Gingerbread taste better when some fresh grated orange or lemon rind is added to the batter

Insufficient stirring or cooking at too low a temperature can cause a coarse texture in muffins. Holes in muffins, peaks in the center, and soggy texture are due to over-mixing.

When lifting the lid of a cooking pot, open it outward to prevent a blast of steam from hitting your face.

Start with room-temperature butter. Gradually add sugar, beating at medium-low speed.

Once sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high, beat for 3+ minutes, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. Butter and sugar are perfectly creamed when mixture has almost doubled and has lightened to a pale yellow color.

To prevent losing the top layer of food when using aluminum foil to cover a dish with a cheese topping, spray the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.

Use powdered sugar to sweeten whipped cream; it not only dissolves quickly, but the cornstarch in it also helps stabilize the whipped cream.

A standard portion of meat is 3 oz. (75 grams), about the size of a deck of cards. Most people eat at least twice that.

For a festive twist swap out the pecans for chopped pistachios.

Never pierce meats when browning them as the juices will escape, and the meats will become tough and dry. Instead, use tongs to turn them over.

Plan meals around items already on hand and around offers in local grocery stores.

Buy produce when it is in season.

To keep cooked food warm but not overcook it, remove from the heat and make a tent of foil, shiny-side down, over the food.

Determine the doneness of bread by tapping the crust. The loaf will have a hollow sound when done.