If we had to pick our favorite category of food, it would probably be snacks. And here’s why! Snacks can be sweet or savory (or both at the same time!). They can be taken on the go and enjoyed during your favorite activity, like taking a hike, hanging out with […]
Are you a fan of chocolate shell? You might also know it as magic shell or chocolate dip. We find it hard to imagine that anyone can hate chocolate meant to cover ice cream, but hey, some people like those circus peanut candies that taste like bananas. If you’re in […]
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 […]
Planting and tending a garden can be hard work, and even if you do everything right, the results aren’t always perfect. You can grow the world’s most beautiful tomatoes one year, and the next, all that grow are empty vines. Nature is a powerful force! But if there is one […]
Makes about 2 cups This gravy is vegetarian, but just as rich as the gravy you would make with roasted turkey or chicken. It is thickened quickly with a corn starch slurry, but you can use potato starch or even a pre-cooked roux, if you would prefer. Make this gravy […]
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 […]
Caramel-coated popcorn, or a popcorn-nut mixture, is a simple-to-make, delicious treat involving little more than caramelizing sugar, adding flavorings, and stirring together with the popcorn mixture. Although caramel corn is often enjoyed almost immediately, it can be stored for longer periods when it is wrapped to protect it from humidity […]
Chocolate shavings and curls are the simplest way to finish a show-stopping cake or other special occasion dessert. To create chocolate shavings and curls, you need a good-sized block of chocolate at room temperature. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for your curls. Look for larger […]
Clarified butter is a staple in professional kitchens. Made by melting butter to break the water and fat emulsion, you first skim away the milk solids and then the pure butterfat—the clarified butter itself. Unlike vegetable oils, which are 100% fat, butter is a mixture of water, milk solids, and […]
Crêpes are very thin pancakes made by cooking a batter in a very thin layer. Crêpes are typically stuffed, folded, topped, or layered with sweet or savory fillings. The thinner the crêpe the better, but don’t be discouraged if the first crêpes you make are a little uneven or thick. […]
Some things are just better homemade, and croutons happen to be one of those things. Croutons and rusks (rusks = big croutons!) keep well for several days in an airtight container, so make a large batch if you have enough bread on hand. To make croutons, remove the crust from […]
The Amalfi Coast, rising high above the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Italy. This stunning landscape has been the inspiration of musicians, writers, and poets for hundreds of years. Just the mention of the towns of Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, Vietri, […]