Cooking Terms

If you're fairly new to cooking, you might run into some terms, often in French, that you don't recognize. It's rarely as complicated as it seems - take a look at these explanations of common cooking techniques.

How to Blanch Almonds

Blanched almonds are just almonds with their skins removed. This may be done in order to get rid of their bitterness and/or because skinless almonds are considered prettier. There are two ways to blanch almonds and the end result for each is somewhat different.
How to clean leeks

How to Clean Leeks

Leeks are a wonderful vegetable, but they require a fair amount of preparation before they can be used. Here are some tips on cleaning and preparing leeks.
Fake double boiler

How to Fake a Double Boiler

A double boiler is used to heat something delicate, like milk or chocolate, that is at risk of burning if you put it over a direct flame. You can buy a real double boiler, but in my opinion there's no point because you can so easily make a fake one using other kitchen tools you already own.
Fake steamer

How to Fake a Steamer

Steaming is a quick and healthy way to cook things like vegetables and tempeh so that they are moist without being waterlogged. You can purchase a steamer, of course, or you can just make one with two kitchen tools you probably already own.