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Kewpie mayonnaise is an egg yolk type mayonnaise made of egg yolks instead of whole eggs. It has a rich and very distinctive flavor thanks to its technique of preparation.  It also has a golden yellow color since its main ingredient is egg yolk. The texture is custardy and kind of fatty. In a word, … Read more

Golden syrup is a thick, smooth, honey-like syrup made of cane sugar. It has a buttery and light caramel flavor and is used as a natural sweetener for baked goods, drinks and desserts.  You can buy canned golden syrup from grocery stores but if you are looking for golden syrup substitutes then stay with us.  … Read more

Spring onions, similar to green onions, are a member of the onion and garlic family and therefore taste oniony, fresh and slightly sweet. Both the bulb and the leaves are edible but the leaves come with a stronger flavor.  Spring onion is used in salads, soups, dumplings, dips, marinades, sauces, stir-fries and stuffing. This is … Read more

Orzo is a thin, rice-shaped pasta made of semolina flour which belongs to durum wheat and is not gluten-free. Compared to regular pasta, orzo has the ability to maintain its shape in long-cooked dishes including soups and casseroles.  Orzo has its special place in Italian cuisine. It’s used in cooked dishes, salads and soups. If … Read more

The traditional recipe of pumpkin pie calls for evaporated milk as one of the essential ingredients. However, many people look for vegan friendly recipes for this pie.  If you are among them then check some of the best substitutes for evaporated milk in pumpkin pie. We also share non-vegan options, in case you have run … Read more

You can either buy or make vegetable broth and in any case it’s the water boiled with vegetables like onion, celery, carrot, garlic, tomato paste, potato and any other vegetable you want to add into it.  It is used for soups, sauces, pilafs, dumplings, casseroles, stuffing and many more. Vegetable broth is a nutritious and … Read more

Sweet chili sauce is one of the most popular condiments in Thai cuisine. Its main ingredient is red chili but additional ingredients such as rice wine vinegar, garlic, fish sauce, and a sweetener like fruit, refined sugar or honey make it taste sweet, sour and spicy at the same time.  Sweet chili sauce is basically … Read more

Sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes preferably dehydrated under the direct rays of the sun. Thanks to this dehydrating technique they keep their aroma, tart acidity with some sweetness and chewy texture as well as vitamins and beneficial properties.  While it’s the best way to dehydrate tomatoes, you can also dehydrate them in the oven or dehydrator … Read more

Turmeric is a spice coming from the ginger family. It is native to southern India and Indonesia and has gained popularity in many cuisines. It is used in stews, soups, curries, pickllings, vegetable and rice dishes, smoothies, juices and hot drinks.  It has a bright orange color which reflects on the dish. It is often … Read more

Celery belongs to the same family as carrots, parsley and celeriac. It has a crunchy texture and strong aroma which makes it one of the fresh condiments for soups, stews, salads, pasta pots, pickles and many other dishes calling for flavorful herbs, greens and vegetables.  Although celery can be found all year round, you may … Read more

Dried mango powder, also known as amchoor powder, is a fruity seasoning used in marinades, soups, curries, meats and vegetable dishes.  It’s something between tamarind and lime juice and tastes sour-sweet. It is popular in Indian and Pakistani cuisines.  So, if you face difficulties finding this condiment, you may use some of the most suitable … Read more

The usage of tomato juice is so versatile that it has become one of the best refreshing drinks all around the globe. It is used in drinks, cooked dishes, sauces and salads as a condiment and dressing.  The fresh flavor, bright red color and earthy flavor of tomato juice mixed with sweet and fruity touches … Read more

Fish sauce is a liquid seasoning made of small fish called anchovies. It undergoes a fermentation process with the addition of salt in the marinade for about 1-2 years.  It is used in many cuisines including Southeast Asian, Filipino, Vietnamese and Thai. They use this sauce the same way as soy sauce in Chinese dishes. … Read more

Sea bass is an edible variety of fish native to the Pacific waters near Mexico and California. There are several types of sea bass and they are generally bony and flaky, the bones and scales of which are removed before cooking.  You can make many delicious dishes with this fish and thanks to their moisty … Read more

Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine made of a variety of botanicals, spices, herbs, sweeteners and a touch of brandy. There are two main varieties of vermouth:  sweet (rosso or red) that comes from Italy and dry vermouth originating from France.  Vermouth has a mild sweetness, some bitterness and spicy notes. It is used … Read more

One of the most popular sauces in Chinese cuisine is black bean sauce. It is made of salted fermented black soybeans, douchi, sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and other flavors. It has a sharp, salty, bitter and kind of umami-savory taste.  Black bean sauce is served with seafood, stir-fries and steamed dishes. You can find it … Read more

Egg yolks are a great source of iron, folate and vitamins and they are one of the most nutritious foods out there. They are good for eye and brain health and many people use them in everyday recipes.  However, there are people who don’t like eggs, some others are allergic to eggs and a group … Read more

Grapeseed oil is one of the most useful oils in cooking and skincare. It has many health benefits and high smoke point (around 420°F) which allows it to be used in searing meat and vegetables, serving as a topping for salads and baked goods. It comes with a neutral flavor  Grapeseed oil is popular particularly … Read more

Besides the ones that we buy from stores, there are several custard powder recipes with similar ingredients that you can make at home. The main ingredients in custard powder are milk, sugar, egg yolk, cornstarch and vanilla.  It is usually used in cake, pudding and other dessert recipes and seems to be an easy alternative … Read more

Between so many root vegetables, carrots may be your favorite. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients and is one of the most widely used veggies for cooked dishes, desserts, smoothies and not only.  You can even eat it just the way it is and enjoy its sweet, earthy and woody flavor. Sometimes carrots are … Read more

Compared to many savory condiments, red pepper flakes are among the hottest spices that some people can’t tolerate.  If you are among this group of people then take a look at this guide to the best red pepper flakes substitutes to use whenever you need to replace it with a lower-heat option or don’t have … Read more

Half and half is the mixture of equal amounts of milk and cream. It’s a simple blend of two dairy products with a creamy texture used in baked goods, cream sauces, mixed drinks, pasta recipes, mashed potatoes and many more.  Sometimes you may run out of this useful dairy product and you may want to … Read more

Currants are small, dark-colored berries with sweet and sour flavor. Fresh currants are basically used in pies, tarts, puddings and fruit salads like other berries. You can also make refreshing compotes and drinks.  Dried currants, on the other hand, are used not only in sweets like jellies but also in savory dishes including pilafs and … Read more

If you have ever used sesame seeds in cooking or baking then you should know how good it is for your health. You can eat them both raw and toasted.  We use sesame seeds as a condiment and topping for stir-fries, salads, soups, sushi as well as for tahini paste, baked goods, sweet and savory … Read more

You often buy or make different sauces at home but when it comes to plum sauce, you realize that it’s something unique made with a traditional recipe.  And, yes, this sauce has a history, as it comes from the old Chinese cuisine and has become a favorite sauce in many other cuisines and restaurants.  Plum … Read more

Broccoli rabe is a green leafy vegetable that looks like broccoli but is practically closer to turnip. The entire vegetable is edible and full of vitamins. It is popular especially in Italian dishes but you can find it in California markets too.  It tastes nutty and has some bitterness. You can use this green in … Read more

Shiitake mushrooms are an edible type of fungus originating from China and Japan. They contain a chemical called lentinan which is good for the immune system.  You can eat them both raw and cooked, but they are more often used in cooked dishes to bring out the best of their flavor.  Shiitake mushrooms have a … Read more

Pie weights are small ceramic or metal balls used to fix the form of the dough at the first stage of the baking process.  Of course not everyone owns them but when it comes to pies, tarts and other baked goods that call for similar items we need to use something else instead.  Luckily pie … Read more

Cooking string, kitchen twine or butcher’s twine: whatever you call it, it’s the string used when cooking meat. It is made of 100% pure cotton and is oven-safe. It helps to keep the meat in place and cook it evenly.  You may wonder if there is a butcher’s twine substitute when you don’t have it … Read more