Silicone Baking Cups...do they work???

Have you ever wondered if the silicone bakeware was worth the money? I thought I'd do a little product review for you! I bought these cute little silicone muffin cups the other day; the manager at Sur La Table said I could bring them back if I didn't like how they worked, she claimed them wonderful. So I gave them a try. I whipped up my favorite banana pineapple muffin recipe on page 306!
As you can see they baked up nice and round, the true test was what happened once

I took them out..... They slipped right out, I just had to wipe them down and they were ready for another go round. I was pretty impressed at the cleanup! They even browned the bottom of the muffins which I had my doubts about. So, I would recommended them next time you see some on sale! I have never been a big fan of the paper cups, they take the bottom of the muffin off sometimes, and kids can't peel them very well themselves...and you have to keep buying them. This is a nice way to take the mess of muffin tin greasing and cleaning up out of muffin baking, so you can spend more time eating the muffins! --Carissa

Random Cooking Hints

I just thought I'd pass on a few random cooking tips for you. I have tried all sorts of things to keep my eyes from watering while I am chopping onions up. I finally found the perfect thing! Unfortunately it only works if you have a gas burner...this is almost reason enough to get a gas stove installed....that is just how great this method works!! Put your cutting board right next to a burner that is on high. The flame pulls / sucks the surrounding oxygen towards the flame taking along with it all the tear causing onion fumes! It works every time!
The other tip is one I just read in a cooking magazine the other day. How many times have you toasted up some bread or maybe a bagel then tried to slice rock hard butter to spread on your delicate toast?? Well, if you just use a cheese slicer it is PERFECT! The slicer makes nice thin slices that melt as soon as they hit the hot bread. Where was this tip my whole life?? I have torn many slices of toast trying to spread cold butter.

That is all for now...I hope everyone has a good weekend! --Carissa