Instructions: Turn to yourself. Whatever calamity befalls you, you can fix it ...

Pumpkin pie cracks: "Put whipped cream on it in the kitchen and bring it out," says food stylist Jeanne Voltz. "Use a whole layer or dollops - no one will ever know." For over-browned pie, she sifts powdered sugar over the top. "Just think of it as caramelized."

Burned rolls: Gently rub the bottoms on a cheese grater.

Burned rice: Spoon the unburned rice into a clean pan, leaving the burned rice behind. Add hot water, bring to a simmer, cover and finish cooking over low heat until tender. To get rid of lingering burned taste, place bread on the cooked rice, cover and let stand 10 to 15 minutes. Discard the bread.

Overcooked vegetables: "Puree them with a little cooked rice," says Voltz. "It doesnt turn to an absolute soup; it still has some shape. Put it in a casserole dish and sprinkle it with cheese or bread crumbs with a little lemon juice or lemon zest." Then heat it up and call it a casserole.

Limp celery: Cut off the bottoms and stand the stalks in a glass of ice water. Refrigerate for two hours.

Gravy: If its lumpy, strain it through a sieve or fine-mesh strainer. If it doesnt thicken, make a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water or broth, stir in and bring to a boil. Or make a paste of equal parts flour and butter. Pinch off pieces and stir in as it boils, until it thickens.

Whipped cream: If you whip too long and it starts to separate, stir in a little cream or milk until its smooth. To hold it a few hours, spoon into a strainer, place the strainer over a bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Whisk gently just before using.

Dry cake: Cut off the sides and top and brush with a simple syrup

(half-sugar, half-water, heated until sugar dissolves; add a little liqueur if you like). Top with whipped cream, jam or even cranberry sauce.

Burned cake: Slice off the burned edges and top. Slice remaining cake into cubes. Layer cake cubes, instant vanilla pudding and sweetened whipped cream in a deep, preferably clear, bowl. Top with whipped cream and grated chocolate or a dusting of cocoa. Voila - its trifle.

Stained tablecloths: For gravy, soak in cold water, treat with an enzyme pre-soak or a pre-wash spray, then launder. For red wine, blot the stain, cover with a thick layer of salt, then rinse well with cold water and launder.

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