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Dairy storage -- When you store milk, eggs, cheese and other dairy products, put them in the back of the refrigerator where it's really cold, so they last longer.  Why not the front?  The temperature there tends to fluctuate because of the frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door.

Secret to sparkling plates and glasses -- Add juice from half a lemon to a cup of hot water.  Dampen a towel in the juice mixture, then wipe off the finger smudges, grease and food stains from your kitchenware.  The acid from the lemon removes what the dishwasher or hand washing  missed.  Some people use vinegar instead, but that leaves behind a vinegar smell.


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Chef Lauren Von Der Pool, Vegan/Raw Food Cuisine Expert

Cardamom -- Sexy is the best way to describe this versatile spice.  I love its sweet, warm, subtle and aromatic flavor.  It adds an exotic kick to drinks and desserts.  Cardamom also has medicinal benefits that include improving digestion, blood circulation and strengthening the heart.  Try a little in cakes, muffins or cookies.  Add a pinch to warm apple cider or in a traditional chilled, Indian yogurt drink called a Mango Lassi (my recipe is below).

Learn more about Von Der Pool's exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.

Mango Lassi (serves 2)
*1 cup yogurtDirections
*Serve chilled.
Do you have a culinary question or tip to share? 

Email your questions and tips, along with your city and state, to  drakeel@drakeelenterprises.com.  We will do our best to publish as many as we can.  

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