Tips

For a kick, flavor vinegar with fresh herbs. Bruise one cup of leaves for every two cups of white wine or delicate vinegar. Allow to steep for two weeks.

When cooking meats, safe internal temperatures should be: Poultry (ground and cuts): 165 degrees; other ground meats: 160 degrees; beef, pork and lamb: 145 degrees.

Milk costs about 25 cents per 8-ounce serving. Dollar for dollar, dairy is one of the most affordable protein and nutrition sources available.

Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, and powdered herbs are more concentrated than dried. Each herb is slightly different, but a starting formula is: ¼ teaspoon powdered...

When grilling veggies and fruits, use a grill basket or skewers to keep them from falling through the grill grates. Stainless steel skewers won’t burn; soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes...

Always keep vegetable oil on hand. This versatile, healthy kitchen staple is made of soybeans, is a good source of vitamin E, contains Omega-3s, and has zero trans fats.

To freeze sweet corn, you need to cook it first. To keep from over-cooking it, cool it quickly in cold tap water, then ice water. Strain excess water, then bag, seal and freeze.

Sifting flour is only necessary if a recipe calls for it. But you’ll always want to stir flour to "loosen" it before measuring.