A finger of alcohol is a term used to measure the amount of liquor in a glass. It is usually measured by the width of a finger, usually around one to one and a half inches. The term is commonly used in bars and restaurants where customers can request a finger of their preferred spirit to be added to their drink.

Butter icing, also known as buttercream icing, is made of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract or other flavorings, and milk or heavy cream. The butter and powdered sugar are whipped together until light and fluffy, and then the flavorings and liquid are added to achieve the desired consistency. The result is a rich and creamy frosting that is often used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.

The best way to know when a steak is ready is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the temperature should be around 135°F, for medium it should be 145°F, and for medium-well it should be around 150°F. The color of the meat can also be a good indicator of doneness, with rare meat being bright red, medium-rare being pinkish-red, and medium to well-done being brownish-pink. To check this, you can make a small incision in the center of the steak to see the color of the meat.

The quickest thing to make for dinner is a simple pasta dish with a pre-made sauce and some vegetables or protein added in. This can be accomplished in under 20 minutes by boiling the pasta while sauteing the vegetables or protein, then combining with the sauce and serving. Other quick options include grilled cheese sandwiches, breakfast for dinner, or a pre-made salad with a protein source added in.

Chinese preserved vegetables, also known as pickled vegetables, are a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes. They add a flavorful and slightly salty taste to soups, stir-fries, and rice dishes. To use them, rinse the vegetables thoroughly to remove excess salt and then chop or slice them into small pieces before adding them to your desired dish. Some popular dishes that use Chinese preserved vegetables include hot and sour soup, fried rice, and stir-fry dishes.

Adding vinegar to spaghetti sauce can enhance its flavor by adding a slight tanginess to the dish. It can also balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes used in the sauce and help to tenderize any tougher meat that is included in the recipe. Additionally, vinegar can act as a natural preservative, helping the sauce to last longer in the refrigerator.

It is typically recommended to refrigerate a cake with ganache because ganache is made from chocolate and cream, which are perishable ingredients. However, if the ganache has been properly made and the cake is going to be consumed within a day or two, it can be left at room temperature. It is always best to err on the side of caution and refrigerate the cake to prevent the ganache from spoiling.

To make crispy fried pickles, start by drying the pickles thoroughly with paper towels. Then, coat the pickles in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices. Dip the coated pickles in egg wash, and then coat them in panko bread crumbs. Finally, fry the pickles in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Baking soda is primarily used as a leavening agent in baked goods. It reacts with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, yogurt, or vinegar, producing carbon dioxide gas that causes the dough or batter to rise. Baking soda can also be used as a tenderizer for tough meats or as a cleaning agent for kitchen surfaces. However, it should not be used as a substitute for baking powder, as baking powder contains additional ingredients necessary for leavening.

Cooking beef in water serves multiple purposes such as removing excess fat, tenderizing the meat, and adding flavor to the dish. When the beef is boiled in water, the fat is allowed to float on top and is easily removed, resulting in a healthier dish. The prolonged cooking in water also breaks down the tough muscle fibers of the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome. Additionally, flavor can be added to the dish by using aromatic herbs, spices, and vegetables in the water while cooking.