When you think outside of their everyday uses—as a breading for chicken cutlets or binder in meatloaf—simple prepared breadcrumbs take on a new life and make simple ingredients extra delicious. When cooked quickly in a fat, like olive oil or butter, breadcrumbs not only become more intensely savory and flavorful, […]
Valentine’s Day menus tend to showcase foods that to some may feel fussy, extravagant, or just not their style. And while we love oysters and caviar and good Champagne, we’re also big fans of cozy pot pies, stuffed mushrooms, and chocolate in any form. After all, food can be special […]
What if my candies turn opaque and brittle during working?They have crystallized! The most likely cause is too much agitation during working. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to fix this problem. Try again, and try not to agitate too much as it cools. Learn more about crystallization […]
There are two basic types of peppers: sweet peppers and chiles. Sweet peppers are sometimes called bell peppers because of their shape. Sweet peppers of various colors have similar flavors, though red and yellow varieties tend to be sweeter. Chiles, an important ingredient in many cuisines, are available in various […]
Are you ready for some chili? We aren’t quite sure how chili and football became forever linked, but we know we like it. And while a hot bowl of chili is perfect for any old Sunday, we think the Big Game calls for a super chili spread! This year, don’t […]
Essential to cooking and baking, thickeners are responsible for the texture and viscosity of many sauces, puddings, fillings, and candies. We rely on these ingredients, also known as hydrocolloids (a substance that absorbs water, forming a gel), across the culinary sphere, but each has its own unique qualities, uses, and […]
In a dream world, recipes would all follow the same format and be written especially for you. It would make precisely how much you needed to make, list ingredients in the amount you happen to have in your fridge, and, of course, work just right every time. But in the […]
Though every cooking technique has value, there is one simple technique that doesn’t get much attention: deep poaching. This technique may not have the glitz and glamour of a finished roast, fried chicken, or hard-seared steak, but it does result in consistently tender and moist foods, without the need for […]
Hot tip for ice cream enthusiasts! Vanilla Sauce, a stirred cooked custard, can be churned and frozen to become vanilla ice cream. The base can be infused with flavors, like coffee or fruits, or mixed with inclusions like crushed toffee or chocolate sauce. All of the ingredients add flavor to […]
Whether they are the featured flavor or employed to support the theme of a dish, herbs add a generous layer of complexity. Ideally they are used fresh; in many cases, drying will compromise their fresh flavor. This is especially true for tender herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives or […]
Last minute entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you keep one ingredient stocked in your freezer: puff pastry. Whether homemade or from the store, a sheet of puff pastry can mean breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or cocktail snacks in a matter of minutes. Here’s how! The Dough […]
You may know what you’re cooking for Christmas dinner, but have you thought yet about what you and your family will enjoy that morning? Whether you love sweet, savory, or a little bit of both, we have a few ideas you might like to try. Some can be made the […]