Tag: cooking tips

How to Heat Up Honey Baked Ham: Quick and Delicious Methods for Perfection

Ricardo Davis

– Honey-baked ham is a popular main course for holidays and special events.
– Leftover honey-baked ham can be reheated using various methods.
– Reheating methods include warming in the oven, skillet, and microwave.
– These methods help retain the moist flavor of the ham.
– HoneyBaked hams are fully cooked and should be reheated gently in a 325-to-350 degree oven until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees.
– Reheating can also be done in the microwave.
– Other fully cooked hams should be reheated in a roasting pan with water or a cola/soft drink in the bottom, covered tightly with foil, and heated in a 325-degree oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees.
– Spiral-sliced hams should be placed cut side down in a baking dish.
– For fully cooked hams that are not spiral sliced, remove the skin, score the fat layer, and heat in a 325-to-350 degree oven until heated through and internal temperature reaches 135 degrees.
– Basting with pan juices or glaze is optional.

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How to Cook Boudin: Discover Traditional Recipes

Ricardo Davis

List of methods to cook boudin:

1. Microwave:
– Place boudin on a microwavable plate and cover with a paper towel.
– Heat for 2-3 minutes, turn over, and heat for another minute or two.
– Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

2. Oven:
– Preheat oven to 300°F.
– Place boudin on a lightly-oiled cookie sheet.
– Bake for 20 minutes, turning it over every 5 minutes.
– Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

3. Steaming:
– Place several links of boudin in a steamer pot with enough water to cover the bottom.
– Heat for 3-5 minutes on the “Cook” cycle and then change to “Warm” setting.
– Boudin is ready in 10-15 minutes.
– Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

4. Poaching:
– Season boiling water lightly and bring to a boil.
– Submerge boudin links in boiling water.
– Maintain a light simmer for 10-15 minutes.
– Remove boudin, let it sit for a couple of minutes.
– Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.

After cooking, let the boudin rest for a minute or two before cutting. Boudin can be served as hors d’oeuvres, in a sandwich, or with eggs for breakfast.

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The Ultimate Guide: Finding the Perfect Substitute for Chinese Cooking Wine

Ricardo Davis

– Shaoxing Wine, also known as Shaosing Wine, is a type of rice wine used in Chinese cooking.
– It is a key ingredient in many Chinese recipes, including stir fry sauces, soup broths, marinades, and wontons.
– Shaoxing Wine is made from rice and is popular due to its complex and sweet flavor.
– It is primarily used for cooking and not for drinking.
– In terms of substitutes, dry sherry, mirin (a Japanese sweet cooking wine), and cooking sake (Japanese rice wine) are recommended.
– For non-alcoholic substitutes, using chicken broth in sauces is suggested, although it may not provide the same outcome as using wine.
– Shaoxing wine is commonly used and can be found in Asian grocery stores, with brands like Double Phoenix being affordable options.
– The article mentions that a brand called Pandaroo sells a substitute for Chinese cooking wine in Australian supermarkets.
– It advises that Shaoxing wine does not need to be refrigerated once opened and can be stored in a pantry for years.

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Potato Starch vs Cornstarch: Unraveling Cooking Secrets

Ricardo Davis

List:

1. Potato starch is obtained from grated potatoes and can be incorporated back into grated potatoes for crispy fritters.
2. Commercially available potato starch is produced by crushing potatoes to release their natural starches and then drying the starch.
3. When compared to cornstarch, potato starch has a lower gelatinization temperature.
4. Potato starch thickens liquids faster than cornstarch when heated.
5. Potato starch gives sauces a glossier texture compared to cornstarch.
6. Potato starch can be used as a substitute for cornstarch in recipes.
7. Potato starch can be used to thicken sauces.
8. Potato starch can be used to give proteins a crispy coating.
9. Potato starch can be used to make bouncy noodles in noodle dough.
10. Potato starch should not be confused with potato flour.
11. Potato flour has a drier texture compared to potato starch.
12. Potato flour is commonly used as a substitute for wheat flour in baking.

