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POSTED OCT 11, 2021


Chef Cento's Tips & Tricks

Ever find yourself struggling in the kitchen? We’ve all been there, and we want to help! Chef Cento has put together some helpful tips and tricks that he uses all the the time in the Cento Test Kitchen that’ll definitely come in handy in your own home kitchen. Get ready to feel like a master chef!

OPEN A CAN WITH EASE

If you struggle with opening a can try this. After popping the top, spin the tab 180 degrees and use it as a lever to prop open your can.

OLIVE OIL CONVERSION

Instead of using butter try using olive oil. We have a quick guide to show you the butter to olive oil conversion rate.

Did You Know?

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To keep sliced apples from browning, soak them in a mixture of cold water and salt.

Homemade Croutons

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Use leftover bread and cut into cubes. Toss them on a rimmed baking sheet with oil, salt, pepper and any other spices you would like. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

Did You Know?

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To keep sliced apples from browning, soak them in a mixture of cold water and salt.


Homemade Croutons

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Use leftover bread and cut into cubes. Toss them on a rimmed baking sheet with oil, salt, pepper and any other spices you would like. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown.

Embrace Salt

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Don’t be afraid to use salt; it pulls the flavors out of your dishes. Cook with kosher salt to add more of a pure, salty taste to your dish!

Chef Selected Olives

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Keep Chef Selected Olives on hand, mix them with olive oil and roast them.

Embrace Salt

Avatar



Don’t be afraid to use salt; it pulls the flavors out of your dishes. Cook with kosher salt to add more of a pure, salty taste to your dish!


Chef Selected Olives

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Keep Chef Selected Olives on hand, mix them with olive oil and roast them.

Test Oil in Pan

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Test oil in a pan before adding all of your ingredients. Throw a small piece in and make sure it sizzles before adding the rest.

Did You Know?

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That keeping the lid of the pan closed during most of the cooking will help to cook things faster.

Test Oil in Pan

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Test oil in a pan before adding all of your ingredients. Throw a small piece in and make sure it sizzles before adding the rest.


Chef Selected Olives

Avatar



That keeping the lid of the pan closed during most of the cooking will help to cook things faster.

Keep From Heat

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Keep your spices away from sources of heat like the stoves or lights. Herbs and spices can lose their flavor when exposed to humidity and heat.

Out of Shallots?

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You can replace shallots with a combination of onions and garlic.

Keep From Heat

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Keep your spices away from sources of heat like the stoves or lights. Herbs and spices can lose their flavor when exposed to humidity and heat.


Out of Shallots?

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You can replace shallots with a combination of onions and garlic.

Unused Vegetables?

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We all hate throwing away food we haven't even touched. You can save your unused vegetables by wrapping them in a dry paper towel and placing them in a re-sealable plastice bag.

Peel Tomatoes Easily

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Cut an X in the top, and then simmer in a pot of hot water for 15 to 30 seconds. Cool down and the skin will fall right off.

Unused Vegetables?

Avatar


We all hate throwing away food we haven't even touched. You can save your unused vegetables by wrapping them in a dry paper towel and placing them in a re-sealable plastice bag.


Peel Tomatoes Easily

Avatar



Cut an X in the top, and then simmer in a pot of hot water for 15 to 30 seconds. Cool down and the skin will fall right off.

Fresh Eggs?

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If you're unsure of an egg's freshness, see how it behaves in a cup of water: Fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.

Don't Overcrowd

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When cooking large amounts of food, such as chicken, make sure you leave enough room in your skillet or pan to ensure proper cooking. If there isn’t enough space in your pan, there’s a chance the heat won’t distribute properly to the rest of the food. Try to leave a few inches between each item next time you cook.

Fresh Eggs?

Avatar



If you're unsure of an egg's freshness, see how it behaves in a cup of water: Fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.


Don't Overcrowd

Avatar

When cooking large amounts of food, such as chicken, make sure you leave enough room in your skillet or pan to ensure proper cooking. If there isn’t enough space in your pan, there’s a chance the heat won’t distribute properly to the rest of the food. Try to leave a few inches between each item next time you cook.