Cooking Tips and Helpful How To's

Learn to cook with confidence using my cooking tips and step-by-step guides, from how to cook chicken, eggs, and rice to knife skills and baking basics. I explain why each technique works, so you can cook smarter every time.

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Cozy Fall Meals, Made Easy!
Get 12 recipes plus my best fall cooking tips.

How to Cook Vegetables

Match the cooking method to the vegetable. Quick cooking keeps green vegetables bright and crisp-tender, while delicate leafy greens wilt in just a minute or two.

How to Cook Chicken

The key to juicy chicken is cooking to temperature, not time. Use a meat thermometer, since dark meat like thighs and wings stays tender at a higher temperature than lean white meat.

How to Make Bread Crumbs

Don’t let leftover bread go to waste! Learn how to make bread crumbs from scratch. Use them as a crunchy topping, coating, or mix-in for dishes like breaded chicken, casseroles, or meatballs. Homemade bread crumbs are a breeze to make! I always find myself with a few straggling slices of bread or chunks from a…

Easy Culinary Science Cookbook

Enjoy 75 delicious recipes, essential cooking tips, and step-by-step guides for better cooking.

How to Cook Grains

Fluffy grains start with the right ratio of liquid to grain. As they cook, the starches absorb water and soften, and a short rest, covered, lets the steam finish the job.

Knife Skills

Good knife skills make prep faster and safer. A sharp knife cuts cleanly with less force, and a stable cutting board keeps you in control.

How to Cook Eggs

Eggs are all about gentle heat. Egg proteins set quickly, so moderate heat keeps them tender, while high heat squeezes out moisture and turns them rubbery.

Baking Basics

Baking is chemistry, so precision matters. Measuring accurately and handling butter the right way help your baked goods turn out with the texture you want.

Homemade Salad Dressings

Homemade dressings come together in minutes. Vinaigrettes rely on an emulsion to hold oil and vinegar together, while creamy dressings start with a rich base like mayo or buttermilk.

How to Cook Pasta Like a Pro

Do you want to learn how to cook pasta with restaurant-quality results? The method may seem straightforward, but doing these simple steps ensures the perfect al dente texture. Why It Works Pasta is a staple ingredient that pairs well with just about any sauce, vegetable, or protein you can name. There are so many possibilities:…

Easy Homemade Sauces

A great sauce balances fat, acid, salt, and heat. Getting that balance right makes flavors pop, whether it’s tangy and smoky, fresh and herby, or rich and buttery.

How to Cook Beans

Gentle cooking is the key to tender, creamy beans. A steady simmer softens them evenly without breaking their skins, and seasoning well brings out their earthy flavor.

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