It’s a Date

Unlike what many people think, expiration dates are more like suggestions. They’re a guideline for peak freshness, not a death sentence. Use your senses—smell, look closely, and taste. If it smells okay and looks normal, you’re probably in the clear.

הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם

‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Recaptured 80s‎‏ (@‏‎recaptured80s‎‏)‎‏

Understand Labels

Understanding labels is key. “Use by” has to do with freshness, while “sell by” is only meant for retailers. It’s not a countdown to the food apocalypse. Learn to understand the language, and you’re likely to save major amounts of food.

הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם

‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Kelsey – Enumclaw Flower Farm Florist & Photographer‎‏ (@‏‎cattleandcutflowers‎‏)‎‏

Proper Storage

Storing food correctly is a solution to so many things (some say it can even cure the blues). Keep your fridge and pantry well-organized. Cold storage helps slow the aging process, so your food has more shelf life than you think.

הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם

‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Kiera Lofgreen‎‏ (@‏‎kieralofgreen‎‏)‎‏

Common Sense

Last but not least, trust your instincts. In food, much like in love – if your gut says it’s off, it probably is. Our senses are the ultimate freshness detectors, and they rarely lead us astray.

The post Expiration Dates: is the Ultimate Kitchen Myth Actually False? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Salt and Pepper

Since steak has such a great reputation, oftentimes you’ll see people go all out with the seasonings and sauces. They’ll drench it with BBQ sauce, or add four different flavors of seasoning—but this is the opposite approach you should be taking.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 陳小高 (@iamgao_)

When it comes to steak, all you really need is salt and pepper. Before you toss it on the grill, rub a generous mixture of salt and pepper into the steak, and proceed to cook it henceforth. The steak itself has so many natural juices and flavors that you really don’t need anything else.

In fact, adding too many seasonings and sauces may drown out the natural flavor of the steak, which is exactly the opposite of what you want! So please—stick to the classic salt and pepper tandem.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tori Barr (@westside.tori)

The post Remember This When Preparing Steak appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

You Don’t Season the Meat

Seasoning is the key to getting the perfect meatballs. If you don’t season the meat, then you will just end up with a bland and disappointing dish. Salt is the most important, of course, but other seasoning plays a role as well. Parsley, basil, oregano, and nutmeg will give your meatballs a heavenly taste.

You Use Too Many Eggs (Or Don’t Use Them at All)

Eggs serve only as a binder in the meatball mixture, allowing it to thicken and giving it texture. This is why adding too many eggs to your meatballs will make them tough and heavy. On the other hand, not using any eggs will make them crumble and fall apart.

You Over-Mix

Yes, it is possible to over-mix the meatball mixture. Doing so will result in a paste that will give your far less satisfying results. In order to avoid this, you should mix the ingredients using your hands. Stop when you notice that the ingredients combined well, but chunks of meat are still visible.

You Don’t Roll them Correctly

The way you roll the meatballs is also crucial, as it isn’t just enough to make a ball and call it a day. The first thing to avoid is making the meatballs too tight. This will make them rubbery when cooked, and they won’t be able to absorb any sauce. The other thing you need to pay attention to is making all meatballs approximately the same size. This will allow them to cook evenly. 

The post 4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want Perfect Meatballs appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Veggies

Not only will adding vegetables boost the nutritional value of your meal, but it will also add extra flavor. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and cauliflower are all great additions. You can also sauté up some onions or cherry tomatoes to throw in as well.

Spice It Up

The next time you decide to make boxed mac, try throwing in some spices you already have in your pantry. Red pepper flakes, chili powder, garlic, or Italian seasoning is an easy and budget-friendly way to boost your mac and cheese. If you’re a fan of spicy food, try adding hot sauces such as Sriracha or Tabasco.

Make it Cheesier

Stick to this simple rule: you can never have too much cheese in mac and cheese. Add an extra layer of cheesy flavor to your Mac by throwing in some parmesan, goat cheese, mozzarella or whatever other cheese you have in your fridge.

The post 3 Ways to Spice Up Boxed Mac and Cheese appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Pizza Bagels

Duh! Topping a bagel with some marinara, cheese, and fun toppings is an easy way to transform the typical breakfast food into a filling dinner or lunch.

Croutons

This is the perfect option if your bagels are starting to be on the bit of the stale side. Bagel croutons are fun to make and they add an amazing layer of texture to salads and soups.

Bagel Bowls

Bread bowls are great, but bagel bowls are even better. If you have a leftover bagel, hollow out the inside and stuff it with soup, salad, eggs, or whatever your heart desires.

Bagel Chips

Who knew that stale bagels could be revived to create an addictive snack? Simply thinly slice a bagel, drizzle some olive oil, and bake them in a hot oven until golden and crispy. 

