Simply divine vinaigrette

I love eating vegetable salads but I don’t know how to make vinaigrette dressing.

I always use the thousand island dressing available in groceries. – Karla Joyce Abais, Cebu City

For a simple but delicious vinaigrette, mix together two tablespoons each of olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Add a teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper. You can drizzle some lemon or lime juice, if you like it to be a bit citrus-y!

* * * Half-And-Half For All

I was going over some recipes on the Internet and I came across the ingredient "half-and-half." What exactly is it? Where can I find mascarpone cheese in Manila? Thanks! – Jeanna R. Oppus

Half milk and half (heavy) cream usually creams up a dessert, soufflé, soup, or mousse. It is lighter than the heavy cream, but gives that same rich texture with less of the fat content. I’m not sure really where exactly you can find mascarpone cheese in Manila, but my best bet would be a gourmet delicatessen, like Bon Appetit or Santi’s. Mascarpone is a sweetish Italian cream cheese that is generally used for desserts or grain-based dishes like baked polenta (cornmeal) with pesto and mascarpone. Substitute this with a block of Philadelphia cream cheese and cream it together with one to two tablespoons of sugar. Good luck!

* * * Grain Storage Pests

I wonder if you could help me. I need to find a way to prevent weevils from infesting my rice, lentils, and other grains when stored in my pantry. I have a large family and cannot fit all of these items in my refrigerator. I never had this problem in Europe and don’t know how to deal with this. I am also looking for a way to discourage lizards from crawling all over my kitchen counter, sink, canisters, etc. I cannot leave anything unattended even for a minute. Please help! – Jenny, Fabzine

To protect your grains from insect damage, make sure that they are sealed tightly in their respective containers. Ants, weevils, and cockroaches will find their way into your pantry if they can smell any uncovered food or detect any moisture points, and will infest the area without delay. Hang a few dried mint leaves along the shelves of your pantry or place them in the back corners where the insects are most likely to hide. Inside the storage containers, bury a few dried chili peppers to keep those hungry critters at bay. Before cooking any grains or beans (or lentils), soak them in water. If you notice any of them floating to the surface, discard them. This is most probably an indication of insect infestation or mold damage.

* * * Craving For Apple Pie

I would just like to ask if you happen to know if A la Diane Cakehouse, which was previously located at the side of National Book Store building along Quezon Ave. has moved to another place. Where could I order their apple pie because I’m desperately craving for it. – Cecille "Kay" C. Capinpin

I remember seeing it there a couple of years ago, but I don’t know where they have moved. My personal favorite is the old-fashioned apple pie of Goodies and Sweets in Greenhills, near McDonald’s. It is accompanied by a sweet whipped butter on the side that melts over the warmed apple pie. Visit the Reader-Approved Recipes section on our website for a delicious apple pie recipe!

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