601205 Wed Mar 04 16:33:42 -0800 2009 111 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 4474196 I have had several recent conversations with friends about cooking frugally and reducing waste. All of us seem to have at least one grocery item that we have trouble using up before it goes bad. Mine is celery...What are your problem ingredients? You love them, but just can't seem to use them up in time! Wed Mar 04 16:33:42 -0800 2009 111267 meatn3 1 4474225 I'd have to say fresh herbs. If one is buying herbs for a specific dish and flavor, you have to be committed to eating that flavor for a few days, else the herbs will go south. Cilantro, say. Love it, but I don't want five days of cilantro-flavored food. Basil is another. Thankfully our guinea pigs will eat up the excess (as with celery). Still, problematic. Wih I could grow my own herbs year rounds. Cay Wed Mar 04 16:43:49 -0800 2009 4474196 49525 cayjohan 2 4475191 I keep clamshells of fresh herbs in the freezer all the time. Herbs with large leaves, such as sage, may not serve well as a garnish once frozen, but for cooking, the flavor is unchanged and they work great. At the moment I have mint, chives, rosemary, thyme, basil, epizote, parsley, cilantro, and probably a few more that don't pop readily to mind. Allows me to use them at leisure instead of playing the herb-of-the-week cooking game. Thu Mar 05 01:56:33 -0800 2009 4474225 112096 Caroline1 3 4549782 When I've thrown rosemary and thyme in the freezer they have both turned black. Not appetizing. Sun Mar 29 19:47:27 -0700 2009 4475191 106932 Agent Orange 4 4550270 yep! Mon Mar 30 05:37:39 -0700 2009 4549782 105717 alkapal 4 4550746 yes mine too, is there a secret to freezing them? I say just chop them up and make bread or a pesto and freeze that. Mon Mar 30 08:27:54 -0700 2009 4549782 50431 chef chicklet 5 4552583 When I have fresh herbs to use up I typically use them in oil or butter. With the oil I refrig with the butter I freeze for use in recipes. Mon Mar 30 17:35:32 -0700 2009 4550746 36312 HillJ 3 4550467 Caroline, You have said this before - "clamshells", what do you mean by that? Dani Never Mind! I see your answer down below! Mon Mar 30 07:10:13 -0700 2009 4475191 80937 danhole 4 4760195 I believe a "clamshell" is the way the herbs come packaged. Two moulded plastice pieces, hinged on one side which close together areound the item packaged. Wed Jun 10 10:49:47 -0700 2009 4550467 178586 Jeff_the_Kid 2 4475209 I tend to make excuses. The only stuff I ever really buy is rosemary.. hey that's about it. oh yeah, basil. I can think of about a million things to use those guys in. Thu Mar 05 02:29:05 -0800 2009 4474225 180623 Soop 2 4477602 Celery? You must learn how to enjoy a few more Bloody Marys :) Thu Mar 05 15:53:01 -0800 2009 4474225 123497 fourunder 1 4474240 meatn3, this isn't an answer to your post, but I thought I'd share how celery is no longer a "problem" ingredient for me. A few years ago my sister-in-law gave me Tupperware Fridge Smart containers. I cut the celery stalks off the base, wash it and dry it, put it in the container, put a paper towel over it and put the lid on. I open one of the holes for airflow. If it's in there long enough I may exchange the paper towel for a dry one. The celery stays good for weeks. I have several different sized containers I use for celery, carrots and lettuce. Wed Mar 04 16:47:49 -0800 2009 4474196 50258 Axalady 2 4474256 a plastic bag works just as well - either a partially closed zipper bag, or one of the "Baggies" that are flimsier & more breathable. i do it with herbs too, and my parsley lasts for at least 10 days that way, cilantro at least a week. Wed Mar 04 16:54:27 -0800 2009 4474240 103920 goodhealthgourmet 2 4474274 An even simpler celery preservation method, which I learned here on Chowhound, is to wrap the intact bunch in aluminum foil, enclosing it completely, and store it in the crisper drawer. It stays crisp for a couple weeks. Wed Mar 04 16:59:57 -0800 2009 4474240 10074 Caitlin McGrath 3 4502464 yep Caitlin - that's a great tip. Exactly how I store mine and it keeps forever.....well, almost forever Fri Mar 13 14:03:40 -0700 2009 4474274 203338 chicaraleigh 4 4539021 would this work for other veggies, too? like asparagus, carrots, peppers, etc? Wed Mar 25 20:13:18 -0700 2009 4502464 18011 Jacey 5 4540001 good question - I'm