Ground beef is that reliable, adaptable ingredient that can be used to make delicious burgers, a substantial spaghetti sauce, or even a superb taco filling. However, there is a burning query that has been roiling in kitchens: should ground beef be rinsed before or after cooking? Gather your wit and an apron as we delve into the specifics of this culinary puzzle.
Supporters of Rinsing
Let us begin with the hygienic freaks in the kitchen. To cut down on fat content, several home cooks swear by washing ground beef. Yes, they really do think that giving your supper a brief rinse can be like a knight in shining armor, saving it from turning into an oily nightmare. If you’re trying to lose weight or you just don’t like oily, drippy food, this can be food heaven.
Reasons not to rinse
Hold your horses, or rather, your meat, for there is a camp opposed to rinsing in the opposite corner of the ring. Cooks like these cook that washing ground beef is like taking a one-way ticket to flavor town that takes a detour. Some contend that washing away whisks away the flavorful liquids that give your food its delicious texture. Consider this: the succulent flavor and delectable texture of your food come from the fat and fluids. Eliminating them could result in a tasteless, parched food that could even make your dog sneer.
Untidy Procedure and Plumbing Dangers
And let’s speak about the mess if you’re still not convinced by the flavor argument. When ground beef is rinsed, the kitchen might become a greasy wasteland. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds to wrestle the meat under flowing water, I assure you.
There’s also the dangerous risk to your plumbing. If you flush that fat down the drain, you’re essentially inviting a party that clogs pipes. Fat freezes more quickly than you can say “plumber bills,” which can result in poor drainage and expensive repairs down the road. The wise method of getting rid of fat? Allow it to firm and cool before scraping it into a trash can. And presto! The issue is resolved.
There you have it, people. The decision to rinse or not to rinse is ultimately a question of taste. Consider the benefits and drawbacks that we have listed here and make your decision depending on your gastronomic goals. The next time you’re preparing food using ground beef, keep in mind to choose a recipe that will give you the flavors and textures you want, regardless of whether you’re team rinse or team no-rinse. Salutations!
How the Stars of Mean Girls Have Changed 19 Years After Its Release
Nineteen years have passed since the iconic teen comedy Mean Girls first graced the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. As the classic film celebrates nearly two decades since its release, the spotlight shifts to the stars who brought the plastics to life. Join us on a nostalgic exploration of how the stars have navigated their careers, personal lives, and the ever-changing landscape of fame.
1. Jonathan Bennett (Aaron Samuels)
Following his role in Mean Girls, Jonathan Bennett extended his acting career with notable appearances, starring in Cheaper By the Dozen 2 and later gracing the screens in several TV movies, particularly those in the holiday genre on Hallmark and Lifetime channels. Bennett’s popularity transcended film and found a pop culture niche when he made a memorable appearance in Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next music video.
Beyond his on-screen endeavors, Bennett made a significant personal revelation as he came out, adding another layer to his public identity. The actor also celebrated a joyous milestone in 2022 by tying the knot.
2. Lindsay Lohan (Cady Heron)
Lindsay Lohan, already an established child actor with credits like The Parent Trap and Freaky Friday, rose to prominence as Cady Heron in Mean Girls. Following her success, Lohan continued to showcase her talent in films such as Just My Luckand Herbie Fully Loaded. However, the pitfalls of early fame and the pressures of the public eye led her to troubles throughout adolescence and early adulthood.
Amid career challenges, Lohan took a hiatus from acting between 2015-2018. Her triumphant return came in 2022 with the Netflix holiday film Falling For Christmas. Notably, Lohan also reunited with her Mean Girls co-stars in a Black Friday commercial in 2023, marking a nostalgic moment for fans as some of the original cast reprised their roles from the iconic film.
3. Rachel McAdams (Regina George)
Rachel McAdams, reflecting on her pivotal role in Mean Girls, recalls the moment she eagerly embraced any part in the screenplay after reading it. In the nascent stages of her career, McAdams found the prospect of being part of the film to be a compelling aspiration. “I remember when I read it, I called my agent right away and said, ’I will play any part in this, please, please, please,’” she shared.
Following a series of auditions, McAdams secured the role of the main antagonist opposite Lindsay Lohan’s Cady, a performance that not only garnered critical acclaim but also served as a catalyst for her thriving career. From the iconic high school comedy, she seamlessly transitioned into a diverse array of films, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in Spotlight in 2016.
