Tips And Shortcuts

CANDLES AND TABLECLOTHS definitely do not come under the heading of cooking; however, when you are preparing a wonderful table of food, candles and tablecloths are present. There is nothing more frustrating than to pull out your fine tablecloth or a special candle and find neither is acceptable. Check your tablecloths ahead of time to make sure they are neatly pressed and your candles look good.

CANDLES require a certain amount of care to insure their longevity. Here are a few tips:

1. Candles fade if exposed to bright light for long periods of time.

2. Fingerprints can be removed by rubbing the candle with a nylon stocking.

3. Keep candles out of draft.

4. Candles burn more smoothly & evenly if refrigerated before using. Wrap candles in plastic or foil to prevent wicks from absorbing moisture.

5. Trim wicks ¼” for longer burning time and smaller flame.

6. Put votives in l/8 inch of water before burning. After votive is extinguished, press lightly on wax to pop remainder out of holder.

7. Burn pillar candles long enough to create a pool of wax across most of the diameter of the candle. The candle will last longer and burn more evenly.

8. Extinguish candles when they burn within 2” of holders or decorations.

9. To remove spilled wax, let it harden, then place a paper towel or brown paper bag on the spot. Gently press with a warm iron. Wax will melt and be absorbed into the paper.

Most of these instructions come with the candles but we don’t even read them. We just light the candle and deal with the results. Hopefully this will help your special candles last longer and stay looking beautiful!!

Gogi

TIME FOR A COFFEE (OR TEA BREAK)!

Dear friends,

I have been so excited about finding the internet and being able to share my 50 years of experience in cooking. I have had many failures and many successes. I have obtained hundreds of recipes from friends, family, magazines, cookbooks, you name it. I know I will never use them all but they give me such pleasure in thinking I might some day. Any of you know that feeling?

The experiences I have had with friends in preparing food for certain events have been wonderful. Getting together with those who love to cook and having conversation is not only fun but unforgettable. We share recipes and many stories.

Every year I have a Christmas cookie party at my house. I make the cookie press dough and the guests bring their Pampered Chef cookie presses and we make about 50 dozen of those beautiful cookies. Some don’t know how to use their presses very well, so our Pampered Chef lady, Denise Heckman, holds a class on that and reviews every year! It has become a tradition and so every year in November I have the party at my house. The ladies take the cookies home and freeze until Christmas. Not only do the ladies come to press and bake but the kids do also. Participants range from 8-80 years old. We have a great time!

Most of my experiences in cooking have been centered on family, friends and church. That is where you find your great resources. I realize that grandchildren come under the heading of family, but yet they are a special category all their own. We need to share our recipes and cook with them. They may be too busy now but one day they will be sharing and preparing food just like we do.

Until our next coffee/tea break,

Gogi

Monthly Archives

Categories

Search: