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What's in a Marinade?

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:16:07 +0000

There are endless possibilities when it comes to marinades for meat, but you want to make sure that you at least have three areas covered to maximize the flavor. Find out what these three elements are in Anatomy of a Marinade.

Fresh Pineapple

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:06:05 +0000

Photo by Itinerant Tightwad [flickr]

Pineapple is often considered a gourmet fruit. It is highly perishable so it can be hard to come by and carry a hefty price tag. Learn the basics about pineapple including its characteristics, uses, nutritional statistics, and how to purchase and store your fresh pineapple in What is Pineapple?

Tapioca

Sun, 05 May 2013 13:26:12 +0000

Photo by Toby Oxborrow [flickr]

Tapioca is one of those weird substances that everyone has heard of, but not many people know what it really is. Tapioca is an extracted starch used to thicken and create gels in food. Its fun, chewy flavor makes desserts like tapioca pudding and bubble tea fun to eat. Learn more about tapioca, where it comes from, and how it's used in What is Tapioca?

Vegetarian Gelatin

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:36:13 +0000

Photo by Sahua [flickr]

Gelatin is great for making gummy candies and fruit desserts, but it's not an option for those who choose to avoid eating animal products. A substance called agar-agar is an excellent vegetarian alternative. This seaweed derived polysaccharide has been used in Asian countries for centuries to make jelly desserts and other food items. Find out more about this amazing thickener in What is Agar-Agar?

Wiggle It, Just a Little Bit

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:16:15 +0000

Photo by Steven Depolo [flickr]

What makes our wiggly Jell-O snacks so fun to eat? Gelatin! Gelatin is a protein made up of animal collagen that produces a wiggly, jiggly gel when combined with liquids. Gelatin is in everything from classic summertime fruit molds and pudding, to gummy candy, some frozen desserts, and even savory aspics. Learn more about the versatility of gelatin in What is Gelatin?

Arrowroot Powder

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:54:56 +0000

Photo by Grailbeard [flickr]

Arrowroot powder is growing in popularity, due especially to the increase in gluten free eaters. Arrowroot powder is a starch extracted from tropical tubers and is used to thicken sauces, soups, jellies, and other food products. Find out more about how arrowroot powder is used and get tips for using it correctly in What is Arrowroot Powder?

Multi-Purpose Corn Starch

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:11:33 +0000

Photo by Michael Carian [flickr]

Corn starch is an excellent item to have around the house. Not only can it be used for a variety of cleaning and household purposes, but it is the go-to ingredient for thickening sauces, soups, casseroles, pies, and more. Corn starch offers thickening power without a cloudy appearance and without a floury or doughy flavor. Even better yet, corn starch is gluten free! Explore how corn starch achieves its thickening action and tips for successful use in What is Corn Starch?

Slicing Slippery Avocados

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:28:13 +0000

Do you remember the first time you tried to slice an avocado? Maybe you haven't tried yet. I'm pretty sure the first time I tried, I started by removing the peel and was left with a mushy, slippery mess. That seems logical, right? Well, the peel can serve as a great "handle" for the slippery avocado as cut it into strips or cubes. To find out more ways to make slicing an avocado easier, check out this step-by-step photo tutorial: How to Slice an Avocado.

No More Brown Avocados!

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:29:11 +0000

Photo by Bethany Moncel

It's such a tragedy when the second half of an avocado turns brown. You patiently wait for the avocado to reach its peak of ripeness and then if you don't use it all up immediately, you're left with an unappealing brown mess. Science to the rescue! There are several ways to slow down the browning process and give you twice as much time to enjoy an avocado's creamy goodness. Find out How to Keep Avocados From Turning Brown...

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Basic Baked Potatoes

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 22:23:05 +0000

Baked potatoes can be the base for several different filling and delicious meals, but you don't wan to just throw the potatoes in the oven and wait until they're soft! Use these simple tips to achieve perfectly baked potatoes with crispy skin and a light, fluffy interior - How to Bake a Potato.