Exploring Root Vegetables: Rutabagas and Turnips
Published March 1, 2015.
Rutabagas are often mistaken for purple-top turnips. The two are related, but they need to be handled differently in recipes.
The Easy Way to Slice Cabbage
Published March 1, 2015.
Take the guesswork out of preparing this leafy head.
Don't Buy Garlic that Smells like Garlic
Published January 1, 2015.
The sniff test is a common approach for testing produce prior to purchase, but when it comes to buying garlic, a strong aroma is a bad sign.
Storing Cucumbers and Squash in Plastic Wrap
Published January 1, 2015.
We wanted to know if wrapping American cucumbers in plastic—as seedless English cucumbers are packaged—would preserve freshness.
Salt-Roasting Vegetables at Home
Published November 1, 2014.
Salt-roasted root vegetables are appearing on more and more menus lately. Is salt-roasting worth doing at home?
Artichokes and Wine
Published September 1, 2014.
Sometimes wine can taste oddly sweet and one-dimensional when paired with dishes containing artichokes. Is there anything one can do to combat this problem?
Baking with Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Published September 1, 2014.
Baking recipes usually call for canned pumpkin, but if you have fresh pumpkins can you make your own puree and use that instead?
Making Stock with Skin-On Onions
Published September 1, 2014.
Is there any advantage to leaving the skins on onions when making stock?
How to Quickly Cook a Potato
Published July 1, 2014.
Do potato nails (rods that are inserted into baking potatoes to decrease the cooking time) really work?
Add This Innovative Raw Onion Topping to Pizza, Salads, or Sandwiches
Published May 1, 2014.
We recently discovered a technique that retains more of the raw onion flavor and crunch while preventing burning.
Substituting Celery Leaves for Stalks
Published January 1, 2014.
Can celery leaves be substituted for the stalks in recipes?
Washing Dried Mushrooms Before Grinding into a Powder
Published November 1, 2013.
When a recipe calls for grinding dried mushrooms, should the mushrooms be washed first?
Quick Microwave Kale Chips
Published November 1, 2013.
Here's our easy method for making crispy kale chips at home.
Vegetarian Gelatin Substitutes
Published September 1, 2013.
Can you swap unflavored vegetarian gelatin for traditional gelatin in recipes?
Punching Up Potato Flavor
Published September 1, 2013.
We wondered if roasting the potatoes could concentrate and enhance potato flavor in dishes that usually call for boiled potatoes.
Leave Out Lower-Fiber Vegetables When Freezing Stew
Published September 1, 2013.
Freezing stew offers make-ahead convenience, but not all vegetables handle freezing and reheating well. Which vegetables work well for this purpose, and which ones don't?
Using Sprouted Onions
Published September 1, 2013.
Is it OK to cook with sprouted onions?
Enhancing Flavor with Kombu
Published July 1, 2013.
A little kelp can help out the flavor of your soups and sauces in a big way.
Unwilting Lettuce
Published July 1, 2013.
Will soaking wilted lettuce in ice water and vinegar crisp it up more quickly than just soaking it in water?
How to Prep Vegetables for Stir-Fry
Published July 1, 2013.
Cut bok choy, carrots, snow peas, scallions, cabbage, and cauliflower down to size.
Keeping Basil Green in Pesto
Published May 1, 2013.
We found two proven methods on how to keep the basil from discoloring over time.
Salt-Cured vs. Brined Capers
Published May 1, 2013.
Can salt-cured capers be used interchangeably with brined capers?
Roasting Coffee in a Popcorn Popper
Published March 1, 2013.
We’ve always been intrigued by the idea that roasting coffee beans at home could be as simple as calling for an air popcorn popper, a method embraced by DIY diehards.
Coring Parsnips
Published March 1, 2013.
Should the cores of large parsnips always be removed and discarded before cooking?
Toning Down Tomato Sauce
Published March 1, 2013.
We've encountered recipes which finish tomato sauce with a pinch of baking soda. Will this mellow out a sauce that is too acidic?
