SPICEography 
Peppercorn medley and black pepper both contain black peppercorns in different forms, and they are also typically found in the same part of a grocery store’s spice aisle. Aside from their similarities, there are some dramatic differences between the two products. Which should you get if you can get only …
Vegetable shortening and butter are two of the classic baking fats. Shortening and butter are used in many of the same applications; each has been deemed healthier than the other at different points in history. Is one more versatile than the other? Can one completely replace the other? Let’s see …
Vegetable shortening is considered a baking essential, especially among American bakers who prefer to use traditional ingredients. Recent concerns about vegetable shortening’s potential effects on health have led to many bakers looking for alternatives, but you may still need it for some older recipes. If you have run out or …
Vegetable shortening was invented by Procter & Gamble in the early 20th century to be a solid cooking fat that contained little or no water. Its predecessor was refined lard, inferior lard adulterated and softened with cottonseed oil. Vegetable shortening was made with a similar process to one used for …
Traditional garam masala is an incredibly complex spice blend that often contains more than 30 ingredients. Because it is such a massive undertaking to make a homemade garam masala, many people prefer to purchase pre-made commercial blends. In some areas, these blends can be difficult to find. When you find …
There are many popular recipes out there that call for cloves. With a powerful and distinctive flavor, this potent spice is often the one key component that gives a dish the boost it needs to go from ordinary to extraordinary. There comes a time in the life of every home …
Every cook has had the misfortune of adding too much black pepper to a dish at one time or another. Whether you’ve added just a dash too much pepper or you’ve miscalculated the amount significantly, the degree of disappointment and frustration is the same. But before you throw out that …
Ginger is a popular spice used in many Asian dishes and it is included in a number of dessert recipes as well. Its pleasant zesty flavor can complement other spices or stand on its own as the main flavor in a dish. However, you only get its benefits if you …