Making a Granita

Granitas are a fruity, fat-free drink that originated in Italy.

Step 1

After combining ingredients from a recipe of your choice, place the container in the freezer and stir the granita mixture every 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2

Using a fork, scrape it into a granular consistency.

Step 3

It's now ready to drink. If you like, scoop the mixture into balls and serve in a martini glass with a dash of champagne.

Handling Egg Whites

Incorporating ingredients into egg whites requires a gentle touch.

Step 1

Using a rubber spatula, lift and gently fold in the ingredients into the egg whites.

Step 2

Since beaten egg whites have been aerated, it is important to slowly fold ingredients into them to assure a minimal loss of volume. When egg whites are fluffy, they add a delicious airiness to the dishes you make with them. (Note: Copper bowls help to make egg whites fluffy.)

Curing Meat

Curing can help preserve certain kinds of meat and enhance its flavor — especially fish and pork.

Before curing meat, wash the product thoroughly and then dry.

Pack meat in a bed of salt, or combination of salt and sugar until completely covered on all sides.

The salt will leach out any moisture in the product including most types of bacteria.

Seasoning a Pan

Seasoning a pan is crucial to creating a non-stick surface. Here's how to do it in four easy steps.

Step 1

Wash the pan with water but without soap, and place over low to moderate heat.

Step 2

Once the pan has started to heat, rub oil over the entire inside of the pan.

Step 3

Continue to moderately heat the pan for a few more minutes, then remove.

Step 4

Once cooled, discard any excess oil and store.