June 2001 “Cooking Tips” Winner — Marilyn Powell

“I like to use bottled gravies since there are no lumps and are convenient. One day I was doing a little experimenting, trying to add some more flavor to beef gravy. After I poured the gravy into a saucepan, I filled about ¼ of the jar with Marsala. I shook it up with whatever gravy was left in the jar and added it to the saucepan. I then sprinkled in a little bit of "Nature's Seasons." You can really use any kind of spices or herbs that would complement the flavor of the gravy - chicken, turkey, pork or beef. I've also used Madeira and Sherry in addition to the Marsala. Whenever I have guests for dinner, they always ask for my gravy recipe. It is almost embarrassing to share my little creation since it is so easy.”

Marilyn Powell

Prize:

• Cooking tips: Dinosaur Wango Tango Habanero Hot Bar-B-Que Sauce

June 2001 “Cooking Disasters” Winner — Pete Morrison

“Last month's Cooking Disaster brought back a childhood memory. When we were growing up, my parents did not have a dining room and the kitchen was very small. The kitchen table was fine for a family of four but definitely not big enough for a holiday gathering. We had a finished basement so that was where the large dining room table was located. Not exactly convenient since we had to bring all of the food down the flight of stairs. On one Thanksgiving, we were expecting a rather large crowd so my Dad had to put the extra leaf in the table. We all pitched in to bring the food down to the basement, put it on the table and couldn't wait to dig in. Right about that time, the center leaf fell out of the table. Yes - some of the food fell with it but we all reacted quickly. There we all sat, holding up the two ends of the table. Then we realized that this wouldn't work for too long and we had to get the food off of the table. Since the grownups were needed to hold the table, my sister and I had to remove the food. The closest thing to the table was the staircase so we started putting the dishes on the stairs. We thought it was a good idea but no one remembered the poodle. Well, the only one enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner was the poodle. This may sound absolutely ridiculous and probably "made up" but it really did happen. After that Thanksgiving, my Father made sure that the table leaf was firmly in place.”

Pete Morrison

Prize:

• Cooking Disasters: Dean Jacobs Smoke Natural Flavors

Previous Winners

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