Practical advice expert Vicki Lansky explains the many uses of this multifunctional cooking and cleaning ingredient.
Fun Facts
- The best way to taste a variety of vinegars is by dipping a sugar cube into the vinegar and sucking the liquid out. If you taste the vinegar directly, it freezes the taste buds for about 15 minutes, making a comparison tasting impossible.
- Rice vinegar is one of the mildest vinegars and excellent for using in salads.
- Apple-cider vinegar is a favorite for health remedies.
- Red-wine vinegar has a grape flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar is hearty with a deep flavor.
- White distilled vinegar can be used as a basic cleaning ingredient and is good for pickling.
Interesting Uses
- Inhibit mold on cheese. Just lightly dampen a piece of cheesecloth with white vinegar, loosely wrap the cheese in it and slip it into a plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator.
- Extend the life of your ketchup. When the ketchup sticks in the bottom of an nearly empty bottle, pour in a touch of white vinegar and shake it up. It will not interfere with the flavor of the ketchup and will loosen it up so it flows smoothly.
- When cooking vegetables, add a teaspoon or two to the cooking water. Not only will it help clean the veggies, but it will also help reduce the smell in the kitchen and preserve the color of the cooked vegetables. Another bonus is that the vinegar can reduce the gassy quality of vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli.
- Tenderize meat with a marinade of vinegar. It can help kill any bacteria in the meat and breaks down the fibers, making it more tender after being cooked.
- If your hands smell after handling fish, simply rinse them in a solution of vinegar and water.
- Combat odors in the garbage disposal by filling an ice-cube tray with vinegar and freezing it. Later, throw a cube of it down the disposal for a fresh smell.
- Use it to clean glass. This tips works especially well if you are using a spray bottle with a narrow neck. Fill the bottle at least halfway with vinegar and add some uncooked rice. Cap the bottle and shake. The rice acts as a gentle abrasive.
- Make a pet-friendly bug spray. If ants are a problem around pet food, spray a mixture of vinegar and water around your pet's dish to discourage them.
Resources Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good Uses You've Probably Never Thought Of
by Vicki Lansky
Book Peddlers, 2004
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Guests Vicki Lansky
Practical Advice Expert / Author
Toll-free: 800-255-3379
E-mail:
DearVicki@aol.com
Website:
www.practicalparenting.com
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