Yes, bamboo paper towels work well. They are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper towels that are made from trees. Bamboo paper towels are reusable and are made from a highly absorbent bamboo fiber that is durable and soft. They can be easily washed after use and are biodegradable, making them a more sustainable option for cleaning up spills and messes.

The number of drops of bitters to use depends on personal preference and the cocktail recipe. Typically, 2-3 dashes or drops are used in a cocktail, but this can be adjusted to taste. It is recommended to start with a small amount and add more if necessary.

Butter, lard, or coconut oil can be used instead of shortening for pie crust. These substitutes have different textures and flavors, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your preferences and the type of filling you plan to use. For example, butter creates a flaky crust while lard produces a tender one. Coconut oil is a good option for those seeking a vegan or dairy-free pie crust.

If you are looking for a substitute for Gruyere cheese in fondue, you can try using Emmental or Jarlsberg cheese, which have a similar nutty flavor and melting quality. Comté or Appenzeller can also be used as a replacement, or you can try a combination of these cheeses if you want to experiment with the flavor.

Cupcakes should be removed from the pan after 5 to 10 minutes of cooling. It’s important not to leave them in the pan for too long as they may become soggy and difficult to remove. However, it’s also important not to remove them too quickly as they may not be fully set and could fall apart.

For Christmas nibbles, it’s best to serve a mix of sweet and savory options to cater to everyone’s tastes. Some great options to consider include cheese and crackers, charcuterie boards, sausage rolls, mini quiches, pigs in blankets, deviled eggs, and bite-sized desserts like cookies or truffles. You can also add some festive touches to your nibbles like using Christmas-themed cookie cutters for your cheese or arranging your snacks in the shape of a Christmas tree.

There are several methods to take out a cork without a corkscrew, including pushing the cork into the bottle with a wooden spoon or a long object like a screwdriver, heating the neck of the bottle with hot water or a flame, using a shoe and hitting the bottle against a wall, or using a bike pump to pump air into the bottle and push the cork out. However, it is important to exercise caution and use these methods carefully to avoid injury or damage to the bottle.

One way to tenderize veal chops is to use a marinade. A mixture of acidic ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine can help break down the meat fibers, making it more tender. The chops can be placed in the marinade for several hours or overnight before cooking. Another approach is to use a meat mallet to pound the chops, which can also help to soften the meat. Finally, cooking the veal chops low and slow in a braise or stew can result in tender, flavorful meat.

To make Chinese chicken and rice, start by cooking rice in a pot according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, cut boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry over high heat with vegetables like onions, carrots, and snow peas. Season with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, serve over a bed of rice and garnish with sliced green onions. Optional toppings include sesame seeds, chili flakes, and fried egg.

To cut onions and peppers for fajitas, first, slice the top and bottom off the onion and cut it in half, peel the skin and slice it into thin strips. For the peppers, cut off the top and bottom, remove the seeds and slice into thin strips. Make sure the slices of both the vegetables are even-sized so that they cook evenly. You can sauté them together in a pan, along with the fajita seasoning, until they are cooked through and soft.