Food becomes more interesting when you understand the details behind it. These articles cover ingredients, cooking methods, kitchen questions and the stories behind familiar dishes.
Some posts explain a term or technique. Others look at preparation, flavor or food traditions from different parts of the world.
Start here when you want more than a recipe.
Wok hei is the smoky, singed quality that gives a good stir-fry its edge. The term comes from Cantonese and is often translated as “breath of the wok.” It’s tied to very high heat, fast movement and the way oil, sauce and food hit the metal during cooking. If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant fried […]
This recipe sounds impressive and looks at tastes great, and your dinner guests will love the flavors. It’s deceptively straightforward to prepare though and you will agree the finished appetizer tastes truly delicious. If you enjoy this seafood recipe then a traditional prawn cocktail might also tempt your taste buds, or perhaps you want to […]
This article about why you should try new recipe ideas frequently was first published on Ezine Articles (by me) but that website seems to have gone under! So here we go – I’ll post it on my own blog instead! Now, everyone has a choice about what food they make (or buy) and what they […]
Cooking professionally is a dream that a lot of people have. Whether they want to work in a fast-paced kitchen, be a private chef or sell products they make in their own home, the desire to turn a passion into a career is a common one. A lot of people have fallen in love with […]
Do you like butternut squash recipes? This vegetable (technically a berry!) is also known as butternut pumpkin or gramma in Australia as well as in New Zealand. This winter squash grows on a vine and has a scrumptious sweet and nutty taste similar to pumpkin. The tan-yellow skin encases orange fleshy pulp with a compartment […]
The Blue Zone Diet has become a popular topic of discussion in the health and wellness industry in recent years. But what exactly is it, and what makes it so unique? In short, the Blue Zone Diet is a way of eating that focuses on incorporating foods that are commonly consumed by people who live […]
Hispi cabbage, also known as sweetheart cabbage, sugarloaf cabbage or pointed cabbage, is a trendy vegetable that has recently been making waves in the culinary world. Rather a relative newcomer in the produce section, it has quickly gained popularity among both chefs and home cooks, thanks to its unique flavor profile and texture. But what […]
Chai vs chai latte: aren’t these different terms for the same drink? Actually no, although they do share similarities. Let’s look at each of these terms to discover what the differences are, and which one you should make or order. If you’re a tea aficionado like me (well, I am British!) you might also enjoy […]
Clean cut pizza vs normal cut pizza – what’s the difference and what is clean cut pizza anyway? This is a relatively new term and it refers to the way a pizza restaurant slices their pizzas. Maybe you’re at a restaurant (in which case you can just ask) or perhaps you’re in the middle of […]
Soup vs stew is an often-asked question, so let’s look at what sets these apart, as well as chowders and bisques. They’re all similar, after all, and share some things in common. There are so many different terms for foods. Sometimes it can be hard to tell one from the other. For example, how many […]
Swicy. Have you heard this culinary term? What does swicy mean exactly? Well, it’s a combo of two words: sweet and spicy. And these two types of flavor go together amazingly when you know how to blend them. Have you ever tried milk chocolate-covered potato chips? Or a curry with hints of pineapple and brown […]
Red wine, in moderation, has been found to have a myriad of benefits for the heart. Its potent quotient of antioxidants and polyphenols (like resveratrol) have been found to prevent coronary heart disease. Moderation is key when it comes to making the most of wine, and cooking can play a role in ensuring you consume a little […]
So what are tamales anyway? Tamale consumption dates back to the era of the Aztecs. Tamales were the name given to the food and the Aztec phrase literally means “wrapped food”. They were frequently served in a variety of sizes and shapes during rites and festivals. It took a fair bit of work to make […]
Mexican fruit is delicious. Mexico is a fruit-growing country although the fruits will vary based on whereabouts you are since the areas are very diverse. Mexico has a variety of fruits, some of which are cultivated on trees and others on the ground. A lot of them taste distinctly tropical. Although produced in Mexico, several […]
Italian food is always amazing. Italian has long been one of the most well-liked cuisines in the world. Every day, people eat meals of freshly prepared Italian cuisine that taste so excellent that it is hard to conceive of preparing it yourself. However, some people are up for the task of mastering the art of […]
What is swai? Swai fish, also known as panga, pangasius, swai catfish, basa fish, basa catfish, iridescent shark, and more, seems to appear on more and more restaurant menus. Actually it’s probably better to say it does NOT appear on menus. Instead you will see the dubious-looking ‘fried fish’ or ‘fish taco’ or whatever style […]
So which is the best ice cream to buy for home use? Just about everybody loves ice cream and making it at home can be a lot of fun. A whole lot of fun! Discover which ice cream maker to buy depending on your budget and requirements. Learning how to use an ice cream maker […]
I think it’s fair to say Mexican food has to be one of the most misunderstood cuisines of all. People who aren’t familiar with it assume it’s all tortillas, beef and chilies, while those who eat at fast food outlets might believe those dishes are more authentic than they are. Eating authentic Mexican food in […]
To sum up the answer to ‘what is Tex-Mex food’, Tex-Mex cuisine refers to primarily American dishes found in the state of Texas. This cuisine is a blend of American and Mexican foods. Some of these recipes might not be the same as the authentic Mexican version but it is still referred to as ‘Mexican’ […]
Find out more about how to open, enjoy and save leftover champagne. Is prosecco champagne? What is brut champagne? What is demi-sec champagne? Which champagne is sweet? The questions about this iconic bubbly beverage are endless. Although there are lots of types of sparkling white wine to choose from (cava, prosecco etc) it is fair […]