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.
Cooking Tips
Learn how to clean leeks, make crêpes, use everyday kitchen tools to fake more specialized ones, and more with these simple lessons on essential kitchen tasks.
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
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.
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.
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.
How to Freeze Tofu
Freezing firm or extra-firm tofu gives it a chewy, even meaty consistency and turns it into a marinade-loving sponge.
Appetizers & Side Dishes / Colorful Recipes / Cooking Tips / Flexible Recipes / French Recipes / Gourmet Recipes / Picnics
How to Make a Cheese Plate
Cheese plates can be simple or elaborate, with dozens of different cheeses or just a few. There's no one right way to make a cheese plate, but these guidelines can help you put together a cheese plate you and your guests will never forget.
Brunch / Cooking Tips / Desserts / Flexible Recipes / French Recipes / Gourmet Recipes / Kids' Recipes / Vegan Recipes
How to Make Crêpes
Crêpes can be wrapped around just about anything to turn it into an elegant meal, or simply folded and topped with something yummy. Try some of these fillings and toppings, or experiment to invent your own.
How to Make Flax Eggs
You can use "flax eggs" in place of eggs in any baked recipe like cakes, muffins, and cookies.
How to Make Vegan Cheese
There are some good vegan cheeses available at the store, but since they are often expensive and/or full of preservatives, it's nice to have the option to make your own. Read on for tips on setting up your vegan cheese-making kitchen.