Easy Meals

Chick-fil-A Sets the Standard with Premium Chicken Chick-fil-A Sets the Standard with Premium Chicken (image credits: flickr) Chick-fil-A doesn’t serve health foods by any means, but it does pride itself on serving “real food” with “rigorous standards.” When it comes to chicken, these standards involve serving menu items made with breast meat, all of which are hand-breaded in its restaurants. All of this meat is free of fillers, artificial preservatives, or steroids. Chick-fil-A also vows never to use ground or separated meat (as is the case with overly processed chicken), as well to use zero No Antibiotics Important to Human … Read more

Understanding Frozen Dumplings Understanding Frozen Dumplings (image credits: wikimedia) Frozen dumplings have become a staple in many homes, thanks to their ease and quick preparation. The frozen food sector in the U.S. is booming, with Statista projecting it will hit over $60 billion by 2024, and dumplings are a clear favorite among busy families and students alike. While they offer the convenience of a quick meal, many people notice a lack of that comforting, homemade flavor we all crave. The texture can sometimes be rubbery or the filling a little bland, leaving people searching for ways to upgrade their meal. … Read more

Sumac: The Tangy Game-Changer That Replaces Citrus Sumac: The Tangy Game-Changer That Replaces Citrus (image credits: wikimedia) Here’s something that might surprise you: Sumac is a spice that might not be familiar to everyone, but those who know it, swear by its tangy, lemony flavor. The deep red spice comes from dried berries of the wild sumac flower, popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a tangy, slightly fruity flavor with a hint of lemon tartness that is ideal for adding a rich, sour taste to dishes. Since the spice comes from dried berries, it also adds a great crunchy … Read more

The Allure of Onsen Eggs: What Makes Them So Special? The Allure of Onsen Eggs: What Makes Them So Special? (image credits: wikimedia) Japanese onsen eggs, or “onsen tamago,” are a culinary phenomenon that has fascinated food lovers for decades. Unlike regular boiled eggs, these eggs have a silky, custard-like consistency that feels luxurious on the tongue. The secret lies in their gentle cooking, mimicking the slow, mineral-rich heating of natural hot springs in Japan. This technique yields eggs with creamy whites and yolks that are barely set, creating a unique texture that is both comforting and elegant. In Japan, … Read more

Fresh Greek Salad Bowl: The Classic Cooldown Fresh Greek Salad Bowl: The Classic Cooldown (image credits: pixabay) When the temperature climbs past 90°F, nothing feels as good as a crisp Greek salad bowl. Packed with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and Kalamata olives, this bowl delivers a burst of hydration and flavor. According to the CDC, cucumbers are more than 95% water, making them an excellent choice for staying hydrated during a heatwave. The olives and feta add healthy fats, while red onions offer antioxidants and a zesty bite. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil and a squeeze of lemon … Read more

The Rise of Sheet Pan Dinners in Modern Kitchens The Rise of Sheet Pan Dinners in Modern Kitchens (image credits: unsplash) Sheet pan dinners have become a phenomenon in home kitchens, especially as more people crave quick, nutritious meals that don’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. According to a 2024 survey by the Food Marketing Institute, over 60% of home cooks now seek recipes that require minimal cleanup. The convenience of preparing everything on a single pan saves time and energy after a long day. Sheet pan recipes are especially popular among busy families and professionals who want delicious, … Read more

The Sacred Art of Mise En Place – Everything in Its Place The Sacred Art of Mise En Place – Everything in Its Place (image credits: unsplash) Professional kitchens move like well-oiled machines, and there’s one fundamental secret behind this magic: mise en place. This French phrase translates to “everything in its place,” and it’s perhaps the best thing you learn in culinary school. Every single ingredient gets prepped, measured, and positioned exactly where it needs to be before the first burner is even lit. Professional cooks spend hours chopping up meats, vegetables and herbs so they’re ready to add … Read more

Using Expired Leavening Agents Using Expired Leavening Agents (image credits: unsplash) Nothing destroys a cake faster than expired baking powder or baking soda sitting in your pantry cabinet. The shelf life of baking powder is typically 18-24 months if it’s kept in a cool, dry place. If you end up using expired baking powder, your baked goods will still be edible, but won’t rise and will turn dense, since cakes, cookies, and cupcakes need the leavener’s full power to cause a chemical reaction that makes them fluffy. Expired baking soda or inactive baking powder will no longer react properly in … Read more

The Daily Special That’s Actually Yesterday’s Leftovers The Daily Special That’s Actually Yesterday’s Leftovers (image credits: pixabay) Here’s a shocking truth that will change how you view restaurant specials forever. According to some industry sources, certain chefs never order specials because “some restaurants put together their specials for the day based on what’s about to expire or what they’re trying to get rid of faster.” You might think you’re getting the chef’s creative masterpiece, but you’re often just cleaning up their inventory problem. Ordering the special is code in the industry for “the back of the house is trying to … Read more

Chick-fil-A Sets the Standard with Premium Chicken Chick-fil-A Sets the Standard with Premium Chicken (image credits: unsplash) Chick-fil-A doesn’t serve health foods by any means, but it does pride itself on serving “real food” with “rigorous standards.” When it comes to chicken, these standards involve serving menu items made with breast meat, all of which are hand-breaded in its restaurants. All of this meat is free of fillers, artificial preservatives, or steroids. Chick-fil-A also vows never to use ground or separated meat (as is the case with overly processed chicken), as well to use zero No Antibiotics Important to Human … Read more