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Make holiday cooking a little easier with a few handy tricks and shortcuts. Plus, you probably already have most of these items in your kitchen.
Pie Weight Substitute
When baking a pie crust, pie weights are used to keep the crust from bubbling or shrinking away from the edges of the pie plate. If you don’t own pie weights, pantry staples like dry beans, uncooked rice and popcorn kernels can be used instead.
When using popcorn kernels, line the crust with parchment paper, then fill two-thirds full with popcorn kernels. Chill, then bake—popcorn will not pop when baked at 400 degrees or below. Remove the popcorn and paper. Use a fork to prick the crust bottom all over to prevent bubbles and continue baking until the crust is golden in color.
DIY Roasting Rack
If you don't own a V-rack, don't worry! Easily build your own with aluminum foil. Roll pieces of foil into five tight cylinders and place them 2 inches apart across the bottom of the roasting pan. Position food so that it sits evenly on top of the cylinders to cook.
Microwave Squash
Save on oven space by cooking butternut squash in the microwave. Cut off the stem, slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves on a plate, drizzle with oil or melted butter, season with salt and pepper and microwave for 14 to 16 minutes or until the squash can be easily pierced with a fork.
