Unsalted vs. Salted Butter is the Question

Butter comes in two forms: salted and unsalted. Salt is added as a flavoring and preservative agent. In addition, sometimes a coloring agent (Annatto) is added and salted butter contains higher water content. However, salt can overpower the sweet flavor and mask any odors. I prefer to use unsalted butter because of its fresher taste and because I have read that the amount of salt added varies therefore, it is hard to know how much extra salt to add to your recipe. My rule of thumb is that if I am substituting salted for unsalted butter in a recipe, I simply omit the extra salt in the recipe and then add more to taste if necessary. Please note that unsalted butter has a shorter shelf life because it contains no preservatives. Most butter has an expiration date on it so if you do not use butter frequently (is that possible?) or buy in bulk as I do, just freeze it. You can freeze butter for around six months but be sure to wrap it well for longer life and to prevent it from picking up odors. When you are ready, simply toss it into the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Trader Joe's is Sweet

Let me start off by saying this: I love sweet potatoes and enjoy them in different forms (baked, fried, mashed etc.) so I was ecstatic, yet a bit pessimistic, when I saw frozen ‘Sweet Potato Frites’ at Trader Joe’s. Normally I am disappointed by the few frozen varieties I have had from other stores. We baked them the other night and we love them (even the 2 and 4 year olds). Although you will never be able to crisp them up like a fryer can, I baked them (on foil) a bit longer that the recommended time and was pleased. The best part is that they are cut to a good width so when you bake them a bit longer, they aren’t hard sticks. These are a tasty and affordable contribution from TJ’s….I picked up two more bags today.

Williams-Sonoma Classes

Did you know that Williams-Sonoma stores offer free classes? That's right: Classes on Technique, Cooking, and even Product Demonstrations. Naturally, they are using their latest gadgets, pans, spices etc., to interest you in purchasing those so that you can achieve the quality product but the best part of the classes is that you often get to eat what they made. I enjoy taking a girlfriend to these classes or simply time to myself.