When I first started cooking, there were a few steps I always skipped in recipes. I never added zest to anything because it seemed like too much trouble, I rarely separated wet and dry ingredients in baking recipes because I was lazy, and I never let meat rest after it was don ...more
Composting is said to be every gardener’s gold, but making compost and getting it ready could take up to a year. Professional growers have discovered that compost activators can help speed up composting quickly…sometimes to as little as 30 days! 6 Steps to Speed Up Composting ...more
Right now is that magical time of year when the general public decides to embrace their inner fattie and get baking in the kitchen. Hello, pies and cakes and cookies and everything carbs. Goodbye, diets—see you in the next year, when you cripple us with unbridled guilt and lon ...more
Sometimes it's hard to remember that lasagna, pizza, cannoli, and other dishes are actually Italian in origin; they're so much a part of the American culinary landscape at this point. Wherever they come from, Americans of all kinds love to eat 'em. This guy was released from a ...more
Pickling isn't rocket science. In fact, anyone can make their own speciality pickles using just about any fruit or vegetable. For example, I've pickled everything from lemons, watermelon rinds, and apples to red onions, carrots, radishes, and cucumbers. Don't Miss: DIY Pickle ...more
Summer cookouts and barbecues come with a lot of delicious foods, but to me, there's nothing better than dishes heaped with avocados. From guacamole to simply eating an avocado right out of its skin, I devour this fruit constantly—but it's one that can be tricky to find perfec ...more
A good chef's knife is a thing of beauty and, with proper care, a joy forever. It can totally change the way you cook and turn even the dullest prep work into a glee-filled task. I once spent a happy, messy afternoon turning beef and beets into a credible Russian borscht with ...more
Navigating through row after row of plants, my tiny fingers would reach into the leaves to pluck all the vile little creatures from their homes and deposit them into a can of gasoline. Potato bug duty, my least favorite gardening chore. Growing up, my family had a small garden ...more
If you grew up dying eggs for Easter, you've no doubt used or at least seen those boxed kits that turn your eggs neon colors. Admittedly, they're easy—just plop a dye tablet into some water, dunk the eggs, and wait for them to dry. But the one thing a lot of people don't thin ...more
One of the hottest trends in the food world right now is "spiralized" vegetables. I will confess that I am a bit suspicious of any diet or food fad that eliminates an entire food group for anything other than physician-ordered health reasons, but something really good has foll ...more
Like cigars and whiskey, Lapsang Souchong tea is an acquired taste. Some people never get over the pungent, tarry flavor and intense smell of the beverage, but using it as a rub, marinade, or other seasoning is totally smart. The tea adds a smoky yet not overwhelming flavor to ...more
Chances are you've got a bunch of wooden takeout chopsticks doing nothing but cluttering up your utensils drawer. That's a darned shame, considering that chopsticks aren't just for shoveling food into your mouth—they're actually the best cooking tools a cook can have (plus the ...more
When it comes to barbecues, vegetarians get the short end of the stick. While you're brushing fire-roasted ribs with your favorite mouthwatering barbecue sauce, we're crossing our fingers that there's some meat-free side dishes hiding away somewhere. Don't get me wrong, we ar ...more
A good, sharp knife is a cook's best friend, which is why there's so much passionate debate about what kind you should get. Most enthusiastic home cooks opt for a stainless steel knife, but it turns out there's a different option that the pros favor, and that's carbon steel. T ...more
At this point, you probably think that you've read everything there is to read about different ways to prepare eggs. There are the usual ways (scrambled, soft-boiled, hard-boiled/steamed/baked, sunny-side up, poached, the "overs") and the more unusual ways (in clouds, crispy p ...more
In my opinion, biscuits made from scratch (American biscuits, that is, not the British kind) are just flat out amazing, but I'm typically too lazy to actually make them. That's why I always have a can/tube of refrigerated biscuits on hand. They're not only good for quick biscu ...more
Your waffle maker might just be the most underutilized tool in your kitchen. This one appliance can make bacon, eggs, hash browns, cupcakes, falafel, mac and cheese, and cinnamon rolls much more quickly and with less mess than traditional methods. Plus, the results all come ou ...more
A few years ago I went hog-wild trying to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle. I didn't succeed, but the experiment taught me that we throw away things we could—and should—be using more. In ye olde days of our forefathers, people generally used every part of the animal in cooking. ...more
Whether it's college football, the NFL, basketball, soccer, or baseball, sporting events are prime opportunities to entertain. No matter what the sport, food that's easy to eat is a must. Your guests should be able to mingle, eat, and talk trash... all at the same time! So a m ...more
Even those of us most comfortable in the kitchen can be daunted by the idea of cooking for a whole houseful of people. Whether you have a large, well-equipped kitchen or a small one with just the essentials, it can prove to be quite a task to prepare food for a dozen or so peo ...more
