Annie Watson

Annie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Ask. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book 'Healthy Eating Through the Garden' will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Annie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.

What is considered a low clearance bridge?

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The federal government recommends that bridges on public roads have a clearance of at least 14 feet. This ensures that trucks shorter than the maximum truck height — 13 feet, 6 inches in most states — can pass underneath them safely.

Is there a blender that is also a food processor?

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Cuisinart CPB-300 350 Watt BPA-Free Blender This blender food processor combo from Cuisinart includes a 32-ounce blender jar and blade, an 8-ounce processor cup with a chopping blade and lid, and four 14-ounce lidded travel cups. Users can place each piece onto the jar base, which automatically powers the motor.

What is the difference between a popover pan and a muffin pan?

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Popover pans are distinguished from regular muffin tins by their deep, steep-sided wells. This forces the batter upwards and results in a popover with a puffy dome and crispy sides. Many popover pans have the cups welded to a wire rack. While this looks odd, it promotes even circulation of air and heat around the tins.

What is a Mezzaluna knife used for?

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It is typically used for mincing herbs or garlic, but it can be used for chopping other things such as cheese or meat. Very large single blade versions are sometimes used for pizza. Common uses in Italy include preparation of a soffritto or a pesto, etc.

Do you cook ground beef before stuffing peppers?

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When making stuffed peppers, a popular question is, “Do I have to cook the meat before stuffing the peppers?” The answer is, yes. Adding juicy, browned meat adds loads of flavor to this dish, so be sure not to miss this step.

What can I do with old food storage containers?

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As much as possible, try to recycle your containers, to the extent that is possible, and they cannot be reused by someone else. But typically, unless you’ve got a full set in extremely good condition, it is not worth your time to try to sell these, at least in my experience. So consider donating them.