Q. I received a meat smoker as a gift and would love to use it, but am not sure where to start. What do you recommend? – Lois, Little Chute A. The desired outcome of smoke cooking is a product that is both flavorful and tender. Great flavor starts with buying a high quality piece READ MORE
Q. How can I make a beautiful charcuterie board like I see on Pinterest? What types of items should I include and in what quantities? – Chloe, Neenah A. In my opinion, the four primary components of a perfect charcuterie board include cured meats, specialty cheeses, marinated vegetables and artisan crackers. Cured meats should be READ MORE
Q. I will be cooking (alone) for about 15 people and would love some simple recipe suggestions that will be easy to execute, but also delicious. Main dishes, side dishes and dessert. – Lana, Greenville A. This is a common challenge when entertaining in order to serve a nice dinner, but still be part of READ MORE
Q. What are some creative uses or serving suggestions for a rotisserie chicken that I pick up from the grocery store? – Marriette, Greenville A. We are very blessed to have a number of retail outlets that prepare high quality “grab and go” items for us to purchase and consume. Yes, on occasion even chefs READ MORE
Q. What is the difference between Panko and regular bread crumbs? Is one better than the other and can they be used interchangeably? –Hannah, Appleton A. Panko crumbs are bread crumbs that are larger and coarser than standard bread crumbs which tend to be finer. Panko crumbs are prepared using only the inside white part READ MORE
Q. I have lots of outdoor picnics and potlucks planned this summer. What’s your go-to potluck dish that keeps well outdoors? –Thomas, Neenah A. If at all possible, I try to bring items that can be prepared on-site and eaten immediately or maintained at the appropriate temperature, hot or cold, for the duration of the READ MORE
Q. My son is graduating from high school this year and will be living in his first apartment this fall. What dishes should every young person learn to make before living on their own? I’m looking for easy, yet nutritious ideas to share with him. –Martha, Appleton A. Here are the top five things that READ MORE
Q. What are the differences in heat levels of various chili peppers like jalapeño, habanero, poblano and serrano? Which are the hottest and least hot? — John, Kaukauna A. Chile peppers are all rated by the pungency (heat intensity) of their capsaicin with a measurement called Scoville heat units and are then ranked on the READ MORE
Q. I like to waste as little as possible in the kitchen. Do you have ideas on what can be done with scraps like carrot and beet tops, potato peelings, ham bones, etc.? Same goes for fruits and veggies past their prime? — Aaron, Menasha A. Reducing waste in the kitchen starts with proper meal and READ MORE
Q. What are the rules for freezing previously frozen foods? –Betty, Menasha A. Freezing is a form of temporary storage, and it is recommended to keep products frozen for a maximum of six months. Yes, I am aware that people keep products frozen in their freezers for much longer than that, but that doesn’t mean it’s READ MORE
