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Culinary Arts: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Hard Boiled Eggs Recipe
Wondering how to hard boil eggs, or how long to hard boil an egg? Using this simple technique, you'll make perfect hard boiled eggs every time.
How to Make Perfect Bacon
Want to make perfect crispy bacon without all the mess? Baking in the oven is the simplest, most foolproof way to cook bacon. Find out how it's done!
Basic Folded Omelet
This simple recipe will make it easy to make the perfect omelet every time. The technique is easy to follow and simple to learn.
Perfect Scrambled Eggs
This simple recipe will show you how to make the perfect scrambled eggs every time. Light and fluffy, these scrambled eggs are sure to please.
Easy French Toast
This easy French toast recipe can be enhanced by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, even rum or brandy! Learn how to make French toast.
Make the Perfect Vinaigrette
Learn how to make the perfect oil & vinegar salad dressing, also called a vinaigrette. These simple tips will help you make a great vinaigrette dressing anytime.
Easy Pancakes Recipe
You can make these easy pancakes in just a few minutes. Once you make up the batter, you can hold it in the refrigerator for several hours.
Basic Risotto Recipe
Here's a simple risotto recipe made with butter and parmesan cheese. It's prepared by adding hot stock to arborio rice and cooking slowly as the stock is absorbed.
Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Spaghetti Carbonara is one of the most popular Italian pasta dishes. This pasta carbonara recipe combines cream, eggs, cheese and bacon.
Basic Corn Bread
This basic corn bread recipe is sweetened with honey and is a perfect accompaniment for soup or chili, and it makes a great breakfast, too. This basic recipe can be modified to include fresh or canned corn (or creamed corn), green chiles, sour cream, buttermilk, bacon, and even dried blueberries!
Plain Muffins Recipe
The key to making great muffins is mixing the batter just enough to combine all the wet and dry ingredients, but without overmixing it.
Facts About Sodium Nitrate
Nitrates and nitrites are widely used in preserving meats. And while nitrates are commonly thought to be bad for you, that's not the case at all. In fact, it's the exact opposite.
How To Pan-Sear Sea Scallops
Seared sea scallops are always popular, and this illustrated tutorial will show you, step-by-step, exactly how to make them. It's simpler than you might think!
The Mother Sauces
What are the mother sauces? There are five mother sauces in the culinary arts from which all other sauces are made. Learn to make mother sauces.
What is the Best Steak?
Cooking the perfect steak starts by choosing the right cut of beef. Find out what type of meat makes the best steak.
Basic Waffles
This tried and true waffle recipe is perfect for brunch or other special occasions, even dessert!
Basic Vinaigrette Recipe
This simple oil & vinegar salad dressing is also called a basic vinaigrette or basic French dressing. Variations include Italian dressing, mustard vinaigrette, herbed vinaigrette and more.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a classic accompaniment for traditional holiday dishes like roasted turkey and chicken, as well as many other hearty meat dishes.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning symptoms vary with the type of food poisoning you have, but if you have any of the symptoms listed here, it could be a sign of food poisoning.
Half and Half
What is Half and Half? In the culinary arts, Half and Half is a dairy product consisting of half cream and ... Read the definition of Half and Half.
Hollandaise Sauce Recipe
Hollandaise is a wonderfully rich, lemony and buttery sauce that goes with eggs, vegetables and poached fish. Here's a basic hollandaise sauce recipe.
How To Make Mayonnaise
This illustrated guide will show you how to make mayonnaise, with photos and instructions for each step along the way. You'll have your own homemade mayonnaise in a jiffy!
Gnocchi Sauces
Want some ideas for what sauce to serve with gnocchi? Here are six classic gnocchi sauces that will suit every taste.
Roast Turkey Breast
Roasted turkey breast is a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey. A turkey breast cooks much faster and is far more moist and juicy, too.
Beurre Blanc Sauce
Beurre blanc is a simple butter-based emulsified sauce. This beurre blanc sauce recipe is delicious with practically any fish or seafood.
Spinach & Bacon Frittata
A frittata is an Italian-style flat omelet that's baked in a skillet. This frittata recipe features spinach, bacon and cheddar cheese.
Chicken Piccata Recipe
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian recipe that really takes all the difficulty out of cooking chicken. And the simple, tangy sauce is pretty heavenly.
How to Chop an Onion
Learn how to chop an onion the fast, easy and safe way. This illustrated tutorial shows photos of every step so you can improve your knife skills.
Chocolate Chocolate Muffins Recipe
If you love chocolate you'll love this recipe for chocolate chip chocolate muffins. Rich, moist and chocolately, these muffins are a chocolate-lover's dream.
Sauces for Fish & Seafood
These classic sauces, like the Hollandaise Sauce, Normandy Sauce and others, can be served with fish and seafood dishes, including seared sea scallops, grilled salmon and more.
Banana Bread Recipe
This moist banana bread recipe helps put overripe bananas, that would otherwise be destined for the garbage, to good use, making it a great recipe for anyone who likes to be frugal.
Culinary Arts Food Safety Quiz
Quiz: Food Safety and Sanitation Test Your Knowledge of Food Safety and Sanitation Food safety might
How To Clarify Butter
Clarified butter is made removing the milk solids from butter, leaving only the golden-yellow butterfat. This tutorial shows how to clarify butter.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder
Are baking soda and baking powder the same thing? Find out what happens when you try to substitute baking soda for baking powder.
Medium Rare Steaks
The best way to cook a steak is medium rare. Find out what makes medium rare steaks superior to all others, and how to cook them that way.
Cross Contamination
What is Cross Contamination? In the culinary arts, the term cross-contamination refers to what happens when bacteria ... Read the definition of Cross Contamination.
Food Temperature Danger Zone
Knowing about the Food Temperature Danger Zone can help prevent food-borne illness. Learn how to keep food safe by keeping dangerous bacteria from growing.
How To Make Risotto
Sweat Chopped Onion in Hot Butter and Oil Risotto is a traditional Italian rice dish made from a short-grained,
Demiglace Recipe
Demi-glace is a rich and deeply flavorful sauce that is traditionally served with red meats. Demi-glace (or demi-glaze) is made by reducing a mixture of half basic brown sauce and half brown stock.
Cuts of Beef
Curious about cuts of beef like the chuck, rib, loin, tenderloin or brisket? Here's a diagram of the various cuts of beef with a description of each one.
How To Make Roux
Roux is a mixture of equal parts fat and flour that is one of the most common thickeners for sauces and soups. This tutorial shows you how to make a roux.
What is MSG?
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a food additive used in Asian cooking as well as ... MSG side effects include symptoms such as headaches, nausea ... Read more about MSG.
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This chocolate chip banana bread is a delicious variation on the basic banana bread recipe. If you're looking for a slightly more decadent banana bread, this is the recipe for you.
Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Blueberry muffins can be mixed up and baked in just a few minutes. Here's an easy blueberry muffin recipe you'll want to make again and again.
Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder
Looking for an easy and delicious pork roast recipe? This slow-roasted pork shoulder is juicy, crispy and insanely flavorful.
How To Make Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce is a wonderfully rich, lemony and buttery sauce. This illustrated tutorial guides you through making hollandaise sauce, one step at a time.
Seasoning a Steak
The key to seasoning a steak for grilling is to use a generous amount of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Read about seasoning a steak for the grill.
Ranch Dressing Recipe
Ranch Dressing is one of the most popular salad dressings, and it's quite easy to make. It also makes a great dip. Here's a great ranch dressing recipe.
How to Make French Fries
You can definitely make crispy French fries at home as long as you know what kind of potatoes to use and fry them using this basic technique.
Garlic Aioli Sauce
Aioli is a tangy emulsified sauce similar to mayonnaise but made with olive oil instead of vegetable oil. A good shot of garlic gives this aioli recipe its punch.
Feta
What is Feta? In the culinary arts, the word Feta refers to a type of Greek cheese made from ... Read the definition of Feta.
How to Bake a Potato
Baked potatoes are utterly delicious and they go with everything from steaks to seafood. Follow these easy steps for how to bake a potato.
Streusel Topping
This cinnamon streusel topping will really spruce up your homemade muffins and it can be mixed up in just a few seconds. Just sprinkle it over muffins before baking!
Quiz: Is it an Herb or a Spice?
Do you know the difference between an herb and a spice? Take this quiz and test your knowledge about herbs and spices.
Cooking Methods
Cooking methods are divided into dry-heat cooking methods, such as roasting, sauteing and broiling, and moist-heat cooking methods, like braising, poaching or steaming.
Cornichons
What are Cornichons? In the culinary arts, cornichons are small pickled gherkins. Cornichons are frequently used in making ... Read more about cornichons.
Espagnole Sauce Recipe
Espagnole is a basic brown sauce that is one of the five mother sauces of classical cuisine. It's also the starting point for making the traditional demi-glace.
Gelato
What is Gelato? Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream and it differs from American ice cream in a few basic ... Read the definition of Gelato.
Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Mushroom risotto is one of the most delicious variations on the basic risotto recipe. This mushroom risotto recipe is prepared by adding hot stock to arborio rice and ...
