Cinnamon is the culinary name used for the aromatic bark of several related Cinnamomum species. Ceylon cinnamon and the cassia cinnamons differ in flavor and structure, but both are legitimate culinary cinnamons rather than one being “real” and the other “false.” Knowing which type you have can help you choose the right cinnamon for a…
Butternut squash is one of the most useful winter squashes because its dense orange flesh becomes sweet, creamy and smooth when cooked. Roast it for browned edges, purée it for soup or sauce, add cubes to salads and pasta, or pair it with fruit, herbs, sausage and warming spices. This guide explains how to choose,…
Balsamic vinegar can do much more than dress a salad. Its combination of acidity, fruitiness and sweetness can brighten vegetables, balance rich meats, deepen a sauce and complement fruit and cheese. The key is knowing what kind of balsamic vinegar you have. A bottle meant for everyday cooking is not the same product as a…
Learn how to safely cool, store, and reheat cooked rice while reducing food safety risks and maintaining the best possible texture and flavor.
Discover the benefits of marinating meat, from adding deeper flavor to improving tenderness and moisture, along with practical tips for getting better results from your marinades.
Microgreens are young vegetable greens that fall somewhere between sprouts and baby leaf vegetables. Sprouts are technically the newly germinated seeds, while the microgreens are the 1-2 week-old youngster seedlings. Sprouts grow more like a fungus, as they are provided with high humidity, an enclosed area, and a low light environment. Whereas, microgreens grow more like…
Chicken thighs are one of the most forgiving cuts of chicken. Their higher fat content and greater amount of connective tissue give them richer flavor and help them stay juicy through roasting, braising, grilling and skillet cooking. This guide explains the differences between bone-in and boneless thighs, why dark meat behaves differently from chicken breast,…
Vanilla is a flavoring that is extracted from orchids, primarily from the flat-leaved vanilla Mexican species. The first endeavors to propagate or grow the vanilla orchid outside of Mexico had shown to be in vain as this particular orchid has a synergetic alliance with its natural pollinator, the Melipona bee. At least 40 species of this bee are known, and thrive…
Chicken breasts are lean, versatile and quick to cook, but that same leanness gives you a fairly small margin between juicy and dry. The most reliable approach is to make the meat an even thickness, season it well, use the cooking method that fits the recipe and check doneness with a thermometer instead of guessing…
Cheese is a beloved food that is enjoyed by food lovers all over the world. With its wide variety of flavors, textures, and uses, it’s no wonder why cheese remains a top favorite among many. Cheese lovers around the world cannot resist the indulgence of a perfectly crafted cheese. As they come in various shapes,…
