How to Use a Chimney Starter to Char Steak

seared steak on board

One of the hallmarks of a steakhouse steak that sets it apart from the usual home-grilled version is a deep brown exterior crust. Achieving that flavorful finish requires a steak thick enough not to overcook while searing and a heat…

Halloumi: The Tangy Cheese That Works Well on the Grill

slices of halloumi on grill

Cheeses cover the gamut of textures, from silky smooth burrata to dense aged parmesan. Such textures not only impact the enjoyment of the cheese but how they’re cooked with it, too. Variations in the cheese-making process lead to differences in…

An Easy Knife Trick for Pulling Apart Crab Sticks

Crab sticks and paring knife

When it comes to preparing meals that feature crab sticks, many of us face the common challenge of separating these imitation crabs without making a mess or destroying their shape. The stickiness and the way the meat clumps together straight…

Get the Most Out of Your Pomegranates with a Citrus Squeezer

Pomegranates and a glass of juice

Pomegranate juice is not only delicious and packed with health benefits, but it’s also prized for its versatility in the kitchen. People use it for everything from making cocktails like the pomegranate gin fizz to whipping up pomegranate ice cream. While you can…

Key Factors that Determine How Long to Cook a Steak

Steak cooking in cast iron skillet

Even though it may seem daunting, cooking steak is something that you can learn to perfect right at home. Like anything, cooking the perfect steak is going to take a bit of practice, but there are some key factors to…

Cast Iron Griddle Turns Stove into French Top

cast iron griddle

If you’ve ever wished you had more burners on your stovetop or found yourself with small pots teetering precariously on large burners and large pots hanging off the side of smaller burners, you’ll love this hack for using a cast iron…

How to Make Uniform Truffles with a Melon Baller

bowl of round chocolate truffles

Creating the perfect truffle is an art that requires precision, patience, and — most importantly — the right tools. While traditional methods may call for scoops, spoons, or even your hands (!), the humble melon baller is a surprisingly effective…

How to Use a Tart Pan as a Baking Sheet: A Genius Hack

Pistachio ganache tart on rectangular tin

When it comes to baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. But what if you’re all set to make a delicious tart and realize you either don’t have a specific tart pan, or the one you have…

How to Use a Tea Ball to Season Soups and Stocks

Tea ball infuser

Many tea devotees love the handy accessories, and some good ones certainly exist. From electric kettles to cup-top strainers, pour-over ice tea pitchers, and steeping mugs, it’s a tea lover’s nirvana out there. Not the least of them is the cute…

Interview with a Southern Specialty: BBQ Bologna Sandwiches

Pat Martin headshot

Pat Martin, owner of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint and Hugh-Baby’s, is probably best known for his authentic West Tennessee-style whole-hog barbecue. However, his restaurants also serve a unique type of smoked meat you might not have heard of before: barbecue bologna…