Marian and John Bear, authors of How to Repair Food, have an easy way to fix burned rice. Turn off the burner, place the heel of a loaf of bread on top of the rice, cover the pot and wait for five minutes or so. The bread will absorb most of the rice's burned aroma. Then carefully remove the rice, leaving the burnt rice on the bottom of the pot.
Making real whipped cream for your holiday dinner but it just won't whip? Do not despair, it can be repaired. First, chill the cream, bowl and beaters well. Set the bowl of cream into a bowl of ice while you are whipping. Add the white of an egg. Chill and then whip. If the cream still does not stiffen, gradually whip in 3 or 4 drops of lemon juice. If you need to whip your cream ahead of time, add a touch of unflavoured gelatin (1/4 teaspoon per cup) to keep it from separating.
Are your mashed potatoes looking more like mush potatoes? If your potatoes are a little overcooked don't add the milk, instead use dry powdered milk for the fluffiest mashed potatoes.
Too much salt? For salty soups or stews add one thinly sliced potato per litre while simmering. Remove the cooked potatoes once they have absorbed the salt and turned opaque. You could also add a teaspoon each of cider vinegar and sugar. Gradually add cider vinegar and sugar in 1/2 teaspoon increments. First add 1/2 teaspoon sugar, taste and add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar if necessary. Repeat if required.
Burned your gravy? Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter to smooth out the flavour.
When you are about to serve dinner and realize your hands smell like garlic or onion just rinse them under cold water while rubbing with a large stainless steel spoon.
Hope these tips help keep your kitchen disaster free! For a guaranteed success this holiday season try this No-Fuss Roast Turkey & Fixings recipe:
No-Fuss Roast Turkey and Fixings