In my family, if a food could be made instead of bought, it was made. It wasn't until I went to college and started eating dorm food that I tasted the store-bought versions of many kitchen staples. I quickly learned that there is an enormous quality difference between homemade ...more
We like to think of ourselves as caprese connoisseurs. When we made our first batch of the iconic tomato salad, we became obsessed with the classic combo of fresh basil, sweet tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese. But after a while, we wanted more than just the basic, layere ...more
Lasagna, that layered, creamy baked pasta dish, is a lovely comfort food that's great for a crowd. But if you've ever made it, then you know you're usually left with some leftover lasagna noodles. (Although that's always better than the frustration of running out of the noodle ...more
Food can smell great before, during, and after cooking. A pot of stew simmering away on the stove will tantalize you all afternoon, and there's nothing better than the smell of fresh-baked cookies lingering in the house for hours. One place you don't want to smell food? On yo ...more
Grilled meat may be a staple of summer barbecues, but grilled cheese should have a place at your outdoor feast as well. I don't mean taking a slice or two of cheese, slapping it between two pieces of bread, and putting it in a pan to create a grilled cheese sandwich. No, I mea ...more
The red snapper. The perfect main course for any occasion. This whole roasted red snapper fish is the finest communal meal out there. A whole fish cooked on the bone, along with hearty accompaniments. The best way to cook this is by stuffing it with herbs and cooking it in foi ...more
Usually, stuffed peppers are made with ground beef, but in this healthier twist on stuffed peppers, ground turkey is the culprit. This can be made with whatever ingredients you prefer, but it's always best to stick with the recipe for the first time, then add or modify it to y ...more
Love the lobster, but also love the pasta? That's okay, because you can combine the two for dinner tonight with this delicious recipe for Festive Lobster & Mascarpone Ravioli with Truffle Butter. It sounds like a lot, but seriously, you can't say no to this dish. If you like l ...more
Baked salmon makes a very healthy and delicious meal. The fish is low in calories and carbohydrates and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Because salmon is so flavorful you only need a few simple herbs, spices, or other basic ingredients to enhance the flavor, making this fish very ...more
The Raw Food Coach, Karen Knowler, shows us a very simple marinated vegetables recipe that makes a good alternative to salads or steamed vegetables. The raw vegetables used for this recipe are leeks, broccoli, zucchini (also known as courgette), and tomatoes. Suggestions for s ...more
If you have ice cube trays lying around in your refrigerator and chilling your drinks with ice cubes is not a huge priority for you, you can still make use of these handy kitchen tools in a number of useful ways, both edible and non-edible. If you ever have leftover sauces, j ...more
The octopus is famous for its bulbous head, enormous eyes, and four pairs of long arms. The stuff of legends and nightmares, octopi have been featured in stories, artwork, and meals galore. But how do you eat this distinctive looking, bilaterally symmetrical sea creature? Her ...more
I've never had a problem with veggies—we've always been the best of friends—but I do have a lot of other people in my life that have been less than enamored with this basic food group in the past. Some cite the bitter flavor associated with veggies like Brussels sprouts, while ...more
When it comes to your baby and your time, nothing but the best and most efficient will do. These high standards carry through every aspect of your life as a new parent, from diapers to strollers and especially to food. Luckily, making your own baby food isn't as complicated a ...more
Everything you thought you knew about cooking pasta is wrong. When I took cooking classes in Italy, they taught me to bring a large volume of salted water to a rolling boil, add a drop of olive oil so that the noodles wouldn't stick together, and wait several minutes until it ...more
Pickles come in all shapes, sizes, and names (gherkins in the UK, cornichons in France). There are even crazy flavors such as koolickles—dill pickles soaked in a mixture of Kool-Aid and brine, an American South favorite. Whatever sort of pickle tickles your fancy, you can coun ...more
We used to view homemade dressings as something whose variables of flavor and texture outweighed our desire to make them up on the fly. We often found ourselves nervous that they'd come out too runny or too tart or even too thick. Then we discovered the magic formula to a per ...more
Poor chickens. Bacon fat is revered (and justifiably so), and duck fat is a staple at most fine grocers. Marbles of fat make a steak divine, and goose fat is the holy grail of fatty goodness. Yet chicken fat is usually thrown away. If you're one of those people who roasts a c ...more
Break out the office supplies and kitchen utensils, because improving your morning makeup routine is about to get a lot easier. Some of the things you have lying around the house can provide the perfect solution for some of the most common beauty problems. We've collected 10 o ...more
