TIP TUESDAY

Meatloaf in a hurry: Form meatloaf mixture into small individual-sized portions and bake the meatballs for 10 minutes on HIGH in the microwave. 

Shape meatballs: Shaping meatballs is a snap… once meat mixture is well mixed, use a small melon ball scoop or a cookie dough scoop to form the meatballs. Then bake on a cookie sheet in the oven for 20 minutes at 375º F

Easy Homemade Bread Crumbs: Making your own is a great way to use up the heels of old loaves. Stow the pieces in a large plastic bag in the freezer. When the bag is full, cut the bread into large chunks and pulse them in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Toast the crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350º F. oven, tossing once, until dry, 4 to 6 minutes. Use the crumbs to bread cutlets, make meatballs, or add crunch to casseroles. The crumbs will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Snipped herbs: Use kitchen shears to cut and snip fresh herbs in a hurry. Simply place rinsed clean herbs in a small deep bowl and snip away. 

Cube a soft cheese (like cream cheese or Brie): Freeze it first for 20-30 minutes.