Their majesty – DATES grow on date palms and are native to North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. The fruit’s name comes from the Greek word dáktulos meaning “finger” because they look like fingers (obviously). When it comes to their taste, dates are sweet just like your first date with someone you’ve been…
I know very few people who don’t like cheese or some cheese product. From classics like pizza and pasta to delicious and juicy hamburgers and cheeseburgers, it can enrich so many culinary delights. One of the most popular types is definitely a classic cheese from Italy, known as Parmesan cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is widely…
I remember when my friend Janet asked me about the difference between egg noodles and rice noodles. I have to say that I was a bit surprised that she asked that because she has been eating them her whole life. So, I answered: Oh dear, you don’t need to be a pro to figure out…
Editor’s note: This is a straightforward article on baking chicken breast, which will give you direct answers to all your questions. In other words, you can expect lots of bullet points. As a general rule, you should bake chicken breast for around 30 minutes at 350°F (177˚C). Well, it would be great if things were…
You don’t have to be a fan of hot and spicy foods to love hot sauce like Sriracha. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a noticeable heat level can bring out the best of almost every dish. I am a fan of Mexican cuisine and I use it a lot and always have…
When you say “dill”, most people here in the US immediately think of pickles because they are such an important ingredient in it. However, there is much more to say about dill and there are many reasons for that since most people are actually unaware of the fact that there are different forms of dill. …
I am a fan of everything that contains cheese. Whether it is sauce, soup, mac n cheese, or a big juicy cheeseburger – just give me all the cheese you can. And since I am a cook as well, I am always in search of ingredients that can help me achieve the best possible cheesy…
Have you run out of your favorite maple syrup? Or are you looking for other healthy and tasty alternatives for maple syrup? I feel ya. Pancakes with maple syrup are my guilty pleasure, but my dietary restrictions often aren’t aligned with my desires. That’s how I started looking for the best maple syrup substitutes for…
Say hi to one of the healthiest leafy green vegetables also known as “the queen of greens”! This cruciferous veggie belongs to the Brassica oleracea family which is also home to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Kale is a superfood rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, beta-carotene, and vitamin K. Even though I used to hate eating…
I used to be one of those people who think that pickles don’t have calories because they’re cucumbers in salt water and vinegar. Boy, was I wrong! THE TRUTH REVEALED: Pickles are one of those “zero calorie” foods that actually have calories. So, if you’re on a diet and trying to lose some weight, eating…
Personally, I like to incorporate greens into my daily menu. Aside from the fact that some of them taste delicious, especially if made using the right recipe, they are also health powerhouses. One of my favorites is definitely cabbage due to its mild, slightly sweet, and earthy taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste. However, since…
From the first time I tried an iced caramel latte from Dunkin, I knew this would be my favorite drink for summer days. (My second favorite summer drink is wintermelon milk tea). Let me elaborate on this. Hot espresso + ice + caramel coffee creamer = heaven for my taste buds during warmer days. After…
For as long as I can remember, I have been a “fruit person”, and berries have a special place in my diet. There are many reasons for that. Firstly, they have a unique combo of tart and sweet flavors and, secondly, they are incredibly healthy. However, although I have been eating them for years in…
The main difference between orange chicken and general Tso is that general Tso is spicier and it doesn’t contain oranges. Surprise, surprise! However, their level of spiciness can be considered an advantage or disadvantage to fans of different flavor profiles. I personally prefer less spicy dishes, so the orange chicken is my first choice. Given…
Truth be told, lamb is not as common as pork or beef, so it’s no wonder if some people still wonder what lamb tastes like. (Hint: I used to be one of those people.) Lamb refers to the meat of a younger sheep (4-6 months old) which is more tender than the meat of a…
Chamoy sauce is a popular Mexican condiment with a distinctive taste people easily get “addicted” to. Speaking from experience. Chamoy sauce combines several flavor profiles from sweet to spicy, which is the main reason why it tastes so good with almost anything. From glazing fish to making drinks, this versatile sauce can be used in…
“A million-dollar question”: Can you freeze half and half? Short answer: Yes, you can! Half and half is a mix of half whole milk and half cream, and cream-based products can sometimes be tricky to freeze. However, with the right freezing methods, your half and half will retain its original consistency once thawed. Without further…
The C-Team: Welcome to the world of C-veggies! Whether you plan on winning that guessing game or want to learn some interesting facts about C-veggies, there’s something for everyone in this fun guide to vegetables that start with C! 1. Carrots I’m sure most of you didn’t know that carrots aren’t only orange but come…
Bok choi, also known as pak choi, is a Chinese cabbage. It originated in Central Asia and it’s one of the oldest cultivated veggies with high amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and folate. With its green leaves and white stalks, bok choy looks like lettuce and celery combined. However, its thick and long stalks…
I have a confession to make. When I was a child, I was appalled by the taste of beets every time my mother offered me some. Now, when I’m all grown up, my close people can confirm that I’m a beet lover given that “beetie” is one of my nicknames. Actually, it was a love-hate…
Ricotta cheese is one of the worst cheeses to freeze because of its high moisture content. What does this mean? Once frozen, the water in ricotta cheese will turn to ice and alter its texture. Wait, what about its flavor? If you freeze it properly, ricotta cheese will retain its original flavor. Yaay! Below you’ll…
Many people immediately think of standard American cheese when they hear the word “cheese”. However, the cheese world is a lot bigger. Aside from popular types of cheese like Mozzarella, Parmesan, or cream cheese, there is one type that is unfairly overlooked, and it’s called cottage cheese. Many people have heard about it, but don’t…
Whether you’re melting slices on hamburgers, stacking them on subs, or grilling them into gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, American cheese is an American classic that many people can’t imagine a day without. Although many of you eat it regularly and are familiar with its specific orange color, I am sure that you don’t know what…
Who doesn’t use butter? This wonderful ingredient adds richness and depth to everything from flaky croissants to silky sauces. Recent studies also suggest that butter can be quite beneficial for health if used in moderation. It is a truly amazing ingredient that almost has it all. But did you know that not all butter is…
How long do cherry tomatoes last? Well, the answer to this question mainly depends on the storage conditions. Stored at room temperature, cherry tomatoes will last up to 1 week; in the refrigerator, 2 weeks; and when frozen, their shelf life will be about 6-8 months. However, there is much more to say about cherry…
I am sure that all of you have seen and tasted blackberries because they are quite common in the US. Namely, wild blackberries grow in many parts of North America. Although they are not so common here, there is a probability that you have seen a specific berry that looks very similar to a blackberry….
So, you’re wondering, “Does quinoa go bad?” The short answer is yes, quinoa can indeed spoil over time, just like any other food product. However, with the right storage techniques and a keen eye for signs of spoilage, you can maximize its shelf life and enjoy this nutritious superfood in its prime. But how exactly…
From the Mediterranean and the Middle East to certain parts of the USA, including California and Texas, figs are one of the most popular fruits and one of the healthiest ways to satisfy your sweet cravings. Alongside their freshness and huge nutritious value, their taste is one of the main reasons why they are so…
Not all food-lovers like fish. Sometimes the reason lies behind the distinctive fishy taste, or maybe lack of flavor. Some people are not fans of fish because of the flaky texture. However, there are always exceptions and I can fairly say that salmon is one of them. It is a type of fish that can…
If you are a fan of India, and especially Indian cooking, you must have heard about their ultimate beverage known as chai. In Hindi, chai actually means “tea”, so chai can be referred to as any type of tea. Here in the West, chai is mostly considered a nutritious and flavorful combination of tea, spices,…