Tip of the Week!!

Tip of the Week!!

Earlier in the week, I hinted at this tip. I was making Merlot Infused Garden-Fresh Veggie and Sweet Italian Sausage Ragu. Actually, I was browning the sweet Italian sausage & the ground beef.

One of the biggest pains when browning ground meat ((I think)) is draining the fat off of it. I am sure you’ve been there — the fat is HOT, you know you can’t pour it down the drain, it will right through a plastic trash bag creating a whole new level of nightmare in the kitchen, styrofoam is another no-no. Then you go on the hunt for an aluminum can or a glass jar. A sense of accomplishment washes over you as you find a jar at the bottom of the trash.

IMG_9132

Next, you haul the heavy & hot skillet over to the sink hoping, as you pour the grease out, you have aimed correctly and the grease will actually make it into the jar instead of down the drain ((which is BAD)).

It worked (mostly), but a few steam burns later & one shake too many — it happens. You’ve lost grip on the lid, it slips ever so slightly, and half of the cooked meat falls into the sink, making its way down the drain. Then there is a moment where you think – “Did anyone see this just happen?? Maybe I could scoop the spilled meat out of the sink, heat it up and serve the meal as if nothing unfortunate ever happened.” I have never done it, but ooohh is it tempting! This entire scenario has happened to me at least 2 dozen times.

A wave of frustration washes over me – all that work, a pack of hungry humans in the wings & most of dinner is in the drain if my kitchen sink. Boo!  

Several months ago, I started doing something to combat this poisonous pattern. Enter – paper towels. Before I continue, let me just say, I am a paper towel tight wad. I don’t like wasting them, I try not to over use them & in my kitchen they must be kept in stock. Don’t pop in to my kitchen and snatch my roll of paper towels for a garage job – find your own — ((Pretty please)).

image

After all that, let me get to the solution:

  • Once the meat is done, fold up one paper towel (no wasting here!) & drop in the skillet.
  • Using a wooden spoon or spatula, hold the paper towel down & stir it around in the meat, soaking up the extra grease. Repeat until all of the grease is out of the skillet.
  • Last, pour the meat out into a paper towel lined dinner plate. This will get any remaining grease while you start assembling the rest of your meal.

No more hunts for cans and jars, no more hauling heavy & hot pots to the sink, no more steam burns (or hamburger meat facials) and most of all – no more dinner down the drain!

IMG_9136

I hope this makes your time in the kitchen a little less painful and a little more productive! I would love to hear your tips for draining meat or anything else for that matter, so please share. You may be featured in an upcoming Food for a Year – Tip of the Week!