If you've got lots of old bread that is ready to go bad, don't toss it.  Make fresh croutons!   Here is my recipe for parmesan garlic croutons:

• Cut bread into crouton size pieces
• In a separate container, combine:
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt & Pepper
• Brush all the bread pieces with the butter and oil mix.
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top of the bread pieces
• Toast on each side (takes 5-10 minutes per side)

Best Ginger Dressing On Earth...

This is the finest salad dressing on Earth.  Or your money back!

 1 cup sweet white onions, minced 
 1 tablespoon  peanut oil 
 1/4 cup rice vinegar 
 2 tablespoons White Zif (or any sweet wine)
 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced 
 5 stalks celery
 2 tablespoons ketchup  (for color)
 4 teaspoons soy sauce 
 2 teaspoons sugar 
 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 
 1/2 oz garlic, minced 
 1/2 teaspoon salt 
 1/4 teaspoon pepper 
 1/2 oz frozen orange juice

Put it all in your food processor and hit GO!   Vary the quantities to taste.   Careful with the peanut oil... a little goes a long way.   Sweet onions are best.  Fresh lemon juice is required.   Some people add a small amount of prepared horseradish to kick it up a notch.

Easy Gourmet Burgers

This is an easy tip I learned at a greasy spoon:   Take 1lb of hamburger and mix a small amount of onion slurry (i.e. put onion in a food processor) and Worcestshire sauce.   Now, add 2 drops of BBQ sauce.   Mix it together and form it into 1/3lb patties.   You've got gourmet burgers that are ready for the grill (no frying them!)

Microwave Appetizer

This high markup appetizer is a perfect fit for your microwave.  Take a tortilla and put chopped mushrooms, onions, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon bits and butter into it.   I prefer to use 2 tortillas and layer the filling inside the wrap.   Microwave until the cheese melts.   Cut into diagonal pieces.   Serve with sour cream, guacamole and/or salsa.