Interested in learning something new today? Our Chef's Notes explore culinary topics in detail, including history, definitions, and techniques.

Asparagus

Those fresh spears should have mild, sweet taste and a crisp-tender texture. When shopping, choose... Read the full item.

Basil

My basil likes to be moist, but not over-watered, and cut back regularly. Which means, it is happiest when I use it... Read the full item.

Brining – How To Brine Turkey, Chicken, and Other Meats

Why do we brine meats, fish and poultry? To make them moist and tender! I am captivated by the effects of brining on protein rich... Read the full item.

Chocolate

With a little knowledge and understanding, you can select the right chocolate and store it properly. Good quality chocolate is... Read the full item.

Eggplant

There are several important things to keep in mind when cooking eggplant. First, the vegetable contains... Read the full item.

Farmers Market

Farmers markets are a romantic way to shop for those of us who push our carts along the impersonal shrink-wrapped isles of... Read the full item.

Food Safety – Tips for safe use and storage

Autumn is time for tailgating parties and packing lunches. Just as important as balancing flavors and proper nutrition, food safety should be a primary... Read the full item.

Garlic – Tips for selecting and cooking with garlic

I love cooking with garlic, and cannot imagine doing without it. Few aromas elicit the deep oooohs and aahhhs in my kitchen like that of cooking garlic, especially when... Read the full item.

Grilling Tips – Getting the Most From Your Grill

Grilling is a lean way of cooking that brings out the rich, intense flavors when the meat, poultry or fish is pleasantly charred. It is an excellent way to... Read the full item.

Low-fat Baking Techniques

Create great-tasting low-fat baked goods by carefully balancing flavors and textures, creatively compensating for the contribution that fat makes to a dish, and... Read the full article.

Marinating Techniques for the Grill – Steak, Chicken & More

Marinating foods can make grilling more creative, whether it's for delicious steak, chicken, seafood, or vegetables. Steeping meat, poultry, seafood or vegetables for... Read the full item.

Melons

Those melons in the market are so alluring, yet how do you choose a ripe, sweet one to take home? First, pick it up... Read the full item.

New Potatoes

New potatoes are not one particular variety; they are just young potatoes harvested... Read the full item.

It's Pear Season – Selecting, Ripening & Enjoying Pears

A pear purchased at the farmer’s market or grocery store will almost always be unripe.  Because pears bruise easily, they are picked and shipped in an... Read the full item.

Ricers

Potato ricers look like large garlic presses. The bowl of the ricer holds from 1 to 2 cups of potato chunks, which are then... Read the full item.

Rolling Pastry

If you struggle to roll pastry because it sticks to the rolling surface or rolling pin, or if you just can't... Read the full item.

Salt – An Important Seasoning In Cooking from SizzleWorks Cooking School

Salt is probably the most important seasoning in cooking. On its own or when used to deliberately make something taste salty, salt’s flavor is quite distinct. But salt can also... Read the full item.

Tapas – The Tradition of Spanish Tapas

Tapas, an Andalusian custom throughout Spain, are an informal style of eating. One of the pleasures of Spain is to go on a “Tapeo,” to move leisurely from bar to bar in order to... Read the full item.

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes

Although they may look similar, yams and sweet potatoes come from two different plants. Sweet potatoes are most... Read the full item.