not sure. I've never tried with anything else except for onion. That didn't work out very well. It turned into a really slimy mess-ugh! Thu Mar 26 08:03:43 -0700 2009 4539021 203338 chicaraleigh 5 4544929 It works with cucumbers. Fri Mar 27 15:45:48 -0700 2009 4539021 10074 Caitlin McGrath 1 4474245 It may be weird but mine is bread. I occasionally love it but then it's breadcrumbs and how many breadcrumbs can I use? I've tried freezing half the bread but it's not the same. I can take on your celery, I spread it w/ cream cheese and a little vegemite. Wed Mar 04 16:49:11 -0800 2009 4474196 136906 lucygoosey 2 4475210 Oh that has to be mine. I tend to buy fresh bread on the weekend, make toast or eat some with cheese, and then half of it doen't get eaten. But then I sometimes make My own, so it's not a huge deal. I definitely will try and make some foccacia tonight. Thu Mar 05 02:30:49 -0800 2009 4474245 180623 Soop 3 4477039 That was mine too until I discovered papa al pomodoro! saute some finely chopped onion & garlic in olive oil and/or butter, add sliced stale bread, stir it around so the bread soaks up lots of garlicy oil. Add a big can of tomatoes and some water or broth. Herbs like basil, oregano, or parseley, maybe some grated romano. Once it's cooked for a bit, either mash it up best you can in the pot with a fork or a chunkier soup or use an immersion blender or a food processor to smooth it out. At that point you can add pasta, ground meat, spinach, white beans, whatever you like (the authentic version would be to leave it plain, but I can't help but tinker). Thu Mar 05 13:17:05 -0800 2009 4475210 131105 Emmmily 4 4764888 Smaller (half-size) loaves of bread are available in some stores. But they don't come in sourdough...yet. Thu Jun 11 17:15:06 -0700 2009 4477039 322300 Michelly 1 4474920 baby greens. i'm single and the bag always go bad before i can finish it all. and the bulk options are even more expensive or not as good. so i keep buying the damn bags, only to throw some of it out... vicious circle! Wed Mar 04 20:54:45 -0800 2009 4474196 202980 dinaofdoom 2 4474943 Try using the rolling-in-paper towels trick outlined by Axalady and goodhealthgourmet above. It really helps prolong the life of delicate greens. Wed Mar 04 21:06:52 -0800 2009 4474920 10074 Caitlin McGrath 3 4475077 thanks! i hate it when they get slimy and nasty. that is probably the one thing i throw out with regularity. Wed Mar 04 22:37:03 -0800 2009 4474943 202980 dinaofdoom 1 4476369 Fresh herbs and celery. Though celery can be used up in a clean out the fridge type vegetable soup. And I suppose fresh herbs can go into a salad mix, depending on what they are, probably not rosemary. Thu Mar 05 10:27:10 -0800 2009 4474196 13445 Louise 2 4483831 i got a huge amount of dill from my CSA, which is my least favorite herb (can't think of what to do with a quantity, unless i am pickling, which i never am...). ended up making a crapload of compound butter (with meyer lemon, capers and sun dried tomatoes) as well as much lemony yogurty dill sauce as my palate could stand. and i still threw a bit out! some herbs are hard to use up. i have the same prob with cilantro. Sat Mar 07 23:32:04 -0800 2009 4476369 202980 dinaofdoom 3 4484166 Next time chop it with brown sugar and salt, pack it between and around two sides of salmon, wrap it tightly in cling film, and cure it three days under weight, turning twice daily. Then rinse it, slice the gravlax thin, and eat with rye crackers and cucumbers and a little sour cream. Sun Mar 08 08:09:21 -0700 2009 4483831 10811 Das Ubergeek 4 4764925 My dh's half Mexican, so we (I) make a lot of dishes using cilantro. Try this Border Pesto: pulse 2 T pepitas (green squash seeds) in a blender with 1/2 t kosher salt until powdered. Add 1 clove garlic, 2 c cilantro leaves (packed), and pulse until chopped. With blender running, slowly add in 1/2 c olive oil. Pour into a bowl and stir in 2 T grated parmesan and 1 c crema agria OR creme fraiche (can substitute 1/2 c plain yogurt combined with 1/2 c sour cream) until smooth. Use as you would basil pesto; on pasta, spread on toast, or dolloped on soup (pref. tortilla or chicken lime soup). Will post the cilantro soup recipe as soon as I can find it. Thu Jun 11 17:26:06 -0700 2009 4484166 322300 Michelly 2 4549847 i was going to mention celery for soup too! and if