Once you realize how easy and superior tasting homemade whipped cream is, it's difficult to go back to the stuff with oils and fillers. But homemade whipped cream tends to be loose and doesn't hold its shape (see photos below). For many applications - such as topping a slice of pie - this is fine. … Continue reading Stabilizing Whipped Cream
Kitchen Basics
Removing Smells from Silicone Kitchenware
Silicone has revolutionized the kitchen for home cooks! You can use silicone kitchenware for making candy, specialty ice cubes, cocoa bombs, even portioned freezer sauces and soups. There is one downside, though: silicone retains smells. Badly! One of the ways I use silicone is to freeze pre-portioned pesto into cubes. But no matter how many … Continue reading Removing Smells from Silicone Kitchenware
Cleaning Leeks
Leeks are one of my favorite alliums. Their flavor is milder and more delicate than onions. I especially love them in our Grown Up Tuna Casserole! However, preparing them is a little different than dicing traditional onions and can be a little intimidating if you've never used them before. Fortunately, with these few tips, it's … Continue reading Cleaning Leeks
Keeping Sliced Fruit From Browning
It's true that we eat with our eyes first. So it can be problematic when cut fruits begin to oxidize and turn brown, looking rather unappetizing. Eating oxidized fruit isn't unsafe, but it can alter taste and texture. So how does a skilled home cook keep it from happening? In short, we need to create … Continue reading Keeping Sliced Fruit From Browning
Refreshing and Organizing a Spice Cabinet
How long has it been since you've taken inventory of your spice cabinet? It's okay if it's been forever; it is easy to lose track of how old your spices are. However, refreshing your spice cabinet can make a huge difference in the quality of dishes you make. With the biggest cooking holidays quickly approaching, … Continue reading Refreshing and Organizing a Spice Cabinet
How to Cut a Bell Pepper
Today's Kitchen Basics lesson is something that confounds many home cooks: what is the easiest way to break down awkwardly-shaped bell peppers? Grab that knife, and let's learn! First, cut off the top (with the stem) and the bottom of the pepper, creating a sort of bell pepper "tube". Run your knife around the inside … Continue reading How to Cut a Bell Pepper
How to Slice and Dice an Onion
We're kicking off a new series for home cooks: Kitchen Basics! When you cook regularly, you will inevitably dice countless onions. They are the base of so many savory recipes! However, did you know it doesn't need to be a struggle? Read below on how to dice onions as quickly and easily as possible. Read … Continue reading How to Slice and Dice an Onion
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