We knew vinegar had many uses, but the tips we recently found on the Vinegar Institute’s Web site (versatilevinegar.org) sent us running to buy a larger bottle of white distilled vinegar. Here are tips using this multitasking ingredient:
*For fluffy egg whites, soak a paper towel with 1 to 2 tablespoons. Wipe the mixing bowl and beaters with the vinegar-soaked paper towel, then dry with a cloth or paper towel prior to whipping egg whites.
*For fluffier rice, add a teaspoon to the boiling water before adding the rice. The rice will be easier to spoon and less sticky.
*When poaching fish, soak it first in a vinegar-and-water solution (no more than 20 minutes). The fish will be sweeter, more tender and hold its shape better. You can also add a tablespoon to the fish-poaching water, which will help keep the fish tender yet firm.
