Tarragon is often described by French chefs as the king of herbs and is widely used in French cooking; in fact, it is one of the major French fines herbes. There are two main varieties of this herb: French and Russian. Most cooks agree that the French version is the …
Sansho pepper is essential for a traditional Japanese take on fatty dishes like grilled eel and duck. Its heat and citrus notes are great complements for both of those proteins, but the spice may not be the easiest to find in an emergency. If you need a fast sansho pepper …
Agar agar powder is an essential ingredient if you want to make certain Asian candies or if you want a vegan gelling agent. The downside is that it is not a widely used ingredient, which means that you may not find it in most grocery stores. If you need something …
Sugar is commonplace and familiar to all cooks. Whether it is crystallized or in the form of a syrup, sugar is a key component of desserts and of many entrees as well. In the hands of a cook who can exercise restraint, it can enhance flavors and textures or it …
Celtic sea salt and table salt are found in many kitchens and serve the same fundamental purpose of adding flavor to food. Even though they both have salt in the name, they differ dramatically and should you can use each of them differently. Let’s compare the two to help you …
As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of Christmas spices fills the air, bringing with it a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These spices not only add flavor to your holiday dishes but also embody the spirit of Christmas in their own unique ways. Here, we explore some of the …
Thanksgiving dinner is a time for indulging in delicious, comforting food, and the right combination of herbs and spices can take your dishes to the next level. From savory to sweet, these ten essential Thanksgiving spices and herbs will add warmth, depth, and complexity to your holiday feast. Sage Sage …
Like any food product, herbs and spices are best consumed within a specific time frame. How long they last will differ depending on the herb or spice itself, whether it is ground or whole, as well as how it is stored. Note that in most cases, you probably will not …