Kathleen Flinn

Storyteller. Cook. Teacher.

Pantry & Supermarket Tips

How to Outfit a Kitchen on a Budget or 14 Kitchen Essentials Every Cook Needs

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What are kitchen essentials? People have been quite successful making food in the past centuries with little more than a pot, spoon, bowl, knife and cutting surface. Years ago, I started a guide for college students but I've expanded it to a list for anyone who is outfitting a … [Read more...] about How to Outfit a Kitchen on a Budget or 14 Kitchen Essentials Every Cook Needs

Real Mashed Potatoes vs. Instant

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The next round of my Thanksgiving Dinner Firehouse Challenge put real mashed potatoes vs. instant mashed potatoes. I understand the lure of instant mashed potatoes. You want comfort and you want it now. I love them so much that if food could be your spirit animal, mine would be … [Read more...] about Real Mashed Potatoes vs. Instant

The Firehouse Challenge: Packaged vs. Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner Classics

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For years, my father-in-law's second wife served boxed stuffing at her holiday gatherings, spiced up with cut-up precooked turkey sausage. When I offered to make some homemade stuffing one year, she waved me off. “No one can the tell the difference, anyway.” But I can tell, I … [Read more...] about The Firehouse Challenge: Packaged vs. Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner Classics

How to Freeze Meat, Cheese, Milk, Butter and Fish So You Can Actually Use It Later

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Reader question: “I have bought far more meat and cheese than usual due to the pandemic and now I am worried about it going bad. Is freezing meat OK? What about butter and cheese? How long will it last?” – Rebecca, Orlando FL Answer: I have been teaching people cooking in … [Read more...] about How to Freeze Meat, Cheese, Milk, Butter and Fish So You Can Actually Use It Later