Ask the Expert Archive....

Q. Is there an easy way to make meatballs uniformly and quickly.

A. Yes, Make your mixture for as many meat balls as you want. The more the better since this is quick and easy.  Place the mixture on a cookie sheet and pack it flat to be 3/4 to 1 inch thick.  with a dull knife, score the mixture in the cookie sheet into 1 1/2 inch squares throughout the cookie sheet, then each one of those squares can be easily formed into a meatball giving you perfectly uniform meatballs for your group.

Q. Can your expert tell me how to store Feta Cheese?

A. If you are purchasing your Feta cheese in the deli of a store or in bulk, ask the person waiting on you to add brine from the cheese container from which your cut is taken.

If your Feta is vacuum packed or does not have brine, you can make your own brine by placing your Feta cheese in a plastic storage container and adding water and salt.  2 tablespoons of salt to every cup of water.

If your cheese is softening by the next day, it needs more salt.

Q. I go to the Farmers market sometimes and see streaming bundles of whole Garlic. I would like to purchase them sometimes but worry that they may spoil before I get a chance to use them.
What is the best way to store Garlic and should it be peeled or not?

A. Don't be afraid to purchase garlic whole like that. Garlic should be peeled just before using if possible to give your food the freshest taste possible. Garlic can be stored in a cool dry place or in the refrigerator for several months.

Q. Can you give me any info on a white fluffy greek sugar? Where can it be purchased and what is it like? Granulated sugar?
Thanks,
RockyRoad

A. As far as we know, Greek sugar is not available here basically because of the abundance of sugar in the US and it's inexpensive price. It just doesn't pay. Greek sugar is granulated sugar made from sugar beets, but just finer and could be made by putting regular granulated sugar in your food processor until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
For more info on Greek Sugar ....