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Cooking Tips:

Thin Slices

To slice meat into thin strips, as for Chinese dishes - partially freeze and it will slice easily.

Less Pungent Shallots

When using raw minced shallots in salad dressings, lessen their pungency by reducing the juice; wrap the minced shallots in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze the shallots so the cloth absorbs some of their juices, then add the shallots to the recipe as directed.

Left Over Halloween Pumpkins:

Scoop out seeds and strands if using a new pumpkin. Stand pumpkin upright and cut down the middle. Halves should be able to fit on a baking sheet. Place one half pumpkin, or two if they fit, cut side down on the baking sheet. You may sprinkle a little water on the sheet first. Bake at 350F for 30-60 minutes, depending on the size. When done, the skin darkens and the pumpkin begins to collapse. Check for softness with a fork or knife. It will go in easily if done. Remove from oven, cool about 20 minutes. Scoop pumpkin flesh away from skin. Discard skin then puree in food processor.