March 2006 “Cooking Tips” Winner —
Doris Marshall

When I empty a box of cereal I save the sturdy plastic liner. These are perfect when you need to flatten chicken or turkey cutlets or thin cuts of beef for rollups. They are much sturdier than plastic wrap or wax paper. Just slip the meat inside and pound it with your meat mallet. They even work well when you use the "toothed" side. Also make sure to put a breadboard underneath to protect your counter top.

Doris Marshall

Prize:

• Cooking tips:
  Fire Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
  Original Juan

March 2006 “Cooking Disasters” Winner —
Linda B.

Every year my husband and I have a big Christmas party that we invite up to 50 people or more. I make most of the food for the party with some of the guests bringing additional items.

Two years ago I found a recipe for a fresh coconut cake. As desserts are my favorite recipes to make, I decided to make this cake. The recipe called for fresh coconut so I went out and bought a coconut, removed the coconut meat and grated it as instructed.

The day before the party I made the cake, frosted it and used the fresh grated coconut to completely garnish the cake. I then covered the cake so that it would stay fresh until the party.

I was so proud of the cake and went to show it off to my family the morning of the party. When I removed the cover, we were all horrified to see a cake that was covered with fuzz. The fresh coconut must have fermented! I didn't know what to do as this was supposed to be my "signature dessert" for the party. I finally decided to just scrape off all the frosting and "fuzzy coconut" re-frost the cake and use packaged coconut that I had on hand.

I got so many compliments from our guests on this cake, along with many requests for the recipe. One woman even commented that it reminded her of a cake her mother always used to make using fresh coconut!

When I make this cake again I will be sure to either put the coconut on the cake just before serving it or refrigerate it so that I won't have this happen again.

Linda B.

Prize:

• Cooking Disasters:
  Mexican Salsa
  Original Juan

Previous Winners

Click here to see our previous "Cooking Tips" and "Cooking Disasters" contest winners!