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To easily fill and refill a pastry bag, with the tip in place, put the bag into a tall glass. Turn the top of the bag over the edge of the glass to make a cuff, which will hold the bag steady. Fill the pastry bag, turn up the cuff and pipe away.
When deciding how much to serve at a party, keep in mind that the amount of food required depends largely on whether the gathering is a substitute for dinner. Allow 4 to 6 appetizers per person per hour for a late gathering, 8 to 12 items per person per hour for early evening.
To make superfine sugar, put granulated sugar in a food processor, blender or coffee grinder.
Speed-strip bunches of herbs such as cilantro and parsley by holding them inverted at their stem end. Using a downward motion and a very sharp chef's knife, shave off the leafy greens in short, quick strokes.