you have a big lot a parsley i always make tabouli with heaps and heaps of lemons yum also fresh rosmary, sometimes i let it just sit out and dries out and i use it as "dried" rosmary. Sun Mar 29 20:15:25 -0700 2009 4476369 235412 umbushi plum 1 4476429 milk ~~ even a quart goes bad usually before I finish it. I tend to buy little cans of evaporated milk for that reason. bread, especially in the summer. Thu Mar 05 10:43:16 -0800 2009 4474196 109905 laliz 2 4477312 laliz, you could also just keep powdered milk on hand and mix up as little or as much as you need at any given time. Thu Mar 05 14:31:01 -0800 2009 4476429 103920 goodhealthgourmet 3 4549411 That's what I started doing after throwing out another litre of milk -- I buy it for baking and the occasional coffee, but since I tend to drink coffee at the office, the carton at home always goes sour. Now, I just mix up a small amount when I need it. Not sure I'd recommend that for someone who wants to drink the milk, though. It doesn't quite taste the same. Sun Mar 29 16:29:27 -0700 2009 4477312 10681 piccola 4 4550778 Higher fat milk lasts longer and (in my mind ) seems to freeze better. Mon Mar 30 08:35:53 -0700 2009 4549411 154622 Paulustrious 2 4478279 I have a problem with milk as well. The tiny ones are not cost effective and get finished too quickly, and the larger ones go bad too early. I've switched to organic and find it lasts longer. Probably in the overall scheme of things I don't end up spending any more money on it because I'm not throwing out as much once it goes bad. Thu Mar 05 20:24:01 -0800 2009 4476429 107671 queencru 1 4476707 Definitely celery and herbs. And scallions. You can only buy them in a prearranged "bunch" of maybe six, and invariably I only need one or two. Thu Mar 05 11:59:17 -0800 2009 4474196 66030 lisavf 2 4476722 I found a tasty way to use them up--Chinese scallion pancakes. They're really easy and take staple ingredients to fix--scallions, water, flour, salt, oil (pref sesame oil). Thu Mar 05 12:02:35 -0800 2009 4476707 13445 Louise 2 4476765 If you put them in a glass of water, just like flowers in a vase, they'll keep much longer. Change the water daily. You can refrigerate or keep them on the counter. It works with celery too, but I don't bother because I'm CLUMSY...!!! Who needs to keep knocking a big old bunch of celery over all the time? Especially in the refrigerator! '-) Thu Mar 05 12:09:59 -0800 2009 4476707 112096 Caroline1 2 4764932 Scramble scallions and herbs into your morning eggs. Thu Jun 11 17:27:13 -0700 2009 4476707 322300 Michelly 1 4476861 In our local supermarkets, you can buy celery by the stalk, so it is no longer a problem ingredient for us. :) Thu Mar 05 12:36:28 -0800 2009 4474196 249664 kattyeyes 2 4477317 your stores sell celery by the stalk? really? i've never seen that! Thu Mar 05 14:31:39 -0800 2009 4476861 103920 goodhealthgourmet 3 4477328 Our more upscale market also sells celery by the stalk, which I thought was fantastic until I bought some and it was pretty ragged. Still better than leaving a bunch of celery to wilt in my fridge. Thu Mar 05 14:35:09 -0800 2009 4477317 17827 cyberroo 3 4477354 Yup! And just regular supermarkets here in CT...nothing particularly upscale about them (Stop & Shop, A&P). It's handy when you need just a stalk or two for a recipe. Thu Mar 05 14:42:13 -0800 2009 4477317 249664 kattyeyes 4 4477465 interesting. i'm in Jersey & i've never seen it like that. then again i only buy occasional random things at our local Stop & Shop and A&P - they're both pretty gross, i don't even look at the produce there. Thu Mar 05 15:10:52 -0800 2009 4477354 103920 goodhealthgourmet 5 4477480 That is really interesting. Our local S&S is kind of the only game in my town (except for A&P)...both nearby S&Ss recently remodeled and have reflected those costs in their pricing. So many times, I run over to Price Right for produce. But for a stalk or two of celery, S&S gets my biz. Thu Mar 05 15:14:46 -0800 2009 4477465 249664 kattyeyes 6 4481174 i'm really lucky - i live within 2 miles of Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Mitsuwa, and there's a terrific independent gourmet market a few minutes away as well...so it's rare that i need/want to shop for anything at the local A&P, S&S or Pathmark. Fri Mar 06 17:52:07 -0800 2009 4477480 103920 goodhealthgourmet 7 4481201 