Submitted by Ana
To check if your meat is done, hold up one of your hands with all fingers extended, but relaxed. Feel the fleshiest part of your palm (the part right below your thumb). That’s what rare meat feels like. Then place your index finger to your thumb. This is medium-rare. Do the same with your middle finger; it’s medium well. With your pinky it’s well done.
Submitted by Ali
If you are looking for a way to spice up basic meat dishes like grilled steak, baked chicken, or sautéed shrimp, marinate them in an oil-based salad dressing. Any variety of Italian or Vinagrette will do. The oil helps to keep the meat moist & the flavorings will add that little zip you are looking for to fancy it up. It’s like the instant marinade in a bottle. With so many varieties these days you can try different ones to find your own favorite recipe.
Submitted by randilicious
If the recipe calls for vanilla extract & you have none on hand, try using equal amounts of Kahlua instead. Alternately when a recipe calls for vanilla extract, along with the vanilla toss in a half portion of Kahlua (e.g. if the recipe calls for 1 tbsp of vanilla extract, toss in 1 tbsp vanilla extract and ½ tbsp Kahlua). If you’re concerned about getting drunk on your creation, only do this for recipes that involve heating as the alcohol will boil off but the taste will remain.