4. Tina Fey (Ms. Sharon Norbury)
Tina Fey’s iconic screenplay for Mean Girls drew inspiration from Rosalind Wiseman’s bestselling self-help book, Queen Bees & Wannabes. Providing a humorous yet insightful glimpse into the complexities of high school dynamics. While the 2004 comedy resonated with audiences due to its relatable portrayal of teenage life, what made it truly unique were the personal touches Fey infused from her own experiences.
Fey’s ability to blend real-world insights with comedic brilliance elevated the film beyond the typical teen comedy. Beyond her iconic contribution to “Mean Girls,” Fey continues to leave her mark in the entertainment industry. In 2023, she has showcased her versatility by taking on roles in projects like A Haunting in Venice and the successful series Only Murders in the Building, demonstrating her enduring influence and creative range.
5. Lizzy Caplan (Janis Ian)
Lizzy Caplan, known for her portrayal of the goth girl Janis Ian in Mean Girls, faced a challenging hiatus in her career post the teen drama’s success. Recalling the tough period, she shared, “I remember after Mean Girls I didn’t work again for a long time. For like a year, I couldn’t get a job.”
Determined to break free from the constraints of her previous character, Caplan took matters into her own hands, opting for a bold transformation. “The next thing I did, I straight up dyed my hair blonde and got a spray tan,” she revealed. This strategic move proved effective, as shortly after her makeover, Caplan successfully booked a role. Beyond her on-screen ventures, the actress has continued to evolve, recently participating in a series titled Fatal Attraction and, in a more personal chapter, welcoming a son named Alfie with her husband Tom Riley in 2021.
6. Amanda Seyfried (Karen Smith)
While acknowledging the pivotal role Mean Girls played in her ascent, Seyfried reflects on the challenge of avoiding typecasting and breaking free from the “pretty blonde” stereotype. In recounting her early career struggles, she revealed, “Mean Girls got me on the map. It really got my foot in the door, but getting pigeonholed was the thing you had to fight.”
Now the star has since navigated a diverse array of genres on the big screen, showcasing her versatility from the realms of the erotic thriller to wholesome musicals.
7. Lacey Chabert (Gretchen Wieners)
Lacey Chabert recently reunited with her co-stars, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried, for a nostalgic ad. The reunion was a mini-sequel where the actors relieved their iconic characters. While Chabert continues to be celebrated for her contribution to the iconic teen comedy, she has transitioned into a different genre, becoming synonymous with Hallmark Christmas movies in recent years.
8. Rajiv Surendra (Kevin Gnapoor)
Rajiv Surendra, celebrated for his portrayal of Kevin Gnapoor in Mean Girls experienced an unexpected turn in his acting trajectory when his ambitious quest for the lead role in Ang Lee’s Life of Pi did not materialize, ultimately prompting his departure from Hollywood and acting.
Today, Rajiv has emerged as a multi-talented individual, showcasing his skills in DIY and styling through a thriving social media presence, particularly on YouTube. The actor continues to captivate audiences, occasionally sharing glimpses of his personal life, including a boyfriend reveal recently.
9. Daniel Franzese (Damian Leigh)
In 2014, around the 10th anniversary of the movie, Daniel Franzese, who brought the unforgettable character Damian to life, publicly came out. Franzese was privately navigating a profound internal struggle with his own identity while portraying the witty and beloved character. Franzese shared, “It wasn’t just about being ashamed of who I was — it was about losing family members. It was about losing my livelihood.”
Fast forward to the present, and Daniel has transitioned into stand-up comedy, embracing his true self. As he moves forward, Franzese’s portrayal of Damian endures as a beacon of inspiration for queer teens.
On more recent news, Lindsay Lohan is a first-time mom, and the internet is buzzing with excitement as she proudly embraces motherhood. In a bold and empowering move, Lohan has taken to social media to share a glimpse of her postpartum journey, leaving fans in awe and sparking conversations about body positivity.
Preview photo credit Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures and co-producers, rajivsurendra / Instagram, Mean Girls / Paramount Pictures and co-producers, Fati Sadou / ABACAPRESS.COM / Abaca / East News
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