NO MORE TEARS! Cutting onions is no reason to cry. To keep from crying when peeling and chopping, keep onions in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before cutting.

SHRIMP-LY EASY Shrimp cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Removing the vein that runs along the curved end of a shrimp, is easy using a shrimp de-veiner. Hold by the tail and slide a shrimp de-veiner along the back (curved end) of the shrimp until the shell splits in half, exposing the vein for removal.

'SHROOMS IN A SNAP Mushrooms add texture and flavor to several dishes. The best way to clean mushrooms is to brush them off with a damp kitchen towel and place into an egg-slicer for symmetrical slices.

COOKING WITH OLIVES IS NOT THE PITS!  Olives are a delight to eat, although the pits keep many of us from using these rich fruits in our everyday cooking. The easiest way to pit olives is to lightly tap the olive with a meat tenderizer. Tap gently to keep the pit in one piece until the olive’s flesh splits and the pit can easily be extracted with two fingers.

AN APPLE A DAY… Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins. To prevent fresh apple wedges from browning, dip them into a bowl with 1-cup water and 1-Tbs. lemon juice.