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.

Is it better to boil potatoes before roasting?

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Boiling your potatoes for a little bit before roasting helps make sure that you get that beautiful crisp crust on the outside. If you don’t parboil your spuds, the outside skin will remain quite tough, meaning that whatever fat you use will not be able to get inside the cracks.

What kitchen layout is great for small kitchen?

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Case in point: the galley layout, which shapes the kitchen into a narrow aisle. By situating the cabinetry and appliances against opposite walls, full-height cabinets are a good option for taking full advantage of your wall real estate. Another idea for a small kitchen layout is to consider exposed cabinetry.

Are plastic measuring spoons good?

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The majority of measuring spoons come in either stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel is hard to bend, making them long lasting and great value for money, whilst durable plastic measuring spoons are often anti-stain, thick, durable and even colour-coded.

What can I use if I don’t have a can opener?

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That’s right: You can open a can with only a metal spoon. Even if you find yourself without a can opener, you likely have a metal spoon in your kitchen. This simple hack is fool-proof. It may sound ludicrous, but with a little friction, the metal of the spoon thins and cuts through the metal of the can lid.

Does KitchenAid have a food mill attachment?

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It’s easy to make gourmet burgers and sausage, grind hard cheeses or even fresh bread crumbs with the KitchenAid® Food Grinder Attachment. The food grinder attaches to the power hub of your KitchenAid® Stand Mixer* and uses the power of the mixer to help you process fresh ingredients with speed and ease.

How long can a breakfast casserole be refrigerated before baking?

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Bake until the center of the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F as tested with a food thermometer. After baking, any leftovers must be refrigerated within two hours and can be kept three to four days in the refrigerator or frozen for about three months. Uncooked egg strata should not be frozen.