Hot Tips From Food Network Kitchens’ Katherine Alford:

Steam corn tortillas in the microwave so they stay pliable and don’t split under the weight of taco fillings. Wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels or a damp kitchen towel, then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag (keep the bag open to vent). Microwave until warm and flexible, about 1 minute.

(Photograph by Christopher Testani)

At a recent cooking demonstration at Bobby Flay’s namesake steakhouse, located at The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J., Chef Flay not only cooked up delicious shrimp and grits, he also shared some great cooking tips that you’ll want to keep handy this holiday season.

Serving grits:
Grits are basically the American version of polenta, but instead of costing a few bucks, Italian restaurants can charge $32 a plate. Make grits or polenta for the holidays: Take ¼ of the polenta you are going to make and toast it dry in a pan. This will give your polenta a nice nutty flavor and it will separate your polenta from everyone else’s. Try this trick with Bobby’s Shrimp and Grits from Bar Americain, for polenta are sure to impress.

Cook with two oils and more tips »