Gluten is a popular topic when it comes to diets and nutrition, but what is gluten exactly? Or, more importantly, what is its role in the kitchen? Gluten is formed by the proteins present in wheat flour (wheat is the only grain that forms measurable amounts of gluten, making it […]
You may have tried and true, favorite cake recipes. But once you get the hang of the cake and the fillings, you can mix and match to make dynamic flavor combinations that are uniquely yours and suited to your mood or special event. Two important criteria to consider when choosing […]
No matter what part of the country you live in, summer is the season of abundance. Farmers’ markets are full to overflowing, and backyard gardens are starting to produce in earnest. Who wouldn’t want to cook with all those colors and flavors for inspiration? We’ll highlight some of our favorites […]
Summertime means party time! And for all of the fun of an outdoor party, we know there’s also a lot of work. If the stress of organizing a get-together is keeping you from hosting this year, take a look at our Four Rules of Summer Party Prep. Like most food […]
Every year, we try to avoid it, but it is inevitable: summer will end eventually—though luckily, only temporarily. Summer produce doesn’t leave quietly, and in its waning weeks, our gardens and farm stands explode with cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, eggplants! The mountains of produce are daunting, but irresistible, since in […]
Gentle warning: you are about to read a lot of information explaining the basic technique of laminated dough. Though it seems long and overwhelming, the process is technically simple, so take it step by step. When you are ready to try a recipe, read it all the way through before […]
Looking for a fun time with other food-minded friends? Or, do you just love chocolate and want to know everything out it? Consider a chocolate tasting! Like wine, chocolate is a multifaceted food, with each step of its growth and processing—from bean to bar—impacting its texture, flavor, and usability. No […]
Shallow-poached foods are cooked with a combination of steam and simmering liquid. The food is partially submerged in liquid, which often contains an acid, such as wine or lemon juice, and the pan is covered to capture the steam released by the liquid during cooking. The aim of shallow poaching […]
The technique used to makes biscuits and scones is known as a rubbed dough method. Instead of soft batters that drop easily from the spoon, biscuits, scones, and soda breads are made from a stiff dough that can be rolled and cut. Keep Ingredients Cool Any liquids or fats that […]
In many parts of the world, sweet shops produce dazzling marzipan confections shaped and colored to look like fruit fresh from the tree and an array of other tempting shapes. Although the town of Lübeck in Germany is credited with making some of the best marzipans in the world, it […]
Pectin is a thickener derived from fruits such as tart apples or citrus. It is used to make jams and jellies as well as some candies. In order for pectin to gel and thicken a mixture, the recipe must have the proper balance of acids and sugar. Since fruits contain […]
When it comes to cured and smoked hams, leftovers are inevitable. And while ham is great to freeze for later, it’s also a perfect ingredient, adding salty smokiness to dishes that transform it into something brand new. Here are a few of our favorite recipes to make the most of […]