The Originators of Quick & Easy Cooking!
Q&A with the Test Kitchen: Episode 1

Welcome to our very first episode of Q&A with the Mr. Food Test Kitchen! Join Sarah, Patty, Howard, and Kelly as they answer questions about cooking techniques and recipes -- from readers just like you!
What You'll Need:
What To Do:
Here are some of the issues and questions we're tackling in this episode:
- Nutritional information for recipes
- How to achieve perfectly crisp bacon
- What to do with leftover coffee
- How to avoid a cracked cheesecake
- Cooking rice properly
- How to keep meringue from "weeping" on a pie
Recipes discussed in this episode:
We hope you'll learn the answers to some of your most common cooking questions! And remember, if you have your own question you want answered, please leave it for us below in the comments section and stay tuned for our next episode of Q&A with the Mr. Food Test Kitchen!
Angelynn
Jan 13, 2021
I wanted to double check a recipe with you to make sure i have it correctly. Mr Food had an Easy Cake that takes 4 eggs, any cake mix and any 21-22 oz can of pie filling or fruit with the juice. I've made a strawberry cake and a crushed pineapple cake and both turned out well. I didn't see the recipe on your website. Can you confirm the ingredients for me?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Test Kitchen Team
Jan 18, 2021
Hello! This recipe is actually our Chocolate Raspberry Dream Cake. :) The ingredients are as follows: 1 package of cake mix, 1 (21-ounce) can pie filling, and 4 eggs. You can get the full recipe, and others, in our Cake Mix and More Cookbook, found here. :) https://www.amazon.com/Food-Test-Kitchen-Ultimate-Cookbook/dp/0991193482/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=mr.+food+cookbooks&qid=1595001796&sr=8-17 Hope this helps!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

gl88
Jun 10, 2020
Could you tell me how long you can keep Chicken Spaghetti frozen? Thanks
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Test Kitchen Team
Jun 11, 2020
Hi! You can keep Chicken Spaghetti in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. Hope that helps!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
lclar 3106381
Jan 29, 2019
In the "Cold Fudge Cake" recipe if substituting instant lemon pudding, can I substitute dried flaked coconut for the nuts in the crust? Would the substitution be 1 cup nuts = 1 cup dried coconut?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Test Kitchen Team
Jan 31, 2019
Hi there! because nuts and coconut do not have the same consistency, the Test Kitchen is unsure how this would come out.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
emtalley16 5975583
Jun 01, 2018
I saw a recipe for leftover chicken using cream cheese and Pillsbury's Crescent rolls. I can't seem to find the recipe anywhere. Please help!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Test Kitchen Team
Jun 04, 2018
Hi there! We think you may be looking for our Crescent Chicken Squares. Enjoy! https://www.mrfood.com/Chicken/Crescent-Chicken-Squares
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
Beckie
Oct 01, 2017
love your recipe for chicken stroganoff but I want to make it without wine. What else can I use?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Test Kitchen Team
Oct 03, 2017
Hello there! You can substitute chicken broth for the wine! Hope this was helpful :)
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
Bill0911
Sep 16, 2013
I saw a recipe for crockpot pulled pork with pork and beans....I cant find it anywhere...could u email it to me?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
mloudunton 0932587
Aug 31, 2013
I have a wonderfdul recipe that has been in my family for 20 years using a Betty Crocker Streucel swirl coffee cake mix. Betty Crocker has discontinued the mix and I have tried many, many mixes without much luck trying to duplicate the consistency and texture of that mix. Does anyone have any ideas to replicate that cake mix ??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
grandma240 7436805
Aug 02, 2013
I am looking for some recipes for homemade bread for a bread machine.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Moosie2
Jun 26, 2013
I love egg salad sandwiches for lunch. Sometimes I make it the night before if I am going to be busy in the morning but find when I do this that it gets very watery. What is causing this? I don't remember it happening years ago, but it is happening now.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
safka75 4350872
Jun 01, 2013
What can I use instead of Garlic Dressing mix. I can't find...
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
shrrcy 9366771
Apr 24, 2013
Do you have a way to increase the recipes for 50 people?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
Neville
Mar 12, 2013
Mr Food good day i wonder if you can help me im looking for a recipe to make pickeld chutney with pepper dew and to be able to bottle it ive looked all over and asked but nobody can help me i hope you will be able to help me please.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
irwind45150 5363438
Mar 02, 2013
I have a family member who is allergic to crab and clams. Other types of seafood are not a problem. Could someone suggest an alternative for these two seafood items, that could be used to stuff tilapia and other kinds of fish, or substitute for them in a recipe?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
mrsjgdewald 1921758
Jan 20, 2013
How would someone go about submitting a recipe for your consideration?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
mareb1951 2837840
Jan 01, 2013
A month or so ago you had a recipe for Chinese Pot Roast, in the instructions you said to add pea pods, bell pepper and water chestnuts but did not have any amounts for these items listed. Help please. Thanks.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

yopauly
Nov 24, 2012
Don't stop the "Ohh, it's so good" thing! Say it like you mean it! No giggle
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
pete4deb 2535834
Nov 22, 2012
We will miss you so vey much Mr. Food, our TV friend. RIP
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

kimiles21 0678407
Nov 13, 2012
Could you please include nutitional information with your recipes?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