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How to Make an Egg Wash: A StepbyStep Guide

Ricardo Davis

– An egg wash is a mixture of a whole egg, egg yolk, or egg white with a small amount of water, milk, or cream.
– It is brushed over baked goods before baking to give them a golden color and glossy finish.
– It can also help seal the edges of filled pastries and help sugar adhere to the dough.
– To make an egg wash, beat one large egg and one tablespoon of liquid (water, milk, or cream) in a small bowl, or beat one large egg white or egg yolk with one teaspoon of liquid.
– The choice of liquid affects the browning and glossiness of the baked goods. Water produces golden-brown results with some gloss, while heavy cream produces deeply golden-brown results with more sheen.
– Using an egg white mixed with water gives a light golden color with a gloss, while an egg yolk mixed with water gives a deep golden color.
– Using milk or cream enhances the color and gloss.
– Using a whole egg instead of just an egg white or yolk minimizes food waste.
– The article explains how to use an egg wash when baking.
– Using an egg wash involves brushing a mixture onto the baked good using a pastry brush.
– It is important to apply the mixture evenly to avoid pooling, as this can result in an uneven look and affect the taste.
– A silicone brush is recommended for easy clean-up and to prevent loose bristles.

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Can You Freeze Cooked Turkey Safely and Deliciously?

Ricardo Davis

List of pertinent information about freezing cooked turkey:
– Leftover turkey can be kept in the fridge for up to four days before freezing.
– Freezer-proof zipper top bags are suggested for freezing turkey to remove excess air and minimize air contact with the food.
– Turkey can be frozen for up to six months, but it is recommended to use it within three months to maintain flavor and avoid freezer burn.
– Freezer burn can be prevented by minimizing air contact with the food.
– The recommended method for defrosting frozen turkey is to place it in the refrigerator for at least one day, up to two days for larger quantities.
– Microwave defrost settings can also be used, but may vary depending on the microwave.
– Do not thaw turkey or any meat at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
– In certain recipes like soups and stews, frozen turkey can be added directly without defrosting.
– Reheating leftover turkey can be done in a baking pan with a small amount of broth in a 300°F oven or in the microwave using a microwave-safe container.
– To freeze leftover turkey, it is advised to slice or dice the meat, place it on a covered baking sheet in a single layer, chill it in the freezer for an hour until firm, and then transfer it to a labeled freezer-proof bag or container.
– Leftover turkey can be frozen on the bone if wrapped tightly.
– Label the container with the type of turkey, date, and amount.

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Italian Seasoning Substitute: Unlock the Secrets of Aromatic Flavors

Ricardo Davis

– If you run out of Italian seasoning while cooking, there are 4 ways to substitute it using pantry ingredients.
– Italian seasoning is commonly used in recipes and can be found in most grocery stores.
– Homemade Italian seasoning typically includes dried herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sage.
– Additional ingredients may include garlic powder, black pepper, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.
– A recipe for homemade Italian seasoning is provided, and it can be stored for up to 6 months.
– Homemade Italian seasoning can be used in pasta sauce, marinara sauce, pizza sauce, soups, stews, salad dressings, and sprinkled over garlic bread or crackers.
– The article provides information on alternative options for Italian seasoning substitutes.
– It suggests using a combination of dried basil and dried oregano in a 2:1 ratio as a substitute.
– Another option is using Herbs de Provence, a spice blend from the South of France that includes similar ingredients to Italian seasoning but may have a different flavor due to the inclusion of dried lavender.
– Fresh herbs can also be used as a substitute, such as fresh basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, sage, and/or rosemary.
– Fresh herbs are less potent in flavor than dried herbs, so a 3:1 ratio of fresh to dried is often used.
– The article provides information on various spice blends that can be used as substitutes for Italian seasoning, including pizza seasoning, Mediterranean or Greek seasoning, and Za’atar seasoning.
– These substitutes offer similar flavors but may have slight variations in ingredients.
– Za’atar seasoning includes sesame seeds, which may not be suitable for certain dishes like red sauces or soups.
– The article encourages readers to experiment with these alternatives and suggests trying homemade spice blends such as taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and ranch seasoning.

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How to thicken curry: Tips and techniques explained

Ricardo Davis

List of techniques to thicken curry:

1. Flour
2. Poppy seeds and melon seeds
3. Roux
4. Cornstarch/Arrowroot Slurry
5. Pureed Lentils
6. Peanut Butter (or Nut Butter)
7. Cooking base ingredients until moisture evaporates
8. Simmering curry over low heat to reduce it
9. Adding tomato paste to tomato-based curry sauces
10. Mashing or pureeing vegetables like potatoes, squash, or carrots
11. Pureeing a portion of the curry and adding it back in
12. Stirring in Greek yogurt or heavy whipping cream
13. Whisking in coconut cream or coconut milk
14. Adding grated or shredded unsweetened coconut
15. Making a nut paste with cashews or blanched almonds.

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