My father never cooked a meat without some kind of marinade. He always used a slew of ingredients: salt, pepper, Season-All, Cajun seasoning, vinegar, olive oil, liquid smoke, Worcestershire, hot sauce, onions, lemons... I'm pretty sure this isn't a complete list, but I've hon ...more
When we initially started juicing, we tended to gravitate towards the widely popular juice staples—carrots, cucumbers, celery, kale, spinach, and apples. However, as we grew more comfortable with these fruits and vegetables (and honestly, a bit bored), we realized there are ot ...more
Many of you have heard of "ricing" cauliflower. If you haven't, you're missing out making this one-note vegetable into a variety of main and side dishes. The ricing process is so simple, fast, and easy that even the most novice cook can swing this. One you complete this prep s ...more
Calling all popcorn fanatics: we know a bit of drizzled butter is all that's needed to make a delicious bowl of your favorite finger food, but we've got some interesting mash-ups of flavors that we think you should try the next time you veg out on your couch for another Netfli ...more
Garlic is magical. It fends off vampires (or so I hear), helps lower blood pressure, reduces the production of cholesterol in the body... oh, and it's also freaking delicious, of course. Garlic is a culinary staple in countries all over the world. That lovable stink and sharp ...more
This sounds a little crazy, and it is—in a good way. Cooking food in the dishwasher while it cleans your dishes multitasks your appliance and saves time and energy. And who doesn't want to spend less time over a hot stove? How Dishwasher Cooking Works Most dishwashers wash on ...more
There are several reasons why restaurant food tastes so good. One is that the cooks know how to make reductions, which involves cooking down large amounts of liquid until it becomes a pool of thick, glossy sauce. While this technique isn't hard to learn, it can be time-consumi ...more
This is a whole new level of "Paleo," guys. Seriously: there's nothing more primal than a giant hunk of meat cooked in direct flame. Fancy grills and grill masters be damned—this method of cooking your meat is both the past and the future. Don't Miss: 10 Clever Ways to Cook ...more
You never know when the mood for a party will hit, and lazy summer days are perfect for hosting impromptu gatherings in the backyard. That's why it's always important to be prepared with plenty of drinks, cool snacks, and ingredients for crowd-pleasing appetizers. Keep puff p ...more
When we tell folks how often we use apple cider vinegar, they are baffled and bewildered. "I've had a bottle sitting in my pantry for 10 years," is the response we encounter most. And "I never use it!" Some have never even used apple cider vinegar at all in their lifetime, bel ...more
For foods that encompass both tastiness and convenience, it's hard to beat boxed mac and cheese. Mac and cheese in a box takes 15 minutes to make, dirties only one dish, requires no skill, costs only two bucks, and is, despite all of the above, wildly delicious. Yet it can get ...more
I became a big fan of polenta while studying Italian cooking. Previously, it never occurred to me that ground corn could create a dish that could rival the best pastas or potatoes. Those rich, golden bowls of cornmeal, cooked until tender and flavored with good olive oil, butt ...more
One of my favorite things is finding an easy way to make what is normally a complex dish. Case in point: pasta sauce. Usually its depth of flavor is the result of fresh herbs, shallots, tomatoes, seasonings, olive oil, and a touch of dairy being cooked and added in stages. Lon ...more
The yogis of the internet have started a wonderful food trend that has everyone wanting to eat healthy—gorgeous buddha bowls. Okay, so maybe not everyone, but a lot of people are definitely entranced by these beautiful, multicolored meals. Buddha bowls, also known as rainbow ...more
Even if you're a good cook, sometimes home-cooked food just doesn't taste the same as it does in a restaurant. Of course, there are some utensils and appliances in a professional kitchen that the average person doesn't have access to, but it's not just about the tools. There ...more
Hard as it is to imagine, there are people out there who loathe garlic and onions. Some might have allergies or medical conditions like IBS, or are supertasters (i.e. people who carry a certain gene that makes them extremely sensitive to how certain foods taste). Others might ...more
The paper towel is a wondrous invention. It allows cooks to wipe up really gross stuff without having to constantly do laundry and drain fried foods so they're crunchy and crispy instead of oily and heavy. But did you know that your humble paper towel has several other uses be ...more
Stop! Do not pour that leftover wine, coffee, or bacon grease down the drain. And those herbs that have been in your fridge so long they've literally turned on you? And what about when that recipe only calls for two tablespoons of heavy cream, a quarter cup of tomato purée, or ...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
Home cooks are often quite intimidated when trying to reproduce the delicious ethnic dishes they enjoy at various restaurants. Thankfully, there are definite flavor profiles and spice/seasoning/herb combos that are very specific to various regional cuisines and cultures; with ...more
