Basil comes in many different varieties: Thai, Genovese, holy, opal, purple, and more. No matter what specific type of basil you are using, be sure to smell it first. The basil should have a pungent, aromatic smell that almost “tickles” the inside of your nose. Basil can be simply cleaned […]
This summer, cocktail trends are all about convenience, with an explosion of canned and pre-mixed drinks to enjoy by the pool, at the beach, or lazy days on the lake. And while we love the cute novelty vibes of a canned cocktail, we know we can do it better—without reinventing […]
The key to making perfect ice cream (with or without a recipe!) comes down to an understanding of the primary ingredients and what purpose they serve. The basic ingredients for ice cream are milk, cream, sugar, flavorings, and sometimes eggs. There are two basic types of ice cream. Custard ice […]
If you’re ready to take your cake-skills up a notch, this lesson is for you. With just one extra step called a crumb coat, you can make your homemade cakes look fresh from the bakery. When icing a cake, you may wish to use a turntable. Some pastry chefs prefer […]
Food safety is of the utmost important in professional kitchens, and there are some basic strategies you can follow in your home kitchen to ensure the food you cook is not just delicious, but also safe from cross-contamination and pathogens. One of the fundamental defenses against pathogens is the observance […]
Gelatin is used as a stabilizer in many baking preparations. In small amounts, gelatin adds body, like to a sauce or whipped cream; in greater amounts, it can set a liquid so firmly that it can be sliced or cut into shapes. Using the precise amount of gelatin is crucial: […]
Gluten is a popular topic when it comes to diets and nutrition, but what is gluten exactly? Or, more importantly, what is its role in the kitchen? Gluten is formed by the proteins present in wheat flour (wheat is the only grain that forms measurable amounts of gluten, making it […]
You may have tried and true, favorite cake recipes. But once you get the hang of the cake and the fillings, you can mix and match to make dynamic flavor combinations that are uniquely yours and suited to your mood or special event. Two important criteria to consider when choosing […]
No matter what part of the country you live in, summer is the season of abundance. Farmers’ markets are full to overflowing, and backyard gardens are starting to produce in earnest. Who wouldn’t want to cook with all those colors and flavors for inspiration? We’ll highlight some of our favorites […]
Summertime means party time! And for all of the fun of an outdoor party, we know there’s also a lot of work. If the stress of organizing a get-together is keeping you from hosting this year, take a look at our Four Rules of Summer Party Prep. Like most food […]
Every year, we try to avoid it, but it is inevitable: summer will end eventually—though luckily, only temporarily. Summer produce doesn’t leave quietly, and in its waning weeks, our gardens and farm stands explode with cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, eggplants! The mountains of produce are daunting, but irresistible, since in […]
Gentle warning: you are about to read a lot of information explaining the basic technique of laminated dough. Though it seems long and overwhelming, the process is technically simple, so take it step by step. When you are ready to try a recipe, read it all the way through before […]