Stuffing

Your favorite Thanksgiving dish just got even tastier. Try using cubed bagel pieces instead of plain bread the next time you make stuffing. Your guests will love the unique twist on a traditional dish.

The post How to Use Leftover Bagels appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Organic Buffalo-Style Hummus

If you love buffalo wings, you will be obsessed with this zesty, spicy hummus. It goes great with just about anything.

Birthday Cake Popcorn

The absolutely perfect combination of sweet and salty. You won’t be able to stop eating these frosting-coated kernels.

Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips

No autumn dinner party is complete without these adorable tortilla chips. They’re just like normal corn tortilla chips, except shaped and colored into cute fall leaves.

Mac and Cheese Bites

Cheese lovers unite! These addicting Mac and cheese morsels are stuffed with seven different cheeses: cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, gouda, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and pecorino romano.

Jerk-Style Plantain Chips

A delicious Jamaican spice rub makes these crispy plantain chips the perfect vehicle for fresh guacamole.

Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

These zesty snacks are flavored with fresh lime and chili powder, so they definitely pack a punch. They taste wonderful on their own but can also be paired with dips such as sour cream or salsa.

The post These Trader Joe’s Snacks are Totally Worth the Hype appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Quinoa or Brown Rice

These nutritious grains are highly nutritious and full of vitamins, but they often lack flavor. Steaming quinoa or brown rice in chicken stock instead of water is a great way to infuse the grains with great taste.

Ramen

Although you may assume that chicken stock only works with chicken noodle soup, Asian style soups such as ramen become even tastier when they’re made with a homemade chicken stock base.

Mashed Potatoes

If you’re a sucker for mashed potatoes and gravy, but you don’t have any gravy around, you’ll love this idea. Pour some fresh chicken broth into your mashed potatoes for a gravy-like taste without the extra calories and work.

Risotto

Risotto can easily be made with water, but chicken stock is a lovely way to take this dish to the next level.

The post How to Use Up Leftover Chicken Stock appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Tomatoes

Not only do tomatoes not have to be refrigerated, but putting them in the cold can actually ruin their delicate flavor. Keep them in your pantry to avoid spoiled, bland tomatoes.

Banana

This sweet, tropical fruit absolutely hates the cold. For sweeter bananas, keep them out of the fridge.

Avocados

Do you ever feel like you’ve been waiting for years for an avocado to ripen? Leaving it out at room temperature can definitely speed up the process.

Basil

Though you may be quick to throw a bunch of basil in the fridge along with your other leafy greens, it’s not the best idea. Basil can develop unappetizing dark spots in cold temperatures.

Melons

Keep melons on the counter: including cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew. Storing these fruits in the cold can decrease their antioxidant count and sweetness.

Onions

Onions, shallots, and garlic do best at room temperature as well. Refrigerated onions can quickly grow mold or start sprouting. 

The post Fruits and Vegetables That Don’t Need To Stay In The Fridge appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Since not all vegetables are the same, there isn’t a universal answer. Some veggies are good in the pantry while others require being stored in the fridge. Here’s how to make sure they all stay fresh throughout the week.

Cool, Dry Place

Veggies like potatoes, onions, and garlic are best stored in a dry, cool place like a pantry. The ideal pantry temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees F. It should also be dark so the veggies don’t start sprouting. Other veggies you should store there are shallots, hard squash, and rutabagas. When stored properly, they can last a lot longer than a week.

Fridge

If your fridge has a crisper drawer, make sure to dedicate it to fresh produce. Some veggies will last for just a few days even in a crisper drawer, like asparagus, while others can be stored for several days or a few weeks. The list of vegetables to store this way includes eggplant, celery, cucumber, zucchini, peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, radishes, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, lettuce, and other greens.

Counter

The only vegetable (and it’s technically a fruit) that you should keep on the countertop are tomatoes, but away from direct sunlight. The fridge will mess up their texture.

The post How to Properly Store Vegetables appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Use Plastic Bags

Avoid using glass containers as they can crack from the temperature change. You can get special freezer bags or use resealable plastic containers, depending on the type of food you want to freeze.

Individual Portions

Before freezing, divide your food into smaller portions that are good for one or two people. This will prevent food waste and help your food defrost faster.

Remove Air

Remember to remove the excess air from bags or containers to reduce freezer burn. A vacuum sealer might be a good investment if you prep and freeze a lot of food.

Freeze Cold Foods

If you want to put the soup leftovers from lunch in the freezer, make sure it’s cold before you do it. Putting hot food in the freezer is a potential health hazard.

