The extract in vanilla extract’s name is there because the flavor is extracted from the vanilla bean using alcohol. Vanilla extract is essential for many desserts and baked goods, particularly cookies and cakes. If you run out unexpectedly or can’t find the pure version (as opposed to the imitation version) …
Date sugar is often recommended as a substitute for refined sugar because it contains nutrients not found in crystallized sugars. The fact that it consists of ground, dried dates makes it unique among sugars. It works well in a wide variety of applications, including beverages like coffee and tea. It …
Garlic scapes are a great ingredient for stir-fried dishes, as well as for some pestos and soups. You can even grill them up like asparagus for an intensely garlicky side dish. You may have trouble finding them in the typical produce section since they are not a popular vegetable, though …
The bergamot herb shares its name with the bergamot fruit and its aromatic extract. That’s not the only thing it shares — all three products have the same strong citrus note. Fresh bergamot herb is not easy to find unless you grow it yourself. If you want to use it …
While much of the unique flavor of the jerk style of cooking has to do with the type of wood used to smoke the meat, a lot of has to do with the seasoning. Jerk seasoning’s flavor is as complex as it is pungent. While it has a distinctive flavor, …
Shoyu is Japanese soy sauce and is arguably the most popular variety of soy sauce in the West. It is used in recipes for a variety of Japanese dishes and condiments. It’s great in gyoza dipping sauce and in the glaze for teriyaki chicken. While it helps to have shoyu …
Rose petals are not exactly the most commonplace ingredient for western cooks, but they are essential if you are attempting to cook certain Middle Eastern dishes. You may have a hard time finding them in grocery stores. Roses used in Persian cooking come from a special variety of wild rose …
Ethiopian food has gained a foothold in America that has yet to be equaled by other African cuisines. A big part of this has to do with the distinctive flavor of berbere spice mix, which is used in many of that country’s dishes. If you want to make misir wot …