TORONTO, June 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Looking to host the perfect get-together? Intelligent Plastics and style expert Sissy Biggers have teamed up to share some clever tips for using innovative plastic gadgets and tools to make the most of your next meal or celebration.
• Test Your Skills: Impress your dinner guests with the latest gourmet cooking trend
embraced by world-renowned chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Thomas Keller and Paul
Bocuse. Sous-vide involves placing food in vacuum-sealed plastic pouches and
heating them to precise temperatures to seal in moisture and tons of flavour. Make sure
you're using a bag designed by the manufacturer to take the heat.
• Don't Forget the Wine: Some of this season's most exciting wines now feature plastic
corks that are less vulnerable to cork taint. And some wines are now being bottled in
handy, shatter-resistant plastic, which are lighter and easier to tote to outdoor events.
As an added plus, the lighter weight means less energy needed to ship bottles.
• Pastry Bag in a Pinch: If you want to make desserts and dips look professional, but
don't have a pastry bag, here's a clever tip: fill a sturdy resealable plastic bag with icing,
dips or whipped toppings, cut one corner and use it as an impromptu pastry bag to top
desserts and pipe dip into serving dishes. The best part? Cleanup is easier than ever.
• Keep it Fresh: To prolong freshness, store leftovers in a refrigerator or freezer within
two hours after cooking.
• Keep it Easy: Check your local grocery store for foods that come packaged in
resealable plastic bags and containers. Convenient resealable plastic packaging is
available for shredded cheeses, tuna, sausage, dried fruit, pastas, cold cuts and more!
• Super Silicone: From basting brushes and spatulas, to oven mitts and bakeware,
silicone is part of today's innovative cooking and baking. It's a flexible, durable, and
easy-to-clean plastic product, and it can withstand high temperatures – some up to 420
degrees celsius. Best of all, silicone bakeware's non-stick surface helps cut down on the
need for added fats and shortening.
• Partying at the Pool? When prepping for that perfect pool party, plastic flatware,
plates, cups and wine glasses are ideal. They come in lots of fun colours, shapes and
sizes. And since broken glass is a serious safety hazard poolside, plastic cups are
always on the guest list – especially if you have little ones running around.
• Pack the Perfect Picnic: Picnicking can be even more fun if you pack the right
supplies and tools. Keep in mind that many outdoor parks, beaches and venues restrict
glass for safety reasons. Here are a few simple tips for planning the perfect picnic:
o Pack Light: Avoid lugging around heavy stoneware plates or silverware.
Instead, pack lighter options, including plastic flatware and serving utensils, such
as spoons, spatulas, tongs, a marinade brush, a carving fork, serving knife and
skewers. Many plastic options these days are high quality and come in a variety
of fun colours to make festive additions to any gathering.
o Don't Forget the Bags! Pack a small plastic zipper pouch with small items
such as matches, toothpicks and extra resealable plastic bags and reserve a few
bags to transport salt and pepper. Plastic bags and containers are perfect for
transporting leftovers you don't want to go to waste once the picnic is over.
o Picnic-Pro Checklist: Remember to include essential items such as a cutting
board, plastic plates and cups, extra bowls for mixing, a serving platter and
napkins, as well as a portable grill and insulated cooler bag.
• Deterring Uninvited "Guests": Summer is a great time to eat outdoors, but
sometimes insects and bugs want to enjoy your food as much as you do! To help keep
unwanted "guests" from helping themselves to lunch, keep lids on plastic containers
when not serving and look for innovative stretch-to-fit food covers made from lightweight
plastic mesh and elastic that fit over serving bowls and plates.
• Leftover Lovers: Store leftovers in shallow plastic containers, less than two inches
deep, for rapid, even cooling. Larger or deeper containers take longer to freeze or thaw.
This method will also help you maintain the flavor of your food.
• Don't Get Burned: Be sure stored foods are tightly wrapped. When using a sealable
plastic bag, try to squeeze out as much air as possible. This will conserve space and
help to prevent freezer burn.
• And When the Picnic's Over, Recycle: There is a tremendous opportunity to recycle.
Many plastics such as beverage bottles, some food containers and plastic grocery bags
and product wraps are recyclable. Check with your local community; many of these
valuable materials can go on to live second lives as carpeting, clothing, furniture, even
backyard decking.
Today's intelligent plastics are vital to the modern world. These materials enhance our lifestyles, our economy and the environment. For more information visit www.intelligentplastics.ca
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association is the national voice of Canada's plastics industry, representing the interests of processors, material suppliers, equipment manufacturers and brand owners across the country.