What the ^@*$^ is Tapioca?

Tapioca comes from the cassava root (also known as yuca, manioc, mandioca), which is a staple in Africa and South America. Like most roots it has a tough brown skin with a white interior flesh. Cassava roots can be bitter or sweet and should be cooked before eating as they contain the poisonous chemical hydrocyanic acid. They are an important source of carbohydrate calories in tropical regions throughout the earth.

Tapioca comes from the starch extracted from the cassava root. It is sold both as a flour or as pearls. The pearls are what gives it the bubble look. Those bubbles can burst as they absorb water, resulting in a slimy texture. To avoid getting slimed, use refined or processed tapioca.

Now the next time someone asks "What the ^@#*$ is Tapioca?", you will impress their socks off.

Try the Hindenburg Soufflé.

Nuke em'

Zap garlic cloves in the microwave for 15 seconds and the skins slip right off. Zap a lime or lemon in the microwave for 15 seconds and it will double the juice.

Reader Contribution:

When cleaning a large amount of lettuce, wash it in cold water and put it into a pillowcase with a twistee to close the top. Then throw it into the washing machine for 1 minute on the SPIN cycle. VOILA!!! (contributed by Gail F.)
And may we add...DO NOT add detergent, lest your lettuce taste lemony fresh.