Easy Meals

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

The Great Fettuccine Alfredo Scandal The Great Fettuccine Alfredo Scandal (image credits: pixabay) If you want to make an Italian chef clutch their heart, just mention ordering fettuccine Alfredo at your favorite restaurant. When we surveyed this group of Italian chefs for the Italian American dish that most violates their Italian ideas of “good food,” they overwhelmingly agreed on the consistently popular fettuccