Pepper is the third most used cooking ingredient in the world, falling behind only water and salt. In fact, black pepper is co common these days, it might be hard to believe it was once so valuable, it was used in place of coins. But what you may not know is there are several types […]

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Although we tend to think of lavender as a scent, it’s actually an ancient cooking herb - and one that’s making a strong comeback in many of the finest restaurants across the world. Affordable and easy to find (and grow), lavender adds a unique aroma and flavor to cooking that few of your guests will […]

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Offering more nutritional value with fewer calories than most foods, kale is a tasty addition to any diet. It’s a superb source of vitamins K, A, and C and contains 7 times the beta-carotene and 10 times the lutein of broccoli. To top it off, kale is packed with cancer-fighting glucosinolates and the methyl cysteine […]

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A poorly organized kitchen can really take the fun out of cooking. If you find yourself running around the kitchen for various items needed for cooking, if pots and pans crash around each time you cook, or if you find yourself thinking you need a kitchen remodel, it’s probably time to re-organize. Here […]

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Goat cheese (Chevre) is not only frequently found in America’s top restaurants, it is increasingly available from Farmer’s Markets and chain grocery stores. Whether creamy and mild or pungent and crumbly, goat cheese is ideal for a wide variety of recipes. Goat cheese is an ancient food, and compared to cow’s milk cheese, fresh goat […]

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Most Americans are familiar with rhubarb as an ingredient in pies and jams. In fact, one nickname for this vegetable is “pie plant.” However, rhubarb can also be added to savory dishes and is a healthy source of fiber and vitamin C. Rhubarb is easy to grow and an attractive addition to the kitchen garden. […]

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Whenever a server brings a flambé out in a restaurant, it’s sure to capture every diner’s attention. To flambé a dish just mans to make it flame using liquor or liqueur. Drama is certainly one reason to make a flambé dish, but the technique also adds richer flavor to the dish.
It’s possible to flambé at […]

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With its slightly bitter taste, spongy texture, and its (usually) gorgeous appearance, eggplant is a versatile vegetable. It is available in many colors and sizes, from jade green to orange (and yes, it’s more common deep purple), from melon sized to tomato sized. But whatever type of eggplant is selected, the vegetable is […]

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There many reasons cooks love cast iron pans. Cast iron is an excellent conductor of heat, heating consistently and evenly. It also goes from stove to oven (making it ideal for casseroles), you can use cooking tools or utensils of any materials on it, and it cleans easily. Too, a decent cast iron […]

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