Oh, sure, just rub it in! You ARE lucky. TJ & WF are about 25 minutes away and I don't even know what Mitsuwa is, but I'm sure I'd only be more envious if I knew...as our Asian grocery is a 30-minute ride, too. The name is priceless, tho'--A Dong. :) Fri Mar 06 18:03:37 -0800 2009 4481174 249664 kattyeyes 8 4482055 aww, i didn't mean to rub it in :) i'm just trying to be thankful for what i DO have at my disposal, because ever since i left Southern California last year, i've been griping about how much i miss having Farmers' Markets and WFM locations everywhere i turn! Sat Mar 07 07:18:52 -0800 2009 4481201 103920 goodhealthgourmet 4 4494205 My local Stop & Shop (Boston area) doesn't do that, but Roche Bros., Whole Foods, and local farm markets (Wilson Farms) do that - that's the way I've been buying celery this past year or so. And whatever I don't need immediately gets wrapped in foil, as Caitlin mentioned above. Wed Mar 11 09:02:52 -0700 2009 4477354 10532 LindaWhit 2 4482118 I remember seeing that when I was in Oregon. I wish they did that here in the UK, where you can buy single carrots. Celery is my secret shame as well. I never get through the stuff. Sat Mar 07 07:50:03 -0800 2009 4476861 14139 Kagey 2 4495613 Funny how many people have the same celery issue. It's mine too. The last few times I've needed it, I've purchased the packed same day celery/carrot tubs. They're more expensive, but it only comes with about as much celery as I'll need for whatever I'm making. And I never have a problem eating the rest of the carrots on my own. Makes me feel better than having the celery go bad in the crisper. Wed Mar 11 15:03:41 -0700 2009 4476861 90988 hyacinthgirl 3 4549855 its so weird because i never can get enough celery, everyone just send yours down to Oz! i eat it with peanut butter put it in soup rissoto with cottage cheese, cheddar cheese. hummus etc maybe because i am celiac and hate gluten free bread so i use it as a base for heaps of spreads, but i actually get celery craving now Sun Mar 29 20:18:39 -0700 2009 4495613 235412 umbushi plum 1 4476974 Milk, b/c I don't drink it, only use it in recipes. I use a cup and the rest gets thrown away time and time again. Why don't stores carry anything smaller than a quart? Thu Mar 05 13:01:32 -0800 2009 4474196 11106 tatamagouche 2 4477135 Try a Sam's Club. I know I've seen it there in pint bottles. I've bought it for my grandson. But I think I've also seen it in the cup or half cup size used in cafeterias. Worth a shot. Oh, and for the record, you can freeze milk. It works fine, except the homogenized somehow unhomogenizes during freezing, so after you thaw, you have to shake prior to each use. Good luck! Thu Mar 05 13:43:41 -0800 2009 4476974 112096 Caroline1 3 4477331 Ah, nice tips! Thu Mar 05 14:36:55 -0800 2009 4477135 11106 tatamagouche 3 4481245 I keep dried milk around for baking. I have never noticed the difference in bread, muffins, pancakes and such. I just add the milk powder to the dry ingredients, and water to the "wet" ones, so there isn't even an extra bowl. Also works for guests who lighten their coffee. Fri Mar 06 18:21:56 -0800 2009 4477135 215278 corneygirl 2 4477517 Same here, but smaller containers cost almost as much as quarts. If a container of milk is on the verge of souring and you nuke it on high long enough to almost boil it, it stops the process and keeps the milk usable for several more days. Either way, I often freeze it in 4 or 8 ounce increments which can be thawed for baking. I wind up freezing evaporated and buttermilk too. Problem is remembering to label it first! Thu Mar 05 15:25:51 -0800 2009 4476974 159317 greygarious 2 4477633 If you don't mind paying a bit more for it, look for individual serving sized milks. I know MacArthur Farms does one because I've seen it in the grocery store. You could even buy the long-life tetra packs that they sell for putting in kids' lunches and just open one as you need it. Thu Mar 05 16:01:25 -0800 2009 4476974 67657 Kajikit 3 4480902 They also have shelf-stable "juice boxes" of milk meant for kids' lunchboxes. Nobody will judge you for buying them and using them in recipes. Fri Mar 06 15:58:57 -0800 2009 4477633 10811 Das Ubergeek 2 4496444 I use Nido (whole milk) dried for cooking and for eating and everything else. it is quite good and tastes like fresh milk. I was lucky enough to find