Choose Your Board: Consider the size of your party: Options include large wooden boards, slate platters, marble surfaces, or even simple baking sheets. The Right Knives: Soft cheeses need spreaders, while harder ones need sharper knives. Have a small knife for each cheese. Room Temperature is Key: Take cheeses out of the fridge about 30 […]
How to Bake a Potato
Choosing the Right Potatoes Type: Russet potatoes are the classic baking potato; their high starch content creates that signature fluffy interior. You can also try Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes for different flavors. Look and feel: Select potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from bruises or sprouts. Preparation Scrub: Thoroughly wash the potato under […]
Easy Baked Ribs – How To Make Juicy Ribs in the Oven
Ingredients: 2-3 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs) Your favorite dry rub (see below for homemade option!) BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) Homemade Dry Rub (Optional): 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, […]
How To Cook Bacon in the Oven – No Preheating Required
Why Cook Bacon Without Preheating? Even Rendering: Starting with a cold oven allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon without burnt edges. Flatter Bacon: Less curling and shrinkage as the temperature rises gradually. Energy Efficient: No need to waste energy preheating your oven. Materials: Baking sheet (rimmed is best) Aluminum foil […]
How to Cut Watermelon Sticks
Materials: Large, ripe watermelon: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a large yellow patch on the underside. A dull thud when you tap it is another sign of ripeness. Sharp, large chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes the task easier and safer. Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides […]
How To Freeze Your Herbs
Why Freeze Herbs? Prevent waste: Freezing prevents your bountiful garden herbs or bulk purchases from going bad before you can use them all. Year-round flavor: Enjoy the taste of fresh herbs even when they’re not in season. Convenience: Frozen herbs are ready to use whenever you need them. Best Herbs for Freezing: Soft-Leafed Herbs: Basil, […]
3 Ways to Cook Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
Important Note: Regardless of the chosen cooking method, it’s best NOT to follow the package instructions. These often lead to mushy gnocchi. Ingredients 1 bag Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (frozen) Olive oil or cooking spray Seasonings of choice: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian herbs, etc. Optional additions: Butter, garlic, marinara sauce, vegetables, protein Equipment Large […]
How To Make Homemade Baby Food
Ingredients 1 cup fresh fruits or vegetables (e.g., avocado, banana, sweet potato, peas, apples) Water, breast milk, or formula (as needed) Utensils Steamer or pot Blender or food processor (optional, for smoother purees) Freezer tray (optional, for storing) Spoon Ice cube tray (optional, for storing) Instructions Wash and Prep: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap […]
How to Make Jello Shots
Ingredients 1 (3-ounce) package of Jello in your favorite flavor: Any flavor works! Get creative. 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup cold water 1/2 cup alcohol: Vodka is classic, but rum, tequila, flavored liqueurs all add a fun twist. Utensils Medium mixing bowl or large measuring cup Whisk Plastic shot cups (around 2 ounces each): […]
How to Cut a Watermelon
Before You Start Choose a ripe watermelon: Look for a dull (not shiny) surface, a yellow spot where it rested on the ground, and a hollow sound when thumped. Wash the watermelon: Rinse the outside thoroughly under cool water to remove dirt and bacteria. Use a large, sharp chef’s knife for safe and easy cutting. […]