How to Cook Pork Chops
The perfect pork chop is an inch thick, seared on the stovetop to a lovely golden brown, then finished in the oven. Learn how to cook pork chops.
Italian Vinaigrette Recipe
This Italian vinaigrette is made with extra virgin olive oil instead of salad oil, and features minced garlic, dried oregano and chopped parsley.
Puree of Celery Soup Recipe
Purée of Celery Soup Recipe This classic purée of celery soup is beautifully aromatic. You can make it
Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
This mustard vinaigrette recipe is one of the simplest variations on the basic vinaigrette formula and a delicious salad dressing in its own right.
Chicken & Poultry Safety Tips
These safety and food handling guidelines for preparing and storing chicken and poultry will help you avoid salmonella and other food-related bacteria.
Corned Beef
What is Corned Beef? In the culinary arts, corned beef is made by curing a brisket of beef in brine with ... Read the definition of Corned Beef.
Perfect Bacon: Step By Step
This illustrated tutorial will show you how easy it is to make perfectly crispy bacon in the oven. And wait till you see Step #2 — you might not believe your eyes!
How To Make Scones
If you're looking for a guide on how to make scones, this illustrated tutorial will show you how, step-by-step!
How to Poach Chicken Breasts
Poached chicken breasts are succulent and flavorful, and they don't dry out they way chicken breasts can when cooked other ways. Learn how to poach chicken breasts.
Chef Job Descriptions
What is a chef? How about a sous-chef? Or an executive chef? Here's a summary of some of the most common chef jobs and chef job descriptions and what each one means.
10 Ways to Use Chicken Stock
So you've made chicken stock. Now what? Here are 10 recipes you can make using chicken stock.
Thicken Sauce with Cornstarch
To thicken a sauce or soup with cornstarch, you first need to make a slurry, which is a mixture of equal parts cornstarch and liquid.
Hominy
What is Hominy? Hominy is a type of corn (or maize) that has been soaked in an alkali solution which causes it to... Read the definition of Hominy.
How to Cook a Steak
A professional chef explains how to cook a perfect steak in four simple steps.
Au Gratin
What is Au Gratin? In the culinary arts, au gratin indicates a dish that is baked with a topping of ... Read the definition of au gratin.
Simmer
What is Simmering? The word Simmer refers to a culinary technique where food is cooked in liquid with temperature ranging from ... Read the definition of Simmer.
What is Gluten?
What is gluten? Gluten is a protein formed when wheat flour is moistened and them mixed or kneaded. Read more about what gluten is and its role in baking.
Roasted Beet Salad with Feta
This simple but elegant roasted beet salad features red and golden beets, mild feta cheese and baby greens in a light olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
Coleslaw Recipe
This classic coleslaw recipe is perfect for picnics and barbecues and goes with all kinds of sandwiches and grilled meats. See how to make coleslaw.
Emulsion
What is an Emulsion? In the culinary arts, an emulsion is a mixture of two liquids that ordinarily would not ... Read the definition of Emulsion.
Rice Pilaf Recipe
To make this rice pilaf recipe, uncooked rice is sautéed, hot stock is added, then the rice is braised in the oven until all the liquid is absorbed.
Cooking Conversion Chart
Use this handy cooking conversion chart to calculate equivalences between units of volume such as teaspoons, tablespoons, cups, pints, quarts and so on.
How to Braise Meat
Want to learn how to braise meat? With this braising recipe, you can braise beef, make braised short ribs or braised spare ribs. Read about how to braise.
Honey Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
This honey Dijon vinaigrette recipe is delicious with a tossed green salad, and heated up, it makes a tangy sauce for grilled chicken.
All About Flour
Wheat flour is the most common flour used in baking. Learn about the difference between bread flour, cake flour and all-purpose flour.
How To Use A Sharpening Steel
How To Use A Knife Sharpening Steel When we use a whetstone to sharpen a knife , what we're doing is
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerling potatoes have a creamy, almost sweet flavor that goes well with meat, poultry and fish. They're a nice alternative to white or red potatoes.
Bearnaise Sauce Recipe
Bearnaise is a rich, buttery, aromatic sauce featuring shallots, tarragon and crushed black peppercorns. Bearnaise sauce is typically served with grilled steak.
How to Cook Rice in the Oven
Cooking rice in the oven is convenient and easy. It frees up your stovetop, and it only takes a few minutes longer. See how to bake rice in the oven.
Bechamel Sauce Recipe
Béchamel is a basic white sauce that is the starting point for other classic sauces such as the Crème sauce and the Mornay sauce.
Chicken Velouté Sauce
Velouté is one of the five mother sauces of classical cuisine. The most common velouté is the chicken velouté, which is the basis for the traditional Suprême sauce and many others.