cans of it at flea market for $1 and stocked up. price in grocery about $4. Wed Mar 11 19:56:27 -0700 2009 4476974 123710 pepperqueen 1 4477347 We can buy pints of milk, sometimes even half-pints in our larger supermarkets. And single carrots and stalks of celery, just the thing for making a little mirepoix or sofrito. Ditto onions, of course. Can't with green onions, but that's never a problem at our house. I have begun keeping celery and parsley like bouquets, either in fridge or on counter, depending on how hungry the cat is. One of our local bread suppliers, a bakery rather than a big commercial Wonder Bread-type outfit, is now selling half-loaves, too. And can't you buy individual rolls like you would bagels? Caroline1, are you talking about the styrofoam clamshells restaurants use for takeout that you're using for freezing herbs? I will say that sometimes it's more frugal to throw something out than it is to buy something else to make a dish to use up the remainder of the original problem child. Those of us who battle with our weight have had to learn that. Thu Mar 05 14:40:29 -0800 2009 4474196 90114 lemons 2 4477419 No, not Styrofoam "clamshells." All of the markets in my area, including the "farmers' market" chains where they are often 88 cents each, sell fresh herbs in a clear plastic clam shell. I just toss the whole thing in the freezer. The type I buy are fairly air tight, so no ice build up. Of course, the parsley, cilantro and epizote come in bunches, so those I chop and put in zip lock bags, usually reserving the stems in a separate zip lock, especially of parsley, for bouquets garni. Thu Mar 05 14:56:25 -0800 2009 4477347 112096 Caroline1 3 4477598 Doesn't that compromise the texture of the herb? That's my big problem food. Fresh herbs with bad texture. Now, I do make herb butters with them from tme to time, and freeze those. Still I just don't see how frozen, say - cilantro - fills the bill. Do tell your secrets! Cay Thu Mar 05 15:51:20 -0800 2009 4477419 49525 cayjohan 4 4477737 Well, I use them in things like stews and roasts and stuffing. The parsley works well in pilafs. Epizote in refried beans and such. I wouldn't try to make something like tabouli with frozen parsley. That won't work. But it works fine in cooked dishes. Thu Mar 05 16:45:03 -0800 2009 4477598 112096 Caroline1 1 4477575 Carrots. Probably because I generally dislike them. I know they last a very long time, but there's been so many times where I find a bag of them shriveled and unusable in the back of my fridge. I suppose I could freeze them, right? Thu Mar 05 15:44:19 -0800 2009 4474196 56183 soypower 1 4477644 Mine are pretty much the same as everyone else's... fresh lettuce (because there are only two of us and it doesn't keep for long!), and fresh herbs. When you're cooking for two there is only so much fresh basil or thyme or tarragon you can use at a time! Sometimes I toss the extra herbs in the freezer in the bag they came in, but they shed leaves and make a mess in the freezer compartment because the plastic bags have airholes punched in them and the leaves fall out! I've never had any problems with celery - I keep it in the bag it came in and it lasts for a month. The outer stems might start to yellow and go icky, if they do you just peel them off and toss them in the trash, and you might have to trim a few inches off the top of the bunch as time goes by, but the inside of the bunch will stay just fine. Thu Mar 05 16:05:02 -0800 2009 4474196 67657 Kajikit 2 4481207 Oddly enough, I have discovered that fresh thyme keeps nearly forever in the vegetable drawer in its plastic "clamshell." I have had a package in there for a couple of months now. I keep expecting it to mold, or dry out, or at least lose flavor, but it is still fine. A few brown leaves, which I pull off and discard each time I use it for a recipe... Fri Mar 06 18:05:42 -0800 2009 4477644 21171 evewitch 3 4483456 I bought a clamshell of thyme and it lasted for a month too... it was fairly fresh and dry and it just dried out a bit in the fridge over time. But another wetter bunch went mouldy, so it's the luck of the draw. Sat Mar 07 19:21:34 -0800 2009 4481207 67657 Kajikit 4 4483457 What is a clamshell? Sat Mar 07 19:22:15 -0800 2009 4483456 10985 MMRuth 5 4483593 Hinged flimsy plastic box. Like Driscoll strawberry boxes but flatter. Sat Mar 07 