Cooking Basics

[Editor's Note: There are some very basic kitchen skills that every cook should have in their repertoire, and properly separating eggs is definitely one of them. This post includes an incredibly helpful photo tutorial that explains just how to do this so you end up with the eggs in their separate components, and the shell in the compost or trash, rather than in your egg mixture. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: One of my favorite quick-dinner options has always been tacos. There are so many variations to try, and they're all fairly speedy from refrigerator to table. I love this option, which is packed with healthy vegetables—and even some fruit! The ranchero sauce that goes with it sounds fantastic enough that it might be worth doubling that part of the recipe, just to make quick and delicious work of dinner another night that same week. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Mussels are a sustainable seafood choice, and easy and economical to cook. This recipe for them features pesto and chorizo, flavors which I wouldn't ordinarily pair...and that I wouldn't have thought to add to mussels! But when I gave it a minute, the thought of this dish made my mouth absolutely water. Give it a try—it's a spicy, pungent twist on a classic! --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Are you someone who likes creamer in your coffee? Well, if you like the processed and bottled kind at the store, this is a great option to still get the flavor and creaminess you love without all the chemicals and preservatives. Give this technique a try! --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: No matter how many years you spend in the kitchen, there are always going to be times when things don't go exactly as planned. Check out this list of tips for how to recover from a kitchen disaster, as well as some real-life examples of how Connie Veneracion has fixed problems in her own kitchen. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Lesley of Recipe for Crazy had one wish: To be able to make the same kind of white queso dip she found at Mexican restaurants at home. After a lot of research and experimentation, she managed to figure out the secret, and now we're lucky enough to get the benefit of her new-found knowledge! Read on to learn the secrets to making this cheesy dip right in your own kitchen. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: One of my favorite go-to, easy dishes when I want something quick and satisfying is pasta tossed with butter, salt and parsley. The flavor combination is comforting, yet bright (thanks to the parsley). But I love this variation on that theme—browning the butter deepens the flavor and makes the dish a little richer (and a little more grown up), and the crunch of bread crumbs adds texture to the dish. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: I'm a sucker for Mexican food any day of the week, but a quick taco dinner that's healthy, to boot? That's a total win. Check out this recipe, which features lots of added diced vegetables for a serious nutritional boost! --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Did you think that choosing to eat a vegan diet means giving up creamy homemade mayonnaise? Well, technically it does, but thanks to Stephanie Weaver of The Recipe Renovator, you can still make an equally creamy and tangy sandwich spread at home. Stephanie uses agar, a seaweed-based thickener, to work her magic in this recipe. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: I make a lot of hummus, but have never tried to incorporate sweet potatoes into the mix. This recipe is likely to get me to change my ways—everything about it sounds delicious and awfully healthy. It's a great appetizer for any party as the winter winds down and Spring approaches.  Read more