Save a Tree & Better Browning

by Ann Landi — August 28, 2006

Monday August 28th
Smarter Trash-Sack Stash

Got a wad of plastic bags under your kitchen sink? Save your empty jumbo-sized tissue boxes for more convenient storage. Simply stuff the bags into the box, and pull them out one by one. Then pat yourself on the back for double-duty recycling.

Tuesday August 29th
DIY Ricotta

Love the creamy taste of ricotta cheese as a pasta filling or a simple dessert, topped with cinnamon and honey? Well, it’s a snap to make it at home, and the results have a more delicate flavor than store-bought ricotta. Try this recipe, adapted from Gourmet.

•	Line a large sieve with a layer of fine-mesh cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl.
•	Slowly bring 2 quarts whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and ½ teaspoon salt to a rolling boil in a 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
•	Add 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture curdles, about 2 minutes.
•	Pour the mixture into the lined sieve and let it drain for 1 hour. After discarding the liquid, cover and chill the ricotta remaining in the bowl. It will keep in the refrigerator for 2 days.

Wednesday August 30th
And Even More About Tomatoes

All summer long we’ve been bringing you tips on what to do with the summer crop of tomatoes. It’s a shame to let these seasonal delights go to waste, so if you can’t eat enough of them now, and want to save some for cold-weather sauces and soups, wash and dry them, cut the larger ones into quarters, and freeze them in zip-lock bags. The night before you plan to use the tomatoes, let them sit overnight in the fridge and then partially thaw them at room temperature the next day. After an hour or so, the skins slip right off.

Thursday August 31st
Save a Tree (or Two or Three)

More than 90 percent of the paper we use on a regular basis comes from virgin tree fiber, and that simply contributes to more ugly deforestation. Whenever possible, choose goods made from recycled paper, and for a truly special caring touch, spring for stationery and note cards made from unusual sustainable materials like banana, hemp, and sugarcane. Here are some handy links:

•	For everyday office paper: www.livingtree.com
•	When you want to send the very best: www.greenfieldpaper.com
•	For origami and other crafts: www.augustartpaper.com
•	And for more information on conserving trees by using paper from other sources: www.conservatree.org

Friday September 1st
Better Browning

Meat, fish, and poultry will all turn a nice golden brown more easily if you blot all moisture from the surface of chops, fillets, and other cuts. A paper towel works best. And if a recipe calls for dipping in flour before you sauté, do this as the last minute (and shake off all excess flour) to prevent a gummy crust.