Don't throw out leftovers
TASTE OF HOME COOKING SHOW
When Tania Whiddon of Pillager eats at a restaurant she goes home and attempts to master on her own the dish she purchased.
Back
Whiddon has made Broccoli Cheese Soup and Dairy Queen's Moolattes and almost has cream puffs mastered.
Who knows what recipe Whiddon will master after watching the 10th annual Taste of Home Cooking Show Tuesday at Tornstrom Auditorium in Brainerd.
Whiddon has always enjoyed making specialty restaurant items at home, especially now-a-days. Whiddon doesn't get the chance to go out as much anymore.
Whiddon moved in with her mother, Gloria Davison, with her four children in November because of the tough economy. Whiddon and her mother clip coupons to save money and they also buy their own meat and cut it. Whiddon said they also plan to do more gardening this summer.
Tania Whiddon (right), her mother, Gloria Davison, and her 6-year-old daughter Victoria browsed through booths at the Taste of Home Cooking Show Tuesday in the Washington Educational Services Building gym. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey» Purchase reprints of this photo.
Clipping coupons is one of the tips that Taste of Home culinary specialist Mary Janice Reisdorf, who hosted the cooking show, offered on how people can save money in today's economy. Reisdorf, who conducts cooking schools in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, said before the cooking show in an interview that making simple recipes and utilizing leftovers also offer more savings.
"People can make simple recipes that don't have a lot of ingredients in it that still taste good, like the Greek Turkey Burgers I'll make tonight," said Reisdorf. "People need to use their leftovers, there is so much waste in that."
Diane Garbrecht of Aitkin, who attended the show, said she eats more leftovers than she used to. Before she'd just toss the leftovers in the garbage. Garbrecht said she also clips coupons and buys products when they're on sale.
"I'm not eating out as much," said Trissie Simmons of Brainerd. "I eat more of the comfort foods and not the specialty items."
Simmons' friend, Jean Collins of Brainerd, said she's been making more meals with eggs, to substitute for the meat, and making more salad-based meals. Collins also said eating smaller portions has been cost-effective.
All the home show participants received a bag of goodies that included coupons for the products to make the 10 meals Reisdorf demonstrated that included Spicy Asian Shrimp Salad and Shanghai Chicken and Zucchini with Spicy Mandarin Ginger Glaze.
Culinary specialist Mary Janice Reisdorf went through 10 different recipes Tuesday night for a packed Tornstrom Auditorium during the 10th annual Taste of Home Cooking Show. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey» Purchase reprints of this photo.
The auditorium was filled with 850 people learning new and exciting recipes. They also had the opportunity before the show to visit food and business exhibitors featuring their products and offering coupons.
The Brainerd Dispatch has sponsored the cooking show for the past 10 years, hosting a show every other year. Other major sponsors of the show include: Cub Foods in Brainerd and Baxter, Floor to Ceiling, Schroeder's Appliance Center, Adirondack Coffee in Nisswa, Black Bear Lodge and Saloon, Fifth Avenue Furniture and Kinetico.
Deb Dahlke of the Minnesota Cattle Women, who partnered with Von Hanson's Meats at the home show, offered participants a sample of Barbecue Beef Brisket. Dahlke said briskets are a less expensive meat, which also qualify as a lean meat. Dahlke said people can feed their family for $2 a serving, which is 3 ounces.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.