SPICEography 
To some cooks, fleur de sel is an overpriced and unnecessary ingredient marketed to the gullible and the pretentious. To others, it is the source of the uniquely clean and briny salinity sought after by lovers of fresh seafood. It is widely considered to be among the very best finishing …
Anise seed is a Mediterranean spice known for flavoring baked goods like cookies and cakes and liqueurs like ouzo and anisette. It offers a pungent flavor usually likened to that of licorice. If you want to make Italian treats like biscotti or pizzelle, keep some anise seed in your spice …
Lemongrass is an herb in the citronella family with a strong citrus flavor profile and a coarse, fibrous texture. It is a versatile herb once you understand how to use its flavors. Lemongrass is one of those herbs you will need to understand to use it effectively; however, it is …
Galangal is an important ingredient if you plan to make dishes from Southeast Asia. Many would say that it is as essential as lemongrass or coconut milk. Its flavors are crucial to dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, among other countries. You should do your best to get your hands …
Sucanat is the trademarked name for a sugar that is called rapadura by the Portuguese and panela by Spanish speakers. It is a specific form of evaporated cane juice developed by a Swiss company called Pronatec that would founded by Albert Yersin. While it was once widely touted as being …
Grilled cheese is often identified with American cuisine, even though the concept was around back in Ancient Rome. And the French have been known for croque monsieurs since the early 20th century. Many people grew up eating grilled cheeses and have carried their love of them into adulthood. Grilled cheese …
Caraway seeds may not be as widely recognized when compared to kitchen staples like cinnamon and nutmeg, but they do show up in a lot of classic recipes. You can use this spice in many other dishes since its flavors can stand in for others that provide a similar mild …
Powdered sugar is a versatile form of sugar that can be used both for its flavor and for its appearance. Use it to dust cakes, doughnuts, or as a fast-dissolving sweetener for cocktails. There are several suitable alternatives, so there is no need to give up on a dish if …