Grilling Excellence

With grilling season coming to a close in the northern latitudes, here's a great tip that you can take to the grill before retiring it for the winter...

After marinating your food in the fridge, let the food sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before dropping it on the grill. This will give the marinade a chance to release and settle, and will cook much more evenly. It's true!

More cooking tips from the 360.

Chili is for Lovers

By Kodiak in Cambridge

I thought I'd add to the delicious cornacopia of food related posts here on the 360. This recipe comes from my kitchen to yours with much love. Super easy, super good, feeds 6-10 people.

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

2 Red Bell Peppers

1 yellow onion

2 garlic cloves

1 Tlbs garlic powder

2 12oz cans of dark red kidney beans

1 16oz can of diced tomato's

1 8-10oz can of tomato paste*

1/4 cup of brown sugar

1 packet of Ortega chili powder

*For thicker chili use two cans of tomato paste

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink and drain, add chili powder and simmer for 10 minutes. Chop onion, garlic and peppers. Combine with canned ingredients, brown sugar and garlic powder in a large pot and simmer for 20 minutes. Add beef to the pot and let it all simmer for an hour or so. Throw some shredded cheese on it and serve over french bread....

Great for a football game with your buddies or a special dinner with your lady friend!

Enjoy

Zest Will Change Your Life

It's time again for the 360 to get our cooking on. Based on a scientific survey among 360 fans, we have three conclusions to share:

1. 70% of 360 readers don't know what zest is.
2. 80% of 360 readers don't have a zester.
3. 90% of 360 readers ignore zest.

What is zest?
Zest is the outermost portion of the peel of limes, lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits. You'll find it in many recipes, and don't ignore it! The zest contains magic oils that will infuse your dish with major bursts of flavor.

Peel the zest off with something that looks like this (it's called a zester):

And, the most important thing about zesting is to not peel beneath the outer layer. The white layer underneath the zest is known as the pith, and it's very bitter. You won't find pith in many recipes (unless they were given to you by your enemies).

Tell me the next time you use zest. The magic oils will change your life.

more cooking tips from the 360

Cooking With Ginger Root

Here at Andy Katz 360, we like to listen to our readers. And, there are three things that you have made clear: you like the cooking tips, you use the cooking tips, and you want more cooking tips. We hear you loud and clear.

Courtesy of Rachael Ray, here is an excellent cooking tip that you should consider using in your kitchen.

Freeze ginger root. If you like cooking thai food, you will find that fresh ginger root is in many of the recipes. (There are many non-thai recipes that use ginger as well). A common complaint about ginger root is that much of the root goes to waste because you have to buy it in large pieces (see large piece of ginger root in photo above). It's not terribly expensive, but there is a way to get the most out of the root that you buy. According to Rachael Ray, peel the entire ginger root, and then freeze it in a ziploc bag. It won't dry out and it will last you many meals.

Share your own ginger tips and ginger stories in the comments below. Bring it.

Best Appetizer?

One of my absolute favorite appetizers is crab rangoon. According to a Food Network episode, it seems as if they are not so difficult to make. All you need is cream cheese, crabmeat, garlic powder, vegetable oil, and wonton wrappers. And I almost forgot the secret ingredient--steak sauce. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 12 minutes.
I'll let you know how it goes. I might add some scallions for a little crunchy crunch.

Click here for step-by-step instructions.

Snack for the Soul

Try a new snack.

Combine two comfort foods: Chips Ahoy and Apple Sauce.

Step 1: Pour apple sauce in bowl
Step 2: Break Chips Ahoy (non-Chewy) into bowl
Step 3: Mix
Step 4: Eat It