Dear Jackrabbit,
Now we dispense with some more fatherly advice on topics varied and sundry–this time, topics related to cars and driving, and topics related to cooking. Some of this is advice my dad gave me, some is stuff I had to learn on my own. Many of these will not apply until you’re older, but I figure it’s best to write some of these down before I forget.
Driving
When stopping at an intersection, always look left before right. If someone is going to hit you, they’re going to be coming from your left more than your right. After confirming the left is clear, don’t forget to look right. There are idiots everywhere.
Always be suspicious of anyone for whom driving is a large part of their job. This includes cabbies, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and even police and ambulances when not on emergency runs. Why? They’re the least likely to follow traffic laws, safe driving, and awareness of other drivers. The amount of time they spend behind the wheel gives them this idea that they have a kind of “oneness with the road” that makes them a danger to other drivers. Always assume they’re going to pull a dick move on the road because they think they know better.
When changing a tire, loosen the lug nuts to a point you can finish taking them off by hand before jacking up the car.
They say that warming up a car on a cold morning has no effect on engine performance. Experience proves otherwise.
Things to make sure to always have in your car: jumper cables, a working spare tire and jack, a thick blanket, a bottle of motor oil, a couple of bottles of water, a few bucks in change, and a few bucks In paper money stashed someplace for emergencies (not much, enough to cover food for two should be enough), a strong flashlight, a good book that rereads well, a deck of cards. (This is just a minimum list. There’s other stuff that’s useful, but this is stuff you’re going to find you’ll really need.)
Get the oil changed regularly. The recommended frequency may be higher than necessary, but I think it’s best to keep on top of the oil and filter situation as much as possible.
When at a lighted intersection, count to five before proceeding through a newly-changed green light. Some people see yellow lights not as warnings, but as challenges. We call these people dangerous morons.
For some reason, the crazies are always out on Friday night more than any other night. Drive safe.
Cooking
Clean as you go whenever possible. It’s easier to clean measuring cups, bowls, spoons, etc. as you go than letting them sit until after dinner, It also makes your workspace less chaotic.
The first time I tried to make a cake, I was eight or so and reasoned that using hot water made more sense because it was being cooked anyway, right? No. It ruined the batter and made for a lousy cake. Use cold water when baking unless otherwise told.
Speaking of which, when making coffee, start with cold water and let the coffee maker do the heating. Don’t ask me why, but it makes for better coffee.
Adding salt to water makes it come to boil more quickly, but it also boils at a slightly higher temperature. The amount of time saved is negligible and you could do without the extra salt. Only use what the recipe calls for, and even then consider alternatives.
Frying pan on fire? Don’t use water or a wet towel. Don’t panic and gently drop a pot lid over it.
Speaking of pots and pans… try to arrange said pots and pans when cooking so that the handles do not extend over the edge of the stovetop. This way you don’t accidentally knock any of them over while cooking. Also avoid wearing shirts with loose or billowy sleeves—especially if there’s a chance of spilled grease and an open flame.
Freshly ground black pepper is always preferable to fine, pre-ground pepper, although the pre-ground is easier to measure and incorporate into recipes where the ingredients are to be well mixed (such as a clam cake batter).
Soy milk is a great substitute for regular milk for baking. I think it adds something to the overall flavor. Almond milk makes a great substitute for regular milk when making rice pudding. I wouldn’t put either into my coffee, though.
Speaking of milk, 1% and 2% milk will last longer in your fridge than whole milk, and, as a whole, is healthier.
Want a nice looking turkey that’s juicy inside with a great skin and very tasty? It’s super simple. After stuffing the turkey (see Secret Recipes letter to come sometime down the line), rub olive oil all over the outside, then sprinkle with a little salt, some fresh ground pepper, and a little bit of Italian seasoning. Rub it into the skin with the olive oil. When baking the turkey, loosely cover it with tin foil for that last hour.
Ovens vary. Learn yours. Our current oven, for instance, works better when the oven temperature is set for 10 degrees above whatever the recommended setting is in the cooking instructions.
When grilling with charcoal, bring a book and be patient. It takes a while to get a good, even bed of hot coals. Start grilling too soon and your food will not cook evenly. That said, also time your grill. If you start too late in the afternoon or early evening in summer, it’s going to get dark quickly.
Never cook bacon while naked. Never.
And that’s it for now, kiddo.
Cheers!
–-Dad
