FT, HELP ME!!

What’s the best way to make mashed potatoes? Sometimes mine come out gooey or slimy, and sometimes they come out dry. What’s the trick to make them come out good? Best potatoes to use? Peel before boiling or after? Thanks !  —M.S.

A: I use peeled russet potatoes. Drain well and then return to the pot over low heat to absorb some of the moisture. Mash and mix with neutral oil and some chicken stock for the creamiest mashed potatoes!

—Chanie Apfelbaum

Instant Lunch

Toast 100% whole-wheat bread for a minute or two. Spread with some mashed avocado, drizzle with spicy mayo. Add sliced tomatoes and some salt.

—Estee Kafra

Review It!

My friend just switched to stainless appliances. She discovered an amazing tool that helps keep them clean and shiny — Weiman’s Stainless Steel Wipes. They do a great and quick job of getting anything stainless to look new and at its best!

—Faigy Grossman

JUST SAYIN’

What’s your biggest pet peeve in the kitchen?

It’s very hard to number my pet peeves, they’re like my children. All so special to me. Asking which is my favorite?? Just kidding. One of them has gotta be when I order groceries, and the store sends back the most expensive possible item that is somewhat related to what I asked for.

Me: Ground beef.

Grocery: Nope, but here’s a rack of prime rib for ten!

—Michal Frischman

What are the top three favorite items in your fridge right now?

Maple syrup, sweet chili sauce, and fresh lemons.

—Rivky Kleiman

HERE’S A HALACHAH

Question: Can I eat something that was baked in a fleishig oven directly after my coffee, or do I need to wash my mouth out first?

Discussion: The answer to this question depends on the state of your oven at the time the item was baked. If the oven was truly dirty with residue or pieces of fleishigs, and the item was uncovered during the baking, then there is a (small) possibility that some actual meat or chicken entered the item while it was being baked. If so, washing out your mouth after drinking the coffee would be the proper thing to do — to make sure that milk residue and meat particles do not mix in your mouth. If the oven surface is basically clean, or even if it was dirty but the item was covered throughout the baking, then there’s no concern that actual chicken or meat has entered it while baking. If so, you may eat it immediately after drinking the coffee,and there is no need to first wash out your mouth.

-Answered by Rabbi Doniel Neustadt

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 737)