Capers
What are Capers? In the culinary arts, capers are used in all kinds of cooking, including ... Read the definition of capers.
White Wine Sauce Recipe
The White Wine Sauce is made by reducing white wine and then simmering in a basic fish velouté sauce. The White Wine Sauce is an ideal accompaniment for all kinds of fish and seafood dishes.
Restaurant French Fries
Did you ever wonder why restaurant French fries are so much more crispy than the ones you make at home? The secret is in the oil.
Cuts of Pork
Want to know about cuts of pork like the Boston butt, picnic shoulder, loin, belly or ham? Here's a diagram of the various pork cuts with a description of each one.
Beef Pot Roast Recipe
Traditional pot roast is actually cooked by braising, not roasting. This recipe uses moist-heat and long, slow cooking to prepare the beef, leaving it moist, tender and succulent.
Table of Fats: Good and Bad
Fats: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Nutritionists often talk in terms of "good" fats, such as monounsaturated
Cooking Oil Smoke Points
The temperature at which any oil will start to smoke is called its smoke point. Here's a table that shows the smoke points for the most common cooking fats and oils.
How To Sharpen a Knife With a Whetstone
Learn how to sharpen a knife with a whetstone. A whetstone is the best way to sharpen a chef's knife or kitchen knife. Using a whetstone takes some practice, but you'll save time and money doing it yourself.
How to Poach Fish
Poached fish is a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared quickly and easily. Learn how to poach fish.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
This classic balsamic vinaigrette recipe is perfect for a basic green salad, or with a simple salad of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.
Fish Stock Recipe
Fish stock, or fumé, is great for making fish soups, chowders and sauces. Here's a simple fish stock recipe you can prepare in about 45 minutes.
Well Done Steak
Well-done steak is tough, dry and flavorless, but some people still prefer their steaks that way. Here's how to handle that situation.
Prepping Steaks for the Grill
If you want to enjoy the perfect grilled steak, then read these few basic guidelines on how to get your steaks ready for the grill.
Scaling Recipes
Scaling a recipe means adjusting it to prepare more portions, or fewer, than the recipe was originally written for. Here are the simple steps for how to do it.
Ancho
What is an ancho chili? In the culinary arts, ancho is a type of dried chili pepper that is popular in ... Read the definition of ancho.
How to Pasteurize Eggs
Need pasteurized eggs for making mayonnaise, hollandaise or Caesar salad dressing? You can safely make your own in the microwave by following these steps.
How to Truss a Chicken
Trussing a chicken involves tying it with kitchen twine so that it cooks evenly. This illustrated tutorial shows you how to truss a chicken.
How To Make Creme Brulee
Creme Brulee is one of the most elegant desserts around and also one of the simplest recipes. This tutorial will show you how to make Creme Brulee.
Russian Dressing Recipe
There's no sandwich more delicious than corned beef and cole slaw on rye bread with Russian dressing. Find out how to make your own Russian Dressing!
All About Sauteing
Sautéing is a form of dry-heat cooking that uses a very hot pan and a small amount of fat to quickly cook food while browning the surface.
Dry-Heat Cooking
Dry-heat cooking involves temperatures of 300°F or hotter, and it is the only way to achieve the browning of meats, vegetables and baked goods that in turn develops complex flavors and aromas.
Basic Knife Cuts & Shapes
Want to work on your knife skills? Then you'll want to check out these descriptions and photos of all the basic culinary arts knife cuts and shapes.
How to Roast Meats
Roasting is one of the easiest ways to prepare a large cut of meat, whether it's beef, pork or lamb. Learn the basic procedure to roast just about any type of meat.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes
A professional chef explains how to make mashed potatoes from start to finish. Your mashed potatoes will come out fluffy and delicious every time.
Color-Coded Cutting Boards
Color-coded cutting boards for different ingredients can help prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen. Find out how to use color-coded cutting boards for food safety.
Grilling Steaks
When grilling steaks, you can't overemphasize the importance of getting the grill as hot as possible. Read about cooking steaks on the grill.
Asian Vinaigrette Recipe
This Asian vinaigrette recipe is another easy variation on the basic vinaigrette formula. It's made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and fresh ginger.
How To Roast A Chicken
Roasted chicken is one of the tastiest foods you can make. This guide to roasted chicken will show you how it's done. Learn how to roast a chicken.
Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe
These simple chocolate chip muffins are easy to make and totally delicious. Enjoy this chocolate chip muffin recipe.
Cutting Board Basics
Cutting boards are made of every type of material from wood and glass to plastic and acrylic. Find out which is better: wooden cutting boards or plastic.