20:29:54 -0800 2009 4483457 10811 Das Ubergeek 6 4484273 Thank you! Sun Mar 08 09:09:55 -0700 2009 4483593 10985 MMRuth 5 4550761 how funny! Never heard it called that before. I find them annoying anyway. Mon Mar 30 08:32:01 -0700 2009 4483457 50431 chef chicklet 1 4480904 While celeri remoulade is normally made with celery root, I love it with batonnets of celery stalk... braised celery stalks, Chinese-style, are also quite good as a side dish, and you can even make celeri a la vinaigrette (find a recipe for leeks vinaigrette and adapt). Fri Mar 06 16:00:25 -0800 2009 4474196 10811 Das Ubergeek 2 4496922 das ubergeek, i like your celery batonnets idea. celery is cheaper -- by far -- than celery root here. Thu Mar 12 03:46:55 -0700 2009 4480904 105717 alkapal 2 4551826 We always make shrimp remoulade with celery batons as well. Sadly, I have the same celery problem that others have mentioned. I used to have an issue with buttermilk until I discovered the wonder of dried buttermilk. http://www.savour-fare.com Mon Mar 30 13:29:25 -0700 2009 4480904 10669 Amuse Bouches 1 4484081 Green onions/scallions don't last jig time for me. Sun Mar 08 07:06:36 -0700 2009 4474196 153184 im_nomad 2 4484666 I have the same problem with celery. I like to use the leaves in the middle of the bunch, so I have to buy a whole bunch, but I'm not a fan of celery sticks, so most of the bunch often rots before I get to it. I had a large bunch that had already been in the fridge a week and I hadn't used a single stalk. I pulled off six stalks, plus the leaves, then made a simple celery soup with shallots, chicken broth and fresh thyme that was really good. I've never done that before, but I got to thinking that celery should sometimes get centre-stage, rather than be relegated to soup stocks and stews. I suppose Chinese celery would have been even tastier, but this was a perfect way to make use of my refrigerator staple. Celery, herbs and chiles are the items that go bad in my refrigerator. Sometimes ginger too. I get on kicks and use tons sometimes, but other times, it sits and goes bad. I've heard it can be frozen, but I've never tried it. Ideally, I'd love to go to the store when I'm in the mood to use ginger and find the perfect young, fresh piece, but too often, my grocery store has these petrified stumps that I wouldn't touch if my life depended on it. So, when I find some good, young examples, I tend to buy too much. Sun Mar 08 12:10:21 -0700 2009 4484081 239809 1sweetpea 3 4485574 cooking for one, i gave up on the petrified ginger nubs and now stock ginger people brand ginger juice in the fridge instead (from whole foods & other places). it's not too $$$, lasts quite a bit, and is just lovely. Sun Mar 08 18:14:54 -0700 2009 4484666 202980 dinaofdoom 3 4494213 Either freeze the fingers of fresh ginger, OR grate it all and freeze it in small plastic containers. OR grate it and put it in a glass jar and then fill the jar with dry sherry and leave it in the fridge. Keeps forever that way. At least as long as I've needed it in the fridge. I then replenish with the pre-grated in the freezer as needed. The sherry is also good in stir-frys. Wed Mar 11 09:06:26 -0700 2009 4484666 10532 LindaWhit 4 4496139 You can store the whole fingers in sherry (or vodka, for more neutral flavor) in the fridge, as well. That way, it can be minced or sliced or grated, depending on what you need for whatever you're cooking. Wed Mar 11 18:12:46 -0700 2009 4494213 10074 Caitlin McGrath 5 4496346 Now there's something I haven't tried (the whole finger of ginger in sherry). Thanks, Caitlin! I usually use grated, but this is good to remember if I need sliced. Wed Mar 11 19:23:43 -0700 2009 4496139 10532 LindaWhit 5 4713224 What type of sherry? I have amontillado, which is fairly dry. Do you mean very dry or the sweet type? I wonder how sake would work. Sometimes I use sake instead of sherry for my Chinese or Japanese-inspired cooking. I bet the sake would take on an incredible ginger flavour. Mmmmm, sounds like a tasty beverage. Mon May 25 12:18:09 -0700 2009 4496139 239809 1sweetpea 1 4493935 Herbs are hard to use, they always in such big bunches =(. But recently at my chinese supermarket there are ones in fewer quantities...now I think it's too little (._.'). If it's like really leafy herbs (like...Cilantro) I just make an oil out of them, keep pretty well. Wed