TIPS/ KITCHEN BASICS

Some basic information in meal planning and shopping:

Grocery Item                                  Yield

25 lb turkey                                   15 servings

1 lb loaf bread                              16 slices or 8 servings

1 lb potatoes                                 2 cups mashed or

                                                         4 servings

1 lb trimmed carrots                     3 cups chopped or

                                                         4 servings

1 lb head broccoli/cauliflower     3 cups florets or

                                                         6 servings

13 x 9" cake                                12 servings

9 inch pie                                       8 servings

Did you know?  Spices do not spoil, but they do loose their flavor.  How long do you keep them?

Whole spices:    4 years

Ground spices:  3 years

Herbs:                 1 to 3 years

Seeds:                4 years
   (2 years for poppy seed
   and sesame seeds)

Extracts:             4 years

Vanilla Extract:  Unlimited shelf life

Be sure to read all package labels when shopping.

Keep in mind when preparing menus, special diets and allergies.  There are so many products available today to accomplish recipe substitutions i.e., Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Sugar Free, Fat Free, Low Carb, Vegan and Organic options.  A good way to maintain a healthy diet is to try a lighter version of the ingredient in a recipe.  However, nothing beats the "good old fashioned recipes" our Mommas used to make once in a while...especially during the holidays!!