How to make Sour Cream...

I know that I am not the only one out there that begins to make supper only to realize I am missing one of the ingredients... the sour cream.

First you need to make buttermilk (which is really quite simple- I don't think I will ever buy buttermilk again!!!).

Buttermilk:
•Milk (just under one cup)
•1 Tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice

1. Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup.
2. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line.
3. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.

Now you can make your sour cream...

To make Sour Cream for baking:
Mix 3/4 cup of buttermilk plus 1/3 cup butter (I usually don't add all the butter and it turns out fine:) together and use as you normally would store bought sour cream.

Freeze Your Pies

I was given this tip by my wonderful mother-in-law...

Next time you make a fruit pie (apple, peach, etc.) make an extra one in a foil pie tin and freeze it. They fit perfectly in a large ziploc and you will have one the next time you really are craving a 'fresh' pie. Bake your frozen pie like you would your unfrozen pie... just add more time to your baking time:) No need to thaw...

Tip to Keep Cookies Moist

Put a slice of fresh bread in with your cookies to help them stay moist longer.