Mar 11 07:45:21 -0700 2009 4474196 212885 AngelSanctuary 1 4500395 For milk, go to the deli-prepared foods section. Often there are small containers of milk. If you are only using the milk for cooking, buy the multi-packs of tiny cartons of shelf-stable milk. Our groceries here usually stock them with either the children's boxed juices, or the condensed milk and powdered milk products. Thu Mar 12 23:17:37 -0700 2009 4474196 156684 RosePearl 1 4502209 I freeze celery before it goes bad, then use it to flavor stock. It keeps quite a while in the freezer, and although the texture is compromised by freezing, it's thrown away once the stock is made. I have one of those stainless steel strainers that fits inside of the pot; I just put the veggies and bones in that, fill with filtered water, and simmer away. Once the stock is done, everything in the strainer is tossed. I have several uses for leftover bread. It all gets put in the freezer; some for breadcrumbs, some to make croutons, and some for bread puddings. I'm part-Italian and was raised with "waste not, want not" ;-) Fri Mar 13 13:03:42 -0700 2009 4474196 18072 Niki in Dayton 1 4535952 I just thought of one: Dijon mustard. Wed Mar 25 03:36:41 -0700 2009 4474196 180623 Soop 2 4538963 you've had dijon mustard go bad? Wed Mar 25 19:52:15 -0700 2009 4535952 105717 alkapal 1 4549747 I can never use a whole bunch of celery before it goes floppy. Luckily, one of my local grocers sells the stuff by the stalk, so I can grab a couple when making stock or tuna salad. Sun Mar 29 19:05:31 -0700 2009 4474196 11995 pikawicca 1 4550516 Lettuce! Any kind. I just don't use enough of it, and you can't buy just a little. I'm the only one who eats it, and I can only eat so much, so I end up throwing most of it away. I have a lettuce keeper but it is suited for a head of lettuce, so if you get romaine, or some other kind, that just doesn't work. And I really don't like getting the salad in a bag. Anyway, you can't put that on a sandwich! Mon Mar 30 07:25:03 -0700 2009 4474196 80937 danhole 2 4550596 I used to get bag o'salad all the time. Now have been buying the clamshell of organic baby greens--it seems to keep better. I usually just eat it as salad, but have used it on sandwiches, too. It does work! Mon Mar 30 07:51:59 -0700 2009 4550516 249664 kattyeyes 3 4550736 Are the baby greens crispy enough on a sandwich? I like a crunch. Otherwise, that's a great tip Katty. Mon Mar 30 08:26:26 -0700 2009 4550596 80937 danhole 4 4550762 I never thought of the crunch factor, but just went to the fridge and grabbed a few pieces--it does give a nice crunch. ;) Spring mix or baby greens should do the trick nicely for you. If you pack your sandwich to take to work, I do recommend packing the lettuce on the side so it doesn't get soggy. Mon Mar 30 08:32:22 -0700 2009 4550736 249664 kattyeyes 2 4551067 A damp paper or dish towel around washed lettuce. Put in an open plastic bag in the crisper. It will keep like this for 5 to 7 days. Also, if the lettuce is still "good" - not slimy- but wilted, put it in a bowl with some ice cubes for a while. This will perk up most less than crisp veggies. Mon Mar 30 09:51:39 -0700 2009 4550516 215278 corneygirl 3 4551919 Thanks for that tip. Someone once told me to get the core out, wash it, shake it cry and then store it. Does that sound right? Of course that is for iceberg. Another thing - This sounds like a dumb question, but I have always been confused abut my crisper drawer. It has that vent on it that you can open, close or leave halfway. How should I set it? Mon Mar 30 13:53:16 -0700 2009 4551067 80937 danhole 4 4713157 I don't know about the vent, my fridge doesn't have one. But I usually core the lettuce and wash - but if I get a lot of greens in my CSA share I just wrap in a damp dish towel and throw the bundle in the drawer. Mon May 25 11:48:49 -0700 2009 4551919 215278 corneygirl 5 4713213 When you do that (wrap in damp towel), how quickly do you use those greens? Mon May 25 12:13:00 -0700 2009 4713157 80937 danhole 6 4713540 Within a week, otherwise I end up with a lot of mystery bundles and mildew towels. Out of sight out of mind seems to be the rule in my house. Mon May 25 14:50:41 -0700 2009 4713213 215278 corneygirl 1 4550752 Don't ask me why, but anytime there is an inch of jam in a jar, no one touches it. Mon Mar 30 08:29:20 -0700 