a pastry brush. Then roll the fruit in granulated sugar so they are well-coated and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. The frosted fruit will keep well in the refrigerator until ready to be used.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop, make even-sized balls of dough and place them on baking sheet that has been previously lined with parchment paper. Put the baking sheet in the freezer long enough so that the dough balls are frozen; this should take about one hour. Remove the baking sheet from the freezer, place frozen balls into a re-sealable plastic freezer bag and place it in the freezer. When needed, the frozen dough balls can be baked at the usual temperature, with a few minutes extra added to the baking time.

How to toast nuts to perfection

Here's a simple way to toast nuts and bring out their best flavor and texture. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet on a single layer and bake for 5 to 8 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Stir or toss often to ensure even browning and to avoid burning.

How to keep green vegetables looking green even after cooking

To prevent green vegetables from turning a dull olive color after cooking, always add them to a pot of rapidly boiling water salted water. Cook uncovered for a few minutes, then remove and dunk them immediately into cold water to stop them from cooking any further.

How to make ahead bacon bits

Bacon bit are handy for flavoring any dish especially when you are in a hurry. To have bacon bits on hand at any time, fry a few slices of bacon and when done, cool and crumble the pieces and freeze them. These bacon bits can be used as an easy and quick topping for casseroles and baked potatoes. They are also a wonderful addition to any salad.