Ginger, whether you’re using fresh or ground, can be incorporated into a variety of food and drinks, from salmon and chicken dishes to cakes and cookies and even hot tea and cocktails. Plus, it has a whole lot of good-for-you properties, including building up your immune system, and treating nausea and inflammation. Whether you’re baking […]

Whether you’re an avid chef or a home baker, you’ve probably encountered a recipe that required parchment paper. One of the most used food wrappers for cooking and baking, parchment paper is used as a lining for baking pans and trays because it can withstand high temperatures while also providing a non-stick surface because of […]

Typically served as an aperitif before a large meal, sherry is also a popular cooking ingredient in soups, stews, sauces, marinades, and baked goods because of its sweet and fruity flavor. Made in the Jerez region of Spain, it is made of fermented white grapes and brandy and comes in various types, including Fino, Manzanilla, […]

No matter what time of year it is, sage is always a welcome herb for its warm, woodsy aroma especially in roasted meats, hearty breads, and root vegetables. A member of the mint family, this herb brings assertive notes of pine and pepper, and pairs well with a variety of ingredients that you cook with […]

Lasagna would be just flat noodles and sauce without it, cannoli and manicotti would have no filling, and cheesecake would be virtually non-existent without this rich, creamy, Italian cheese we know as ricotta. If you’re a regular user of ricotta cheese in your cooking adventures you know how crucial it is to many of your […]

Fresh out of tomato sauce and trying to avoid another run to the grocery store? Chances are you’ve got plenty of options that make terrific tomato sauce stand-ins right in your pantry or refrigerator. No matter what recipe you’re whipping up, from spaghetti and meatballs or pizza to a hearty ragu. From tomato paste and […]

If you’re on a gluten-free diet or simply prefer your baked goods gluten-free, you’ve probably been consuming xanthan gum whether you know it or not. Made from fermenting corn sugar with a bacterium, xanthan gum acts as a binder and thickening agent to hold ingredients together, primarily in gluten-free baked goods that lack the binding […]

Chicken stock is one of those pantry staples that even the most novice of chefs should always have on standby to add flavor and moisture to everything from soups and stews to sauces and casseroles. However, on those occasions where you’re throwing a last-minute soup together and realize you’re fresh out of chicken broth, there […]

Considered one of the very finest Swiss cheeses, Gruyere’s nutty, salty flavor and melting properties make it an ideal cheese for dishes where a melty cheese is crucial to the final product, from fondue, pizza, and sandwiches to souffles and tarts. If you’re unable to find Gruyere at your local grocery store or you’re just […]