Couscous
What is Cous Cous? In the culinary arts, couscous is a dish made from wheat flour and ... Most couscous recipes feature ... Read more about Couscous.
How To Grind Your Own Burgers
The best way to know for sure what's in your burgers, ground beef or other ground meats is to grind it yourself. This illustrated tutorial shows you how!
Compound Butter Recipe
Compound Butter for Steak Maître d'Hôtel Butter is the most common form of what is called a "compound
Sunday Brunch Menu
Want some ideas to help you whip up a delicious Sunday brunch? These brunch recipes and brunch menu includes egg recipes, crispy bacon, pancakes, waffles, French toast and more.
How to Roast a Leg of Lamb
Roasting a leg of lamb is a simple process. The main thing is making sure that the roast cooks evenly. See how to roast a leg of lamb.
Basic Mayonnaise Recipe
This basic mayonnaise makes a great sandwich spread, and can form the base for salad dressings like Blue Cheese, Thousand Island and Ranch.
Fluffy Waffles Recipe
This waffles recipe is a bit more involved than the basic recipe, but the fluffier result is worth it.
Herbed Vinaigrette Recipe
This herbed vinaigrette recipe is another easy variation on the basic vinaigrette formula. It can be prepared with any one of a number of dried herbs including thyme, marjoram, basil, chives or tarragon.
Tomato Cream Sauce
This simple tomato cream sauce is perfect for any kind of pasta. Enjoy this tomato cream sauce recipe.
Basic Vegetable Stock Recipe
Vegetable stock only needs to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes to extract the maximum flavor from vegetables. Here's a simple vegetable stock recipe.
Sauces for Meat and Pork
These classic sauce recipes, like the mushroom sauce, red wine reduction sauce and others, can be served with meat and pork dishes, including grilled steaks, chops and roasts.
Grilled Strip Steak
This recipe for grilled strip steak topped with compound butter is one of the classic steak preparations, and one of the simplest.
Baked Chicken Recipe
This delicious baked chicken is first dredged in seasoned flour and then baked in the oven. Check out this easy baked chicken recipe.
How to Make Brown Stock
Brown stock is the basis for the rich, deeply flavorful classical sauces, such as the Bordelaise and Robert, that traditionally accompany red meat.
Slow Cookers and Food Safety
Slow cookers are a wonderful convenience, but anytime you're dealing with low temperatures over long time periods, food safety is a concern.
How To Make Gravy
Making turkey gravy starts with broth or stock which is then reduced and thickened. Learn how to make a simple chicken or turkey gravy.
Chervil
What is Chervil? In the culinary arts, chervil is a delicate herb from the parsley family. For a chervil substitute, you can use ... Read more about Chervil.
Easy Stuffing Recipe
This easy bread stuffing recipe is cooked in the oven, not inside the bird, so it gets nice and crispy. Enjoy this homemade stuffing recipe.
Prime Rib Roast #1
This prime rib roast is cooked by the traditional method of roasting on high and then finishing at a lower temperature for a perfect medium rare.
Roasting & Baking
Roasting and baking are dry-heat cooking methods that cook with hot, dry air while browning the food's exterior, thus developing complex flavors and aromas.
Cooking With Steam
Steaming is a very gentle cooking method, making it ideal for delicate items like seafood. Steam also cooks the food quickly while retaining its nutrients.
Roast Leg of Lamb
This classic leg of lamb roast makes a perfect holiday dinner. It's flavored with garlic and rosemary and roasted to a perfect medium rare.
Basic Scones Recipe
This recipe for scones is simple and easy, and the scones are light, flaky and buttery, perfect for snacks, breakfasts and brunch.
Watermelon Salad Recipe
This watermelon salad recipe is cool and refreshing, combining fresh mint and crumbled feta in a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
How to Brine a Chicken
Brining a whole chicken is a great way to add flavor and juiciness before roasting it. See how to brine a chicken.
Prime Rib Roast #4
This prime rib roast recipe requires a little bit of math to calculate the cooking time, but it's easy and will give you perfect medium-rare prime rib.
Buying Fresh Scallops
Scallops Overview: Before you make those delicious pan-seared scallops , you need to buy the scallops.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice is a high-starch, short-grained type of rice traditional choice for making classic Italian risotto. Learn all about arborio rice.
Cutting Board Controversy
Trying to find out if plastic cutting boards are really better than wood? The answer is a no-brainer. Get the facts about wood and plastic cutting boards.
Creme Brulee Recipe
This classic creme brulee recipe is simple to make, with only eggs, cream and sugar. Try this easy creme brulee recipe.

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