badgerdoglover
Aug 01, 2012
Where in the world do you find chicken sausages with habanero chilies and tequila? Also have never seen diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro. Would a Mexican grocery have these? This is from the "Spicy Sausage, Hominy, and Rice" receipe.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
Reetrio
Jul 31, 2012
When I try to categorize my recipe box,some of your named categories do not fit the choices to the folders I'm allowed to select.,ex.beef recipes--no beef categories,etc.Could you add some more categories to name my folders,such as all the ones you have listed in your categories to the right of the recipe?Thank you,rs.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
bobeyray1 2117470
Jul 23, 2012
approximately two weeks ago you had a recipe for baked beans on the show and the fillynishing touches were crumpled french onion rings, I am desperily looking for this for a family reunion.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Moosie2
Jun 26, 2013
I have found the French's French Fried Onions in the condiments section of most grocery stores. Condiments are found close to the salad dressing sections.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

booshwa 2813867
Jul 12, 2012
I requested this a couple times,I'am hoping I will get a answer.How to make the cheese cake stick to the brownie on the brownie cheese cake bars.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
joannbirkholz 3830839
Apr 30, 2012
yes this is what I need. Nutritional info with the recipes. You have it on some of the smoothies
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
librarynole 1386608
Apr 24, 2012
Back in the late 80s, there was a type of friendship bread/cake that had fermented fruit cocktail in it. Can you tell me what that was called. I would like to find the recipe. I had it as my rehearsal dinner dessert in 1989, but nobody in the family has the recipe anymore. Thanks!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
Flemlyn
Mar 29, 2012
How do I get bread machine wheat bread to come out lighter and softer - mine is like a heavy brick lump. I use the book that came with the Cuisinart.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
bigliz714 6519197
Mar 21, 2012
how do i get pork chops so soft and tender the meat falls off the bone
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

badgerdoglover
Aug 01, 2012
Cook them in the crock pot with a packet of port gravy, a packet of onion soup, a can of cream of mushroom and 1 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Heat on low for 6-8 hours. For my "new" crockpot, I have to use the warm for low and the low for high. Otherwise, it gets too hot. Be carefule in taking out of the crockpot, the meat tends to break up or fall apart.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
Member 8245464
Mar 16, 2012
Why is it that I can save some of the recipes but not others. It jumps from being able to save to "NOTES PRINT RATE or COMMENT
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
jerzshor 3150211
Apr 29, 2012
Have thr same problem sent email to mrfood and they aren't replying.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

JayDee cooks
Jun 26, 2012
Have the same problem -- just click on your refresh "button", Save is hiding underneath one of them.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
chrysrobbins 3843416
Mar 09, 2012
How do I set up a "My Recipe Box"? in my account. I find no instructions for doing so.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
davendode 6160787
Mar 05, 2012
Would like receipe for Chicken Spagetti Casserole w/ angel hair pasta
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
gbearst 9834979
Feb 20, 2012
Mr food: Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies stuck to cookie sheet and flattened out when baked. The tast though was very good.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
gma0504 4588930
Feb 20, 2012
Mr. Food had a salad recipe made with two flavors of jello cut into squares and added to a cool whip mixture dressing, along with fruit. I would like the recipe and can't track it down. It was on during this month, Feb. Thank you. Margie Feb.20, 2012
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
webchambers2 4080356
Feb 17, 2012
what is browning and seasoning sause ?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
rbecks 7459360
Nov 20, 2011
I lost my copy of the recipe DEATH BY CHOCOLATE. How can I get a repeat of that great one? I need it soon. Thanks!
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
ellenm702 8095873
Nov 09, 2011
the fruit cocktail cake calls for 1/2 c. egg substitute, what else can I use?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
resultswithlynne 5852545
Oct 10, 2011
Can you tell me how long to bake applesauce bread if I use the foil min loaf pans in the grocery store. I want to bake and freeze mini loafs for holiday gifts.I will also bake pumkin and zucinni bread. Thks for your help.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Diane D McCormick
Oct 09, 2011
I need a substitute for blue cheese. Me and my entire family won't touch it but there are tons of recipes that call for it. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks. Di
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

bac
Oct 08, 2011
The jelly I made w/Certo liquid pectin didn't set up and I need to know how to fix it. I really don't want to add more sugar as it certainly doesn't need to be any sweeter. Can I just reheat and cook a little longer w/ maybe a couple of apples cut up and thrown in for the pectin or maybe just add more Certo w/o more sugar and then process as usual in water bath. The first batch (which was doubled by the way - as were the second & third batches) turned out fine but not # 2 & 3. Hope you can help. I really don't want to have to throw out 25 pints of runny jelly.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
gma0504 4588930
Feb 20, 2012
You can use the syrup (runny jelly) on pancakes or ice cream . My experience with doubling the recipe usally did not work well, don't ask why, it just doesn't.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE
jmissj3
Oct 08, 2011
Every now and then I come across a recipe that uses a little bit of buttermilk. Since I end up throwing most of it away, I steer clear of these recipes. I thought I had heard a long time ago a way to make "faux" buttermilk. Can you help me?
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Moosie2
Jun 26, 2013
Just add lemon/vinegar to regular milk and let it sit a bit. I am lactose intolerant and this is what I do using my lactose-free milk. Not the same taste but it seems to work OK in recipes.
- REPLY
- WAS THIS HELPFUL? YesNo
- REPORT ABUSE

Report Inappropriate Comment
Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.
Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.
WHAT'S HOT
- Types of Corn and How to Choose Corn
- How to Freeze a Casserole
- How to Make Candy: 12 Easy Chocolate Candy Recipes
- How to Make a Puff Pastry Braid
- Types of Onions and How to Choose the Right Onion
- Cake Baking Secrets: Tips & Tricks for Baking Flawless Cakes
- Watermelon Centerpieces That Wow: How to Make a Watermelon Basket
- 20 Tips for Baking Perfect Cookies
- How to Mail & Store Cookies
- Easy Recipes for College Students