Cookbook author, celebrity chef, television personality, and former White House nuclear policy analyst Ina Garten is familiar to many as the queen of foolproof cooking. Also known as the Barefoot Contessa, Ina hones in on techniques and tips that make time in the kitchen far l ...more
If you've ever turned on an episode of Iron Chef or Top Chef, chances are you've seen a contestant in gloves and goggles, yielding a canister that looks far more fit for a chemistry lab than for a kitchen. Wonder what's in the canister? Liquid nitrogen, the go-to tool/ingredie ...more
Eating out is great, but being able to cook the delicious ethnic foods you eat at restaurants is even better. It may seem daunting to put together a bunch of ingredients with which you might not be familiar (some with names you've never even heard of!), but with the guidelines ...more
Foodies and big-time chefs like Thomas Keller go crazy for fleur de sel. This finishing salt appears in fancy eateries and cookbooks the world over, and in the early 2000s, it was not uncommon to see diners in a high-end restaurant sprinkle a pinch of fleur de sel on their pla ...more
Brining is magic. All you have to do is make a mild saline solution, toss in your protein of choice, let it soak, and cook. You end up with incredibly tender, flavorful meat or tofu for very little effort. So why aren't more of us doing it? Pork chops soaking in a brine of sug ...more
I'm constantly searching for a homemade pizza dough that tastes good but isn't too challenging to execute. In other words, a recipe that doesn't require any arcane "dough whispering" skills. However, my hunt may be coming to an end thanks to one celebrity chef's concept. Maki ...more
A butcher block table (or counter) is a solid, wooden table. Originating in butcher shops (hence the name), this has become a popular household item. Butcher block tables and counters are durable and attractive looking. The downside of butcher block is that the wood is so poro ...more
Manicures are beautiful and can add class and style to any person. Here are some step-by-step instructions for giving yourself a DIY manicure. Gather Materials bowl soapy water olive oil cuticle pusher nail clippers nail file with pointed end nail buffer (or nail file) cotto ...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
In order to prepare a Flank Steak with Chimichuro sauce, you will need the following ingredients: a flank steak, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, olive oil, cilantro, white wine vinegar, and oil. Make a spice rub with the coriande ...more
Easy, delicious and only 5 ingredients. Garlic flavored olive oil Pizza dough 3 C shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh ricotta cheese Fresh oregano Put some garlic flavored olive oil on a pizza pan Take the ready made pizza dough and put both fists in the middle and let the ...more
Looking for a super quick meal that you can make in the summertime? In this tutorial, Betty will show you how to grill up some yummy boneless pork chops that go perfectly with some of Betty's delicious side dishes. Enjoy! You Will Need: *4 boneless pork chops, about ½-inch thi ...more
Stop buying your mustard at the store and learn how to make your own homemade mustard, red onion mustard to be specific. This red onion mustard is a really nice accompaniment with grilled meats and smoked seafood and meats. Watch the video recipe now. This is super easy. Todd ...more
If you're not a fan of warm or hot carrots, it's probably because you haven't tried the right ones. These oven-roasted carrots are sure to change your mind about warmed up carrots. This recipe from Katie Barszcz is almost dessert-like, which makes it the perfect side dish for ...more
Mujadarah Mujadarah is a Middle Eastern dish that's healthy, filling, cheap, and most of all, delicious. It requires only rice, lentils, some onions, and a few spices. We like to cook it for cold winter nights. Ingredients Extra virgin olive oil 2 small onions, thinly slice ...more
Recipe 1 lb green asparagus, trimmed and cut into slices on the diagonal 3 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 lb colossal sea scallops 1/2 tsp black pepper 3/4 tsp salt, divided 1 Clove garlic, minced fine 1/3 cup Nobilo® Sauvignon Blanc 2 tbsp Plugra® butter 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese 1 ...more
This week's recipe is a Secret Ingredient team favorite. Not only is it a brilliant use for leftover bread, it's a lively salad of peppery arugula tossed in roasted tomato vinaigrette, topped with toasted goat cheese and generously garnished with Whole Catch™ Wild Caught Crab. ...more
Summertime is grilling time! Watch this how-to video on how to make delicious grilled Cuban pork with plantain bananas. Perfect for your summer backyard BBQ! Learn this fantastic pork recipe and add a little Cuban spice to you cooking. Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 t ...more
Check out this video to learn how to make grilled pizza. Experience a new video cookbook with delicious summertime recipes, perfect for your picnic basket or backyard BBQ table. Everyone is sure to enjoy this delicious recipe for grilled pizza. Ingredients for grilled pizza: ...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
This is cooking with dog. This is a sushi recipe. Ingredients for Omurice (serves 2) 130g Chicken (0.287 lb) Salt & Pepper 1 Garlic Clove 1/4 Onion (70g / 2.47 oz) 4 Button Mushrooms (50g / 1.76 oz) 1 tbsp White Wine 200g Canned Tomato (0.441 lb) 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup 1/2 B ...more