1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat eight to 10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Stir occasionally to break beef into 1/2-inch crumbles. (Or, to brown in the microwave, crumble beef into a plastic colander and cover loosely with wax paper. Place colander over glass mixing bowl. Microwave on High power for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes until beef reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, stirring twice during cooking to break up beef.)
2. Pour off fat. (If you use the microwave method, a large percentage of the fat has already drained off.)
3. Use a slotted spoon to move beef crumbles to a large plate or other container lined with three layers of white, nonrecycled paper towels. Blot with additional paper towels.
4. Place ground beef crumbles in strainer or colander over a bowl.
5. Pour 4 quarts of hot tap water over beef to rinse fat (about 1 quart per pound).
6. Let drain for five minutes.
7. Use as recipe directs.
Can I still rinse my ground beef if I brown it with onion or garlic?
Ground beef browned with onion or garlic can be rinsed without significant flavor loss.
Additional seasonings and herbs should be added to the cooked beef after rinsing to minimize flavor loss.
Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
In the broadest sense, all plants are considered to be vegetable matter. Yet a further distinction is made to clarify the differences between vegetables and fruits.
The expression "fruits of the earth" comes from the broad definition of fruit being any plant product, such as grain, flax or vegetables. More narrowly defined, the fruit is one part of the plant structure, just as a hand is one part of our anatomy.
The "fruit" is the edible, seed-bearing part of the plant or tree. This includes such items as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant and peppers, which are usually considered vegetables.
A vegetable is considered to be any plant that is eaten whole or in part, raw or cooked, generally with an entree or in a salad but not as a dessert. A vegetable is savory, not sweet.
Fruits are described as "sweet," "succulent," "fleshy" and "acidic," and can be eaten as dessert items.
Therefore, botanically a tomato is a fruit. But by practical definition, most people consider a tomato to be a vegetable because of its taste and how it is used.
So a tomato could be considered a fruit or a vegetable -- depending on whether you are looking through your scientific lens or have your chef's cap on.
I purchased a 2-pound package of Fleishmann's active dry yeast that states to "use within two weeks." Is that true?
According to Fleishmann's Yeast Baker's Helpline, the 2-pound packages are typically sold as wholesale products for bakeries, and it's recommended the yeast be used within two weeks.
To prolong the yeast's life for home use, freeze it by placing the package in a zipper-lock freezer bag or rigid freezer container. It can be frozen for up to four months.
To determine whether yeast is still "live and active," combine 1/4 cup warm water (105-115 degrees), 1 teaspoon sugar and 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast. Stir and let rest. "Live" yeast should bubble and foam within 10 minutes.
-- Susan Krumm is an Extension agent in family and consumer sciences with K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County, 2110 Harper. She can be reached at 843-7058.
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