The Oprah Winfrey Show
Art's Tricks of the Trade

Art SmithArt Smith, Oprah's personal chef, is sharing some of his best cooking secrets that are sure to bring your family "back to the table!"

Garlic Know-How
Garlic Garlic is probably the most popular seasoning in everyone's house. But as Art reminds us, use fresh garlic, or no garlic at all!

If the garlic is sprouted, it's going to be bitter. If it's shriveled, it's not going to taste fresh. It's important when selecting garlic that it has a firm head.
If it has a light garlic smell, buy it. If it smells to harsh, don't buy it!
When storing, do not keep it longer than a month, because it will lose flavor. Remember to always keep the garlic in a cool, dry place.

No More Tears
To avoid strong odors and eye irritation, refrigerate the onion before slicing.

Smelly No More
OnionsTo get rid of the garlic and onion odor on your hands after handling, wet your hands and rub them on stainless steel. The smell is gone!

Nurturing with Bread
BreadUse bread as decoration or even give it as a gift. Instead of flowers, bread's a way to comfort and bring back people to the table. Decorate with bountiful breads (not sliced)!

Dessert Table
Dessert A great idea to serve with a bigger dessert (chocolate cake)…caramel apples, cookies, or a dessert "bar" is a great idea if you're going to be serving to a larger number of guests.

Skillet Baking
Skillet Not only do people like to make fried chicken in it, but Art says it makes the best baked foods (including some of his family's most beloved recipes).
Oil the skillet, and put it in a preheated oven. Make it warm enough just so that the pan is hot enough that when you add batter to the skillet, it sizzles.
Cast iron works best because you get an even heat, and you don't have any "hot spots." When you put your bread in it, you get a wonderful crust!
The pressure cooker Art used is a Swiss one called "Kuhn Rikon" from Bridge Kitchenware, 800-274-3435, www.bridgekitchenware.com

From the show Cooking with Art Smith