Infusing powerful aromas into dishes is a specialty in Southern Asian cuisine. And very few herbs do it as wonderfully as lemongrass. Even when fresh, it fills the air with its refreshing fragrance, which a highly sought-after factor in many dishes. But as much as we love to include it in our recipes, sometimes, we …
When it comes to making sweet dishes and recipes, one of the most commonly used ingredients is brown sugar. But sometimes, you might want to cut down on processed foods, and as such, decide to avoid it. In this case, you’ll feel better knowing you can pick up some great substitutes that would complement your …
A great crust is what makes a pie. The perfect pie should have a crust that is crispy, flat, and non-puffy. Blind baking (prebaking crust) your crust with pie weights can help you achieve this. Pie weights are essential in baking pies as they prevent your crust from bubbling up and shrinking during baking. This …
Vegetable oils are oils extracted from seeds or other parts of a fruit. It has a neutral flavor and a high smoking point that allows it to be heated to high temperatures. They are also rich in polyunsaturated fats which are heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory, provided it is taken in moderate quantities. Vegetable oil should be …
Breadcrumbs are described as the sliced remnant of dry bread used for a wide variety of purposes. These include: adding bulk to meatloaves, soups, thickening stews, etc. There are different types of breadcrumbs, such as dry breadcrumbs, fresh breadcrumbs, and Panko. The Japanese type of breadcrumbs is called Panko, which is used as a coating …
Buttermilk is a dairy drink. It is the fermented liquid left behind after churning butter out of cultured cream. Buttermilk can be drunk straight, or it can be used in cooking recipes like fried chicken, waffles, brownies, pancakes, biscuits, and others. Many people prefer to use buttermilk for many reasons: Buttermilk adds a very pleasant …
The cream of tartar is a by-product of winemaking. It is made from the potassium acid salt of tartaric acid. Scientifically, it is known as potassium bitartrate or potassium hydrogen tartrate. This ingredient is used for both cooking and cleaning purposes. The cream of tartar has a dry powdery form. It is white and has …
Bouillon is a highly concentrated paste made out of meat stock, dehydrated vegetables, salt, seasonings, and MSG (also known as Monosodium glutamate), hence the high sodium percentage. According to history, Bouillon can be diluted in warm water and stored in a refrigerator for months. It is also said to contain too many artificial ingredients and …
Green bean casserole is a popular American dish. It is mostly served during thanksgiving as a side dish. It is made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and french fried onions. Dorcas Reilly created this unique recipe in 1955. She intended to create a “quick and easy recipe” out of the American kitchen’s most …
Vanilla bean paste is obtained from vanilla bean pods. The bean pods are blended with vanilla extract to give a thick paste. The end product of this process is a thicker version of vanilla extract. It is a great go-to option when you do not have a vanilla flavor in store. The vanilla bean paste …
Coriander powder is derived from coriander seeds. It has a mild flavor and aroma and adds a sweet and savory taste to food during cooking. The coriander plant is a herb in the family of Apiaceae. It is also referred to as Chinese parsley, dhania, or cilantro. Coriander grows over a wide area of Southern …
Pancakes were very popular in ancient Greece and Rome. They were traditionally made during feasts as ceremonial food. Pancakes are famous round flat cakes taken as a meal or dessert. It is gotten by mixing all-purpose flour with other ingredients. This all depends on how the cook wants it. Different recipes can be used in …
In making it, the corn kernel protein and fiber are removed, thereby leaving only the endosperm, which is the starchy center. It is very high in carbs but low in other nutrients. For culinary purposes, it is used as a thickening agent in foods such as soups and sauces. This is done by mixing the …
Many recipes shine forth with the addition of fruit juices, and each type offers a unique yet exciting effect. In pineapple juice, you get a rich dose of sweetness and tang that reminds you of beaches, sand, and paradise. This exotic ingredient is a favorite among many chefs and food enthusiasts when infusing a bright …
Many recipes have come to appreciate the flavorful nature of peanut oil, and this is most especially in Asian cuisine. Many Thai and Indonesian recipes revel at their prowess for using peanut oil for various cooking styles. And in many other regions, this ingredient has become known as one of the best types for inducing …