If you're on a tight budget for food, whether you're in college, or someone just starting out living on their own, you're probably low on money and sick of ramen noodles. Don't get me wrong, ramen can be tasty and filling, and there is almost nothing cheaper. Sadly, people ar ...more
Sometimes a person can feel life is getting you down - you don't feel productive, or there's not enough hours in a day to do everything you need. You might not feel motivated to get up in the morning or to go to work anymore, and sometimes one might ask oneself "Is this all th ...more
I first heard the term molecular gastronomy while watching an episode of Bravo's Top Chef a few seasons back. Intrigued by the concept, I sought to find out more about this modern, deconstructed type of cookery. If you happen to be around foodies and the topic of molecular gas ...more
I love me some salad, but I'm also kind of a big baby when it comes to eating them. The greens have to be perfectly crisp and fresh, which is why I'm such a nut about storing them properly, including rethinking how I use my refrigerator, using a paper towel or dry cloth to wra ...more
It's universally known that broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and all cruciferous vegetables (also known as brassicas) are good for you—but you probably don't know exactly how good they really are. A recent study by Johns Hopkins University and the University of ...more
The microwave oven is a monumental technological achievement that's saved college students and single people from starvation for decades. Almost 97% of all American households have one, which makes it the most-owned kitchen appliance in US homes right after the refrigerator. ...more
Being a city dweller does not mean you cannot save the planet — or your food scraps. Climate change and resource management are big issues. Composting in any size space is not only possible, but it gives you a chance to reduce greenhouse gasses and reuse food scraps. Right no ...more
The beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is that even a mediocre one still tastes pretty good (I find the same is true with pizza). However, chefs and cooking pros have come up with some great tricks that will turn a regular grilled cheese sandwich into something sublime. Once ...more
Lemons and limes might be among the most useful fruits in the kitchen and even beyond. Their bright, tart flavor livens up just about any dish, while their mildly acidic nature makes them incredibly useful when you want to clean your house safely. We already knew lemons were g ...more
Pizza. It's seen you through your best and worst times. It was there during your first relationship and the subsequent dumping. It got you through college, and maybe even your twenties. Domino's phone number is programmed in your speed dial, and though you won't admit it out l ...more
Ever since the much-lauded effects of the Mediterranean diet became widely known, people have been buying olive oil by the gallon. A diet that prevents heart disease, is based on fresh, seasonal foods, and includes a tasty as hell fat like olive oil? Duh—that's a no-brainer. ...more
It's easy to take the food we eat for granted, but the truth is, there are a lot of bizarre, wonderful, and just plain weird things about what we eat and drink, the effects it has on our bodies, and vice-versa. Read on to learn how bugs provide food dye, the Japanese grow squa ...more
What can't coconut oil do? This edible oil, extracted from the copra or meat of a coconut, has done what most other food, beauty, and health trends have not: demonstrated real lasting power. Indeed, the "superfood" continues to make headlines, with its many uses the subject of ...more
Pumpkin carving and decorating is a favorite October pastime. After you've carved an amazing design or face into a pumpkin or two, you want to show it off through your window or set it out on your porch for the neighbors to see. But, without knowing the tricks to save your ho ...more
Chances are that you've been using your microwave just to nuke leftovers, but they can do so much more than heat up last night's dinner—microwaves can help you peel garlic more quickly, get more juice out of lemons, disinfect your kitchen, dry out herbs, give beauty products n ...more
Most of us have conducted an investigatory science project without even knowing it, or at least without knowing that's what it was called. Most science experiments performed, from elementary to high school students and all the way up to professional scientists, are investigato ...more
What began as a regional specialty has turned into a national trend that looks like it's here to stay: Nasvhille hot chicken has caught on like wildfire, with hot chicken restaurants popping up across the country—not to mention the 8 hot chicken restaurants that you can find i ...more
Many lazy cooks skip rinsing off their grains before they cook 'em, but that's a big mistake for a few reasons. Some grains have coatings on them that need to be rinsed off to cook properly and taste good. In other cases, grains are stored with diatomaceous earth to keep out ...more
Make this Valentine's Day one to remember! Well... because you forgot. But don't worry, you can still make that heart pitter-patter for your love by saving face and getting some last minute Valentine gift ideas on the cheap. There's no reason to shop at Hallmark or buy expens ...more
Are you interested in selling your products at the local Farmers Markets? Many small mom and pop food crafters get started selling their artisan breads, homemade cakes, cookies, pies, biscotti, candy, seasoning mixes or regional barbecue sauces direct to customers who visit lo ...more
