TOMATOES AND POTATOES

SOME HANDY HINTS FOR YOU:

POTATOES:

• The best french fries are fried twice. first soak cut potatoes in cold water for 1 hour. Drain and wipe dry. Fry for a shot period. Drain off grease and refry them a second time until golden brown.
  

CRUNCHY TATERS:

• Sprinkle a little flour on potatoes when frying for extra crunchiness.
  

NUTRITIOUS POTATOES:

• For extra nutrition add powdered milk to mashed potatoes and stir well.
  

BROWN POTATOES:

• To prevent darkening, toss sliced, uncooked potatoes in a mixture of 1 cup water and 1/2 tsp cream of tarter ; drain and proceed with recipe.
  

BUDDING:

• To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
  

TOMATOES:

• Put tomatoes with an apple in a paper bag pierced with a few holes. let stand at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or they will get soft, for 2-3 days.
  

SELECT TOMATOES:

• Look for firm, plump, colourful tomatoes. They should feel heavy for their size and be free from blemishes. When rich in colour, tomatoes are ready to eat.
  

STUFFING TOMATOES:

• Cut the tomatoes in half, or cut a slice off the top. Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon. Turn the hollowed-out tomato upside down on paper towels to drain for at 15 minutes before stuffing.
  

PEELING TOMATOES:

• Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a shallow x-shaped slash on the bottom of the tomatoes. Then drop them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 seconds for very ripe tomatoes.(10 seconds for firmer tomatoes). Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water; let stand for about 1 minute. When tomatoes are cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to pull off the skin.

STEWING TOMATOES:

• Place peeled whole or cut-up tomatoes in a saucepan without a water. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer, tightly covered, over low heat until done. 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook in stainless steel, enamel or some of the newer coated pans.

BAKING TOMATOES:

• Halve crosswise, dot with butter and season as desired. bake in hot oven for 10-15 minutes.