The post You Can Basically Freeze Anything If You Know How appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

It’s a Date

Unlike what many people think, expiration dates are more like suggestions. They’re a guideline for peak freshness, not a death sentence. Use your senses—smell, look closely, and taste. If it smells okay and looks normal, you’re probably in the clear.

הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם

‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Recaptured 80s‎‏ (@‏‎recaptured80s‎‏)‎‏

Understand Labels

Understanding labels is key. “Use by” has to do with freshness, while “sell by” is only meant for retailers. It’s not a countdown to the food apocalypse. Learn to understand the language, and you’re likely to save major amounts of food.

הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם

‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Kelsey – Enumclaw Flower Farm Florist & Photographer‎‏ (@‏‎cattleandcutflowers‎‏)‎‏

Proper Storage

Storing food correctly is a solution to so many things (some say it can even cure the blues). Keep your fridge and pantry well-organized. Cold storage helps slow the aging process, so your food has more shelf life than you think.

הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם

‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Kiera Lofgreen‎‏ (@‏‎kieralofgreen‎‏)‎‏

Common Sense

Last but not least, trust your instincts. In food, much like in love – if your gut says it’s off, it probably is. Our senses are the ultimate freshness detectors, and they rarely lead us astray.

The post Expiration Dates: is the Ultimate Kitchen Myth Actually False? appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Salt and Pepper

Since steak has such a great reputation, oftentimes you’ll see people go all out with the seasonings and sauces. They’ll drench it with BBQ sauce, or add four different flavors of seasoning—but this is the opposite approach you should be taking.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 陳小高 (@iamgao_)

When it comes to steak, all you really need is salt and pepper. Before you toss it on the grill, rub a generous mixture of salt and pepper into the steak, and proceed to cook it henceforth. The steak itself has so many natural juices and flavors that you really don’t need anything else.

In fact, adding too many seasonings and sauces may drown out the natural flavor of the steak, which is exactly the opposite of what you want! So please—stick to the classic salt and pepper tandem.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tori Barr (@westside.tori)

The post Remember This When Preparing Steak appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

You Don’t Season the Meat

Seasoning is the key to getting the perfect meatballs. If you don’t season the meat, then you will just end up with a bland and disappointing dish. Salt is the most important, of course, but other seasoning plays a role as well. Parsley, basil, oregano, and nutmeg will give your meatballs a heavenly taste.

You Use Too Many Eggs (Or Don’t Use Them at All)

Eggs serve only as a binder in the meatball mixture, allowing it to thicken and giving it texture. This is why adding too many eggs to your meatballs will make them tough and heavy. On the other hand, not using any eggs will make them crumble and fall apart.

You Over-Mix

Yes, it is possible to over-mix the meatball mixture. Doing so will result in a paste that will give your far less satisfying results. In order to avoid this, you should mix the ingredients using your hands. Stop when you notice that the ingredients combined well, but chunks of meat are still visible.

You Don’t Roll them Correctly

The way you roll the meatballs is also crucial, as it isn’t just enough to make a ball and call it a day. The first thing to avoid is making the meatballs too tight. This will make them rubbery when cooked, and they won’t be able to absorb any sauce. The other thing you need to pay attention to is making all meatballs approximately the same size. This will allow them to cook evenly. 

The post 4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want Perfect Meatballs appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Veggies

Not only will adding vegetables boost the nutritional value of your meal, but it will also add extra flavor. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and cauliflower are all great additions. You can also sauté up some onions or cherry tomatoes to throw in as well.

Spice It Up

The next time you decide to make boxed mac, try throwing in some spices you already have in your pantry. Red pepper flakes, chili powder, garlic, or Italian seasoning is an easy and budget-friendly way to boost your mac and cheese. If you’re a fan of spicy food, try adding hot sauces such as Sriracha or Tabasco.

Make it Cheesier

Stick to this simple rule: you can never have too much cheese in mac and cheese. Add an extra layer of cheesy flavor to your Mac by throwing in some parmesan, goat cheese, mozzarella or whatever other cheese you have in your fridge.

The post 3 Ways to Spice Up Boxed Mac and Cheese appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Pizza Bagels

Duh! Topping a bagel with some marinara, cheese, and fun toppings is an easy way to transform the typical breakfast food into a filling dinner or lunch.

Croutons

This is the perfect option if your bagels are starting to be on the bit of the stale side. Bagel croutons are fun to make and they add an amazing layer of texture to salads and soups.

Bagel Bowls

Bread bowls are great, but bagel bowls are even better. If you have a leftover bagel, hollow out the inside and stuff it with soup, salad, eggs, or whatever your heart desires.

Bagel Chips

Who knew that stale bagels could be revived to create an addictive snack? Simply thinly slice a bagel, drizzle some olive oil, and bake them in a hot oven until golden and crispy. 