New Year's Eve. It will be one hell of a chaotic night. Trust me. The overcrowded streets. Long lines for the urinal. Maxing out your credit card on that shot of Cuervo. You'll be lucky to make it out alive. If you do manage to stave off alcohol poisoning and survive the asc ...more
This article is a guide for making Chainmail Armor from start (simple wire) to finish (a finished chainmail shirt). We will be using the European 4 in 1 weave, as this is the most common weave. This is the weave that you usually see in movies. There are several sections to thi ...more
Vegetable biryani is an Indian rice dish bursting with flavor. With so many layers of delicious spiced vegetables and rice and so many levels of flavor, it is definitely a satisfying meal all by itself. Watch this how to video and try this vegetable rice recipe for a very popu ...more
Cooking With Dog shows you how to make hamburg steak that's delicious. - Finely dice an onion - Cut off the broccoli stalk and cut the florets in one inch pieces - Peel and chop the broccoli stalk into small cubes - Cut a steamed potato into quarters - Cut a tomato in half an ...more
Summer barbacues are a classic hot weather event that everyone should partake in. From juicy watermelon cuts to delicious hot dogs ans steaks to cole slaw, barbacues are like a celebration of all-American food. But what if you're a vegetarian? At summer barbeques, vegetarian ...more
In this Do-it-Yourself video, presented by Lowe's, you will learn step-by-step how to Cook Fruits and Vegetables on your Grill. Cooking utensils needed: Tongs, a Spatula, Skewers, and a Basting Brush. It also gives the option for printing the instructions at Lowes.com/Videos. ...more
That Thanksgiving turkey isn't anything without the right kind of gravy to accompany it. A great turkey gravy makes your feast better for everyone. It's especially great to have if your turkey is dry— it's a lifesaver. But like we said— you need the right kind of gravy! Chef ...more
This is another video on the right way to cut and prepare vegetables and fruits. In this one I outline what is the best way to cut, dice, and chop an onion before you cook it. It will definitely help you prepare a delicious meal. Hope you enjoy it as well.
Can we get enough of bell peppers? We think not. Satisfying on their own and offering a slightly sweet, crunchy texture when tossed with other foods, bell peppers are one of those rare foods which are both delicious and healthy. If you'd like to learn all the ways you can cut ...more
Angle grinders (or cut-off tools) are great for all sorts of major construction and repair projects. One of the reasons for this is that you can put all types of discs on them for different jobs. This video tell you all about the different types of discs and which ones you sho ...more
In order to cut into a fresh pineapple, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Clean the pineapple first. Rinse it really well under running water. You will need to remove the top and bottom. Turn it on its side. Cut the top off. Then, cut the bottom off. Now, stand ...more
Mongolian flank steak starts by making a marinade from one half teaspoon sugar, one teaspoon corn starch, one tablespoon of vegetable oil, one table spoon of soy sauce, one teaspoon of rice wine, and one teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir up the marinade. Cut a three quarter pound f ...more
Chef Don from HouseCallChef demonstrates how to grill mushrooms, asparagus, zucchini and yellow squash. You can also grill other vegetables such as parsnip, rutabaga, potatoes, tomatoes or peppers, and even some fruits like pineapple, watermelon, apples and oranges. You can us ...more
Jad Cooper shows us how to make perfect couscous. First, soak the chickpeas, then peel and cut some turnips, a cauliflower or cabbage, some zucchini, sweet potato, green peppers, onions and tomatoes. Wash some cilantro and tie it up with string so it doesn’t fall apart during ...more
Niho Ryori demonstrates how to make tonjiru or butajiro, pork and vegetable miso soup. First, cut carrots into quartered slices. Do the same with a giant white radish. Repeat the technique with a potato and add them to water. Scrub a root under running water and peel off the s ...more
This video is about how to make a classic American pot roast. You start with a chuck roast. You want to start by generously salting and peppering both sides. Heat about 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a skillet and then brown the roast on both sides. Then remove it from the pan ...more
The secret to making a good pot roast is to start with a good organic roast. With the meat at room temperature and sprinkle both sides with salt. Next chop a whole clove of garlic, put it in a bowl, and add some oil, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cut several slits or holes ...more
When entertaining, it's great to have fun, colorful ideas to make drinks feel special. By adding a simple slice of fruit or vegetable to a glass of water can impress your friends and make you feel like you're at the spa. It is very important to drink water, and flavoring it wi ...more
Watch this how to video and learn to make a delicious eggplant salad with this detailed recipe. This salad is a great way to incorporate veggies into a meal. Ingredients: 1/4 cup Olive oil 1 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Cumin 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes 1/2 cup lime juice 8 cloves Garlic ...more
In this video you will learn how to can soup. For this video they show you how to can zucchini soup with a pressure canner. Even if you don't like zucchini, that's ok, you can make other kinds like squash or carrot.