TIP OF THE DAY: Use A Mandoline Slicer For A Thin, Elegant Presentation

[1] A mandoline makes beautiful, ultra-thin, even slices. This is the smallest one we’ve seen (photo © Microplane). [2] Slicing perfectly even julienne carrot strips (photo courtesy Kitchen Expert).   If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, it’s time to think seriously about getting one. A mandoline (man-doe-LEEN) is a kitchen utensil that makes thin,…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Ideas For Decorating Cupcakes

Sorry if our three posts on the topic makes this seems like National Cupcake Day (which is December 15th; October 18th is National Chocolate Cupcake Day). Despite the predictions of certain experts that cupcakes are on the way out—to be replaced by pie shops—we think that cupcakes will be around for some time. Heck, there…
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Baking Soda Vs. Baking Powder: The Difference

Yesterday someone told us she had baked a cake recipe from one of her favorite authorities, and it was “inedible.” We asked to see the recipe. While she is an experienced baker, in her rush she grabbed baking soda instead of baking powder. It’s an easy “oops.” Some recipes use both leveners, but if only…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Use Unsalted Butter For Cooking And Baking

Go for the unsalted butter (photo courtesy Kasey Albano | SXC).   Some recipes call for salted butter, others for unsalted butter. Does it make a difference which you use? Yes, and the answer is that unsalted butter produces more consistent results. The salt content of butter varies from brand to brand. There can be…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Add Colored Food

Dark green spinach leaves, yellow tomatoes and red radicchio turn a sandwich from blah to wow. Photo courtesy Royal Rose Radicchio. You don’t have to read too many food magazines or watch “Top Chef” too often to see how important presentation is. “Top Chef” judges regularly comment on a bland presentation, telling cheftestants that the…
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