All varieties of rice can be divided into short-, medium- and long-grain varieties. All Italian rice are strains of a thick, short-grained rice called japonica (Oryza sativa japonica). They may not, to most palates, taste different, but they do behave differently when cooked. There are four grades of rice: Comune […]
One of the main reasons why Vietnamese or Thai food tastes quite different from say, Chinese or Japanese food, is because it relies heavily upon fish sauce. Called nam pla in Thai, nuoc mam in Vietnamese, tuk trey in Cambodian, and patis in Filipino, fish sauce is the quintessential seasoning […]
February 1 marks the beginning of Lunar New Year, and as we celebrate the new year of the Tiger, we can’t help but hope for a little extra luck in the coming year. Though the traditions of Lunar New Year are as diverse as the communities who celebrate—like China, Korea, […]
Rinds happen. The first ones that showed up were on cheeses that sat around for a long time without becoming inedible. Somehow, a tough exterior was allowed to form which protected the cheese from vermin while keeping moisture inside. This is a natural rind. Other rinds occurred over time, and […]
Buckle up, foodies. We’re doing math! Artisan bread requires just a few key ingredients, but it is the ratio of those ingredients and the way they are handled that produce a wide array of finished loaves. Proper execution comes from a detailed understanding of each step in the process—what needs […]
Malted barley is called for in many of our bread recipes (as malt syrup) because of its impact on the dough. Malt is made by separating the enzymes that break down starch into sugar from cereal grains, usually barley. Many flours are treated with malts at the mill, but organic […]
The process of making sourdough bread begins with creation of a sour, a culture of microorganisms that are fed and cultivated to increase their quantity. This sour is then used to ferment the final bread dough. To fully understand the process of sourdough baking, it is important to examine each […]
Ready for at-home bread baking with your very own sourdough starter? Follow this schedule to create your own starter in 5 to 7 days. For more information about starters, see Sourdough Starters: 101. DAY 1 Mix equal amounts of flour with water (at 85°F) until the mixture is homogenous. Use […]
It doesn’t get much attention, but salt is one of the most important ingredients in everyday cooking and baking. It primes our palates to identify and enjoy flavors and textures, and it works to amplify and balance what we taste. Different types of salts have varying textures and levels of […]
Infusing flavorful liquids, such as oils and vinegars, boosts their overall flavor—making them powerful additions to any dish without affecting the nutritional content in a negative way. To make your own infused oils and vinegars, use any of the following methods: Heat the oil or vinegar very gently over low […]
Since you are a DISH member, we know that you likely have dessert ambitions beyond the classic cookies and coffee. And why shouldn’t you? The world of pastry is exciting and decadent! If you are home channeling your inner pastry chef, designing a composed, or plated, dessert for your next […]
Icebox cookies are named for the place they would be stored, ready to be baked at a moment’s notice. Sounds like something that could come in handy right about now, eh? Icebox cookies are simple doughs, often basic butter cookies or shortbreads. Once mixed, the doughs are rolled into a […]