Make Roux for Gravy and Freeze for Later Use
When you make stock, use the resulting fat to make roux. Then freeze the roux in small disks for later use. You'll always have a richly flavored roux base on hand for making gravy and sauces.
Club Soda Pancakes
Here's a simple replacement to make the lightest, fluffiest pancakes—plus it works in just about any recipe! And you can use it in your favorite waffle recipe, too.
How to Steam-Warm Tortillas
Take a tip from Mexican restaurants and steam your tortillas to warm them. They retain their flavor and texture, without getting too soft or too crisp.
Save Money When Cooking or Baking with Alcohol
Alcohol can be an indispensable ingredient to have in your cooking repertoire, but keeping several different full-sized bottles on hand for infrequent use is both expensive and a space-waster! Here's a quick tip on how to save money (and space) when baking or cooking with alcohol.
How to Easily Skin Fish
Skinning a fish fillet can be slippery and frustrating business. Here's a simple—and safe—way to help get a grip on the fish skin.
How to Make Perfectly Caramelized Vegetables
Roasting vegetables can be delicious and exciting, especially if they are perfectly cooked with a caramelized crust. Here's how to make perfectly roasted, caramelized vegetables every single time.
How to Keep Parchment Paper from Sliding
Does your parchment paper curl up or slip and slide all over your baking sheets when you're preparing a recipe? Here's a simple trick to keep your parchment in place.
How to Make the Most Out of Leftover Vegetables/Herbs for Stock
While store-bought stock can be a real time-saver, there's no substitute for homemade stock—it's the basis for all good cooking. To give flavor and depth to stock, save and freeze leftover herbs and vegetables for easy use when making homemade stock.
How to Make Individual Servings Using a Muffin Tin
If you like to make individual servings of side dishes and desserts, there's an easier way than using multiple ramekins. Here's how you can use a common bakeware item to make individual servings of just about anything.
How to Bake Mini Tart Shells-No Pie Weights Needed!
If you are making mini tarts but would like to skip filling the shell with foil or parchment paper and pie weights, try this tip. The pie shells come out perfectly every time.
How to Trim Hearty Greens
Many popular dishes now use peppery greens like collards, turnips, mustard, and chard. But trimming them can be a pain. Here's a simple and efficient way to trim the stem out of hearty greens.
How to Freeze Rice
Freezing leftover rice—or making extra next time rice is on the menu-can be a real timesaver on busy weeknights or when you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner. Here's the best way to freeze rice for use later.