Cold ingredients produce the flakiest pie crust. Be sure to use very cold butter or shortening. In warm weather, it helps to chill the flour ahead. 

Softening Brown Sugar

 Placing a piece of bread in with the brown sugar will prevent it from becoming hard, or sealing the package tight and storing it in the refrigerator will also keep it soft and fresh.

 To soften brown sugar after it has hardened, try one of the following techniques:

• Place a fresh apple wedge in the bag of hardened sugar, seal the bag and leave it for 1 to 2 days until the sugar is soft again. Remove the apple wedge and stir sugar. Store in an airtight plastic bag.
• Soften in the microwave by placing brown sugar in a microwavable dish, cover with two dampened paper towels and then cover with the dish cover or plastic wrap. Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring with a fork after each interval. When it has softened, allow to cool and store in an airtight plastic bag. Do not overcook or sugar will begin to melt.

 To make hard boiled eggs easier to peel, try one of these tips:

• As soon as the eggs are finished cooking, crack the shell and place them in cold water.
• Before boiling the eggs, poke one end with a needle.
• Add a teaspoon of salt to the water before boiling.