There is a lot of helpful information down there, but if you’re pressed for time, here’s a summary of the most important parts: Slow roasting typically utilizes large, less tender, less expensive, more active, higher-fat muscles that contain a large amount of collagen, like pork butts. If you are looking […]
Make Rugelach at Home for a Hanukkah Treat
Rugelach are the perfect little treat to have any day of the year, but they are a must-have at Hanukkah! Cookies made by rolling dough around a slightly-sweet filling like jam, chocolate, or even poppy seeds, rugelach are a favorite Jewish tradition. And what’s even better is that these cookies […]
Don’t Panic, It’s Just a Holiday Party
Reminders from a Reformed Over-Thinker Entertaining season is upon us, and there’s no time left to ruminate about the finer points of throwing a top-notch party. If you’re in the weeds (chef-speak for very overwhelmed!), here are some reminders to help you entertain like a person who has had plenty […]
5 All New Large-Batch Thanksgiving Sides We Can’t Get Enough Of
Some classic, some a little less so, these recipes are all crowd pleasers. We’ve developed these to serve 12, which means less math on your holiday to-do list, plus make-ahead directions to make your day a little less busy. Shaved Fennel, Arugula, Avocado, and Orange Salad This colorful salad showcases […]
These Tartlets + Your Favorite Filling for the Perfect Holiday Desserts
A great recipe is more than delicious—it’s also convenient: easy to prepare, easy to use, versatile, and ready when you might not be. As we prepare for the holidays, we’re looking to our favorite Shortbread Tartlet Shells recipe. Making 6 dozen individual-sized shells, this recipe produces enough buttery, tender shells […]
4 Holiday Prep Items to Cross Off Your List Early
We aren’t trying to rush you into the holiday spirit. In fact, we’re trying to delay the stress of holiday party planning in hopes of a calm and stress-free year. But as the weather cools, inevitably, Thanksgiving will come–and with it, a long to-do list. In the coming weeks, take […]
Tips for Frying on the Stove
It’s safe to bet that most of us don’t have deep fryers ready and waiting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pan- or deep-fry items for a crispy, crunchy, golden brown exterior. Frying on the stovetop is safe and easy with these tips in mind: Heat the correct amount of […]
Piping with a Pastry Bag and Tips
Pastry bags and tips are great tools to have in the kitchen. They make it easy to add fillings to pastries and cakes as well as to shape doughs like pâte à choux uniformly. Cloth and vinyl bags can be washed and reused. Disposable bags are inexpensive and work equally […]
How to Store Chocolate
Chocolate is a very stable product and has a long shelf life when properly stored. Under proper conditions, dark chocolate has a shelf life of twelve months, and milk or white chocolate will keep for six months. Some simple precautions will ensure that your chocolate is in pristine condition when […]
Picking Apples for Baking
Over 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States, and of those, only about 100 are grown commercially. This means that the best apple for baking in your region might be different than the best apple halfway across the country. But there are some basic guidelines you can […]
Making a Stew Without a Recipe
At it’s very most basic, a stew is bite-sized pieces of food cooked in a liquid, generally over low heat for an extended period. You can stew meat, poultry, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit—virtually anything—in broth, wine, beer, vinegar. Again, virtually anything. Stews are kitchen workhorses. You can make big batches […]
Not All Fruits Ripen Equally
You’ve probably brought home a pineapple and thought, “If I leave it on the counter for a few extra days, it will be extra sweet!” Or maybe a quart of strawberries or a watermelon. Well, if you have, you may have also experienced the disappointment when that pineapple isn’t quite […]