The Science of Cheeseburgers
The cheeseburger is an American icon. Here’s how to make a great one including a list of the best cheeses and tips on technique.
Before You Start Cooking, Mise En Place, Put Everything In Its Place
Want to be a better cook? Learn mise en place. This French term means, roughly, ‘everything in its place.’ It is a mindset and a practice that helps you plan ahead and stay organized, which streamlines the prep and cooking processes. It can help shorten cooking and cleaning times and help prevent cooking disasters.
The Science of Soy Sauce
There are different types of soy sauce, but beware of the stuff in little packets from Chinese takeout restaurants: Many are not soy sauce! Get the facts on how soy sauces like shoyu and tamari are made, what’s in them, and how they bring the delicious flavor of “umami” to your food.
Perfect Grilled Sous Vide Chicken Breasts
Ensure moist and tender boneless chicken breasts on the grill every time with this ultimate guide to the sous-vide-que cooking method. By starting the boneless chicken breasts in a low and slow sous vide water bath then finishing them with a flavorful touch of smokiness on the grill and you’ve got chicken perfection.
How to Smoke Turkey On A Gas Grill
Here’s how to set up your gas grill for smoking a turkey. Why all the fuss? Because turkey needs to be cooked properly to make it safe to eat, and if you overshoot the mark by as little as 5ºF, the bird goes from tender and juicy to tough and dry. Bone up on the gas grill basics here.
The Science Of Mushrooms
It’s OK to wash mushrooms. And here is everything else you need to know about various cultivated and wild mushrooms, including cremini, portobello, shiitake, chanterelle, enoki, maitake (hen of the woods), matsutake, morels, oyster mushrooms, porcini, and truffles.
Pounding or Slicing Chicken Breasts for Perfect Even Cooking
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are among the most popular meats in America. But they have a problem. One side is thick and one is thin, so they don’t cook evenly. Pounding chicken breasts flat solves a lot of cooking and serving problems. Here’s how to make an even piece of meat quickly and easily.
What Causes The BBQ Stall: It’s Not What You Think
Large hunks of barbecued meat have this nasty habit of rising to 150°F inside and then stopping there. But what causes the stall? It’s likely not what you think!
The Science Of Vinegar
Want to know how vinegar works? What is acidity? What is the difference between distilled white vinegar and white wine vinegar? Read on to find out all about how different vinegars add brightness to food and balance richness and sweetness.
Using the Vents to Control Temperature on Charcoal and Wood Burning Grills and Smokers
Here’s how to use the two vents to control temperature in a charcoal or wood grill or smoker.
Science Of Sausage Making In Pictures
Interested in learning how to make world class sausages at home? There are several tricks that apply to almost all sausages. Here’s a good overview with pictures that will guide you through the entire process for making homemade sausage from scratch.
The Science of Garlic
Garlic makes it good! Here’s what a cook needs to know about forms of garlic, including fresh garlic, elephant garlic, garlic chives, and mincing, pressing, and smashing garlic. Find out about dried forms, too, like garlic powder, granulated garlic, and garlic salt, and recipes for making garlic oil and roasted garlic.
The Best Methods For Smoking And Grilling Sausages
There’s nothing worse than overcooked hot dogs and sausages. Say goodbye to burst casings, burnt, and dry hot dogs and sausages and hello to our tips and technique for grilling and smoking juicy hot dogs and sausages.
Myth: Chicken Is Ready When the Juices Run Clear
Many recipes say to cook poultry ‘until the juices run clear’. If you do, you could end up overcooking your poultry or spending the night on the toilet. Find out the real science behind pink juices, undercooked chicken, safe doneness temperatures, salmonella, and why the best tool for food safety is a good thermometer.
Does Grilling Cause Cancer?
Are you concerned about the healthfulness of grilling? This article answers the question “Is there a cancer risk in grilling meat?” Find out all about HCAs, PAHs, and the general health aspects of consuming smoked and grilled food.