Stuffing

Your favorite Thanksgiving dish just got even tastier. Try using cubed bagel pieces instead of plain bread the next time you make stuffing. Your guests will love the unique twist on a traditional dish.

The post How to Use Leftover Bagels appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Organic Buffalo-Style Hummus

If you love buffalo wings, you will be obsessed with this zesty, spicy hummus. It goes great with just about anything.

Birthday Cake Popcorn

The absolutely perfect combination of sweet and salty. You won’t be able to stop eating these frosting-coated kernels.

Fall Leaf Tortilla Chips

No autumn dinner party is complete without these adorable tortilla chips. They’re just like normal corn tortilla chips, except shaped and colored into cute fall leaves.

Mac and Cheese Bites

Cheese lovers unite! These addicting Mac and cheese morsels are stuffed with seven different cheeses: cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, gouda, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and pecorino romano.

Jerk-Style Plantain Chips

A delicious Jamaican spice rub makes these crispy plantain chips the perfect vehicle for fresh guacamole.

Chili & Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips

These zesty snacks are flavored with fresh lime and chili powder, so they definitely pack a punch. They taste wonderful on their own but can also be paired with dips such as sour cream or salsa.

The post These Trader Joe’s Snacks are Totally Worth the Hype appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Quinoa or Brown Rice

These nutritious grains are highly nutritious and full of vitamins, but they often lack flavor. Steaming quinoa or brown rice in chicken stock instead of water is a great way to infuse the grains with great taste.

Ramen

Although you may assume that chicken stock only works with chicken noodle soup, Asian style soups such as ramen become even tastier when they’re made with a homemade chicken stock base.

Mashed Potatoes

If you’re a sucker for mashed potatoes and gravy, but you don’t have any gravy around, you’ll love this idea. Pour some fresh chicken broth into your mashed potatoes for a gravy-like taste without the extra calories and work.

Risotto

Risotto can easily be made with water, but chicken stock is a lovely way to take this dish to the next level.

The post How to Use Up Leftover Chicken Stock appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Tomatoes

Not only do tomatoes not have to be refrigerated, but putting them in the cold can actually ruin their delicate flavor. Keep them in your pantry to avoid spoiled, bland tomatoes.

Banana

This sweet, tropical fruit absolutely hates the cold. For sweeter bananas, keep them out of the fridge.

Avocados

Do you ever feel like you’ve been waiting for years for an avocado to ripen? Leaving it out at room temperature can definitely speed up the process.

Basil

Though you may be quick to throw a bunch of basil in the fridge along with your other leafy greens, it’s not the best idea. Basil can develop unappetizing dark spots in cold temperatures.

Melons

Keep melons on the counter: including cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew. Storing these fruits in the cold can decrease their antioxidant count and sweetness.

Onions

Onions, shallots, and garlic do best at room temperature as well. Refrigerated onions can quickly grow mold or start sprouting. 

The post Fruits and Vegetables That Don’t Need To Stay In The Fridge appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Since not all vegetables are the same, there isn’t a universal answer. Some veggies are good in the pantry while others require being stored in the fridge. Here’s how to make sure they all stay fresh throughout the week.

Cool, Dry Place

Veggies like potatoes, onions, and garlic are best stored in a dry, cool place like a pantry. The ideal pantry temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees F. It should also be dark so the veggies don’t start sprouting. Other veggies you should store there are shallots, hard squash, and rutabagas. When stored properly, they can last a lot longer than a week.

Fridge

If your fridge has a crisper drawer, make sure to dedicate it to fresh produce. Some veggies will last for just a few days even in a crisper drawer, like asparagus, while others can be stored for several days or a few weeks. The list of vegetables to store this way includes eggplant, celery, cucumber, zucchini, peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, radishes, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, lettuce, and other greens.

Counter

The only vegetable (and it’s technically a fruit) that you should keep on the countertop are tomatoes, but away from direct sunlight. The fridge will mess up their texture.

The post How to Properly Store Vegetables appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Use Plastic Bags

Avoid using glass containers as they can crack from the temperature change. You can get special freezer bags or use resealable plastic containers, depending on the type of food you want to freeze.

Individual Portions

Before freezing, divide your food into smaller portions that are good for one or two people. This will prevent food waste and help your food defrost faster.

Remove Air

Remember to remove the excess air from bags or containers to reduce freezer burn. A vacuum sealer might be a good investment if you prep and freeze a lot of food.

Freeze Cold Foods

If you want to put the soup leftovers from lunch in the freezer, make sure it’s cold before you do it. Putting hot food in the freezer is a potential health hazard.

The post You Can Basically Freeze Anything If You Know How appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.