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
Celery seeds taste like celery stalks only a bit stronger and with a bitter taste. They have a wide usage in culinary as a condiment. These tiny seeds are meant to season pickling, barbeque dishes, roasted veggies, salads, sauces, soups and potato dishes. You can use different forms of celery to replace celery seeds as … Read more
Fish stock is one of the most flavorful broths made of fish bones, heads, and other trimmings. It is used in cooking for a number of reasons: to add a fishy flavor to the dish or to make it more nutritious. You can use it in gumbo, seafood bisque and étouffée. If you don’t have … Read more
Gruyere is an Alpine smooth, melting type cheese with Swiss origin. It is made of whole cow’s milk and is usually aged for about six months or even more. It has a mild, sweet and slightly salty flavor but in most cases the taste varies with age. Gruyere is one of the most popular types … Read more
There are a lot of different fueling substitutes out there. Some people like to go with shakes, others prefer bars. And then there are those who like to mix it up with a combination of the two. So, what’s the best way to fuel your body? Ultimately, it’s up to you and what works best … Read more