2009 4474196 50431 chef chicklet 2 4550799 Get bigger teaspoons. Mon Mar 30 08:43:10 -0700 2009 4550752 154622 Paulustrious 3 4551594 you means as in a long ice tea spoons? I don't think that's the issue, it's got something to do with it being viewed as the dregs. Mon Mar 30 12:36:07 -0700 2009 4550799 50431 chef chicklet 1 4550789 I have a similar problem. In my local Asian supermarket yesterday it was $1-50 for 5lb of carrots and $2 for 10 pound. I mean - it's only 50 cents more.... And those boxes of mangoes - never quite managed to finish one before I've been mangoed out. Mon Mar 30 08:40:08 -0700 2009 4474196 154622 Paulustrious 2 4562224 Cubes of mango freeze really well -- then use them instead of ice cubes in sweet tea. :) Thu Apr 02 15:04:59 -0700 2009 4550789 10811 Das Ubergeek 3 4562386 We do the same thing with grapes and watermelon. My kids place a grape or watermelon cube in each section of the ice cube tray add a splash of OJ and freeze them for later use as "fruit cubes" in tea, fruit juice or smoothies. Works great! Thu Apr 02 15:50:19 -0700 2009 4562224 36312 HillJ 4 4562523 i knew someone who'd make ice cubes with lemon or lime wedges for iced tea or lemonade. Thu Apr 02 16:31:11 -0700 2009 4562386 105717 alkapal 5 4562788 alkapal, great for cocktails too! Thu Apr 02 18:05:53 -0700 2009 4562523 36312 HillJ 1 4552248 Bread. I just freeze it but it's a hassle sometimes. I used to have celery issues, but now I just find ways to use it. I get tired of throwing stuff out. Produce seems to be a problem around here lately- stuff at the supermarket looks beautiful outside but when I go to use it, it's rotten. Thinking about planting a small veg garden (in containers- I have a huge front yard but not much space behind the house- just the citrus trees so far. I wish I had time to shop daily for stuff- that's not possible, I've been cooking and freezing more often so I don't have to toss anything. Mon Mar 30 15:36:54 -0700 2009 4474196 110426 Boccone Dolce 1 4764958 Tomato paste. Oh, I know, I know; just make a stew or soup or sauce or something. What happens is that little can -or tube- somehow always gets behind some larger container and I don't see it until weeks and weeks later when it's all black and hard. Maybe I should put a note ON the fridge. And, like cayjohan, my guinea pig takes care of most every veggie, especially lettuce and celery. Thu Jun 11 17:34:35 -0700 2009 4474196 322300 Michelly 2 4766004 just an idea, michelly: a little caper jar cleaned in the dishwasher is the perfect container for the paste. then put masking tape on the TOP, label it with mr. sharpie (contents and date) and put it in your condiment area (fridge door shelves, for me). maybe add a wee layer of olive oil on top before you put the lid on. Fri Jun 12 06:31:33 -0700 2009 4764958 105717 alkapal 1 4765070 You can put "soft-stemmed" herbs like cilantro, basil,. dill or tarragon into fresh water and keep them like fresh flowers. They'll last a bit longer in the fridge in a glass of water, too. Other herbs, (like thyme or savory or oregano) wrap in damp paper towels and store in the veggie bin in the fridge. Thu Jun 11 18:19:25 -0700 2009 4474196 11599 Alice Letseat 1 4766999 sauerkraut. what do i do with sauerkraut besides things to do with sausages and hot dogs? Fri Jun 12 10:52:32 -0700 2009 4474196 230242 madkittybadkitty 2 4767210 One kat to a badkitty: IT'S REUBEN TIME! Make a reuben (the sandwich). Make reuben soup: http://www.chow.com/recipes/19715 Make reuben dip: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/613013#4607326 There''s other info after nemo's dip recipe above from rworange including--believe it or not--mention of sauerkrautrecipes.com A look at that whole thread should have the topic covered. Believe your search is over! ;) Happy cooking! Or, serve the kraut as a side with pierogis. I assume by sausages you mean Polish or German sausages (kielbasa or wursts)--and you've already got that covered. Fri Jun 12 11:45:23 -0700 2009 4766999 249664 kattyeyes 1 4767498 Plain regular yogurt. Chicken Tikka Masala, naan, a yogurt cake, and there's still more. I try to remember to do smoothies, but always forget. I usually keep Greek yogurt around - It'd probably be cheaper in the long run to just use it, because then none of it would be wasted. Fri Jun 12 13:08:20 -0700 2009 4474196 227839 silvergirl