I’m wanting to increase the whole grains in my diet and I love pilaf. Do you have any whole grain pilaf recipes?

Here’s a recipe from the Kansas Wheat Commission using bulgar, long-grain rice and pearled barley. Yum!

Three-Grain Pilaf

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1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup dry bulgur

1/2 cup dry white long-grain rice

• Season with black pepper or herbs.
• Add other vegetables such as chopped green pepper, red pepper, celery, peas or broccoli.
• Do not substitute minute or brown rice.

Nutrients: One cup (2 servings) provides 192 calories, 5 g protein, 39 g carbohydrates, 3 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 6 g dietary fiber and 33 mg sodium.

What are “chapatis?” Do you know how to make them?

Originated in India, a chapati is a flat bread made from whole wheat, baked on a griddle. Here’s how they are made:

Chapatis

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4 cups whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons oil, optional

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (105-115 degrees), divided

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Mix in 1 cup water, and, if desired, oil. Gradually add remaining one-half cup water, continuing to mix until flour absorbs water. Knead dough until smooth and elastic, 5 to 8 minutes. Do not add more flour. Cover with a damp cloth. Let rest 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight. If refrigerated, let come to room temperature.

Divide into 16 equal pieces. Roll each into thin rounds, 6 to 7 inches in diameter. Using a light dusting of flour if necessary when rolling out. Do not stack.

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place one chapati on the griddle and cook for about 1 minute. Flip chapati and cook for about 1 minute; flip again. Use a folded, dry dish cloth to press down the edges of the chapati as it rises and puffs up so that the bread cooks evenly. Bread should puff up and have an even distribution of brown spots.

Place on a clean dish towel and lightly brush top with butter, if desired. Keep chapatis warm on a baking sheet in a 250-degree oven, loosely covered with foil. Serve warm. To eat, tear chapatis in pieces or use as a wrap, simply fill, roll and eat. Makes 16.

Variation: Use 3 cups whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour. Nutrients: One chapati made without oil provides 102 calories, 4 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates, .5 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 3 g dietary fiber and 802 mg sodium.

How good are eggs after the date on the carton?

Eggs are still good 4 to 5 weeks from the pack date. They must be kept refrigerated.

Can pumpkin butter be canned at home?

No. It is too thick and will not get thoroughly processed.

How should you adjust the baking times and temperatures when using a convection oven?

Reduce the temperature 25 to 50 degrees and shorten the cooking time.

Why do some recipes say to “make a well” in the dry ingredients and some don’t?

By making a well in the dry ingredients, the liquid ingredients can be incorporated much quicker into the batter. This is commonly seen in making biscuits and muffins.

I made a cheesecake with cherries on top. I covered it with foil and the cherries ate through the foil, why?

Cherries are an acidic food. Acidic foods react with aluminum foil and eat through it. The food is safe to eat but may have an off flavor and off color.

Is it safe to can cake?

No. It is a potential source of botulism. Because it is a heavy, dense product, research has shown that botulism spores can survive the canning process. Therefore, cakes or breads should not be canned.

Is it safe to use Mexican Vanilla?

The Food and Drug Administration recommends to not use Mexican vanilla. Mexican vanilla may contain coumarin, which is prohibited in the United States. If the vanilla is purchased in Mexico, be sure the label reads “Coumarin Free.”

Can whipped butter be stored at room temperature?

Commercial whipped butter can be stored at room temperature because it contains nitrogen to make it shelf stable. Butter whipped at home should be stored in the refrigerator.

Are terra cotta flower pots safe to cook or serve food?

Not recommended. Flower pots may contain lead. They are not made from a food safe material. To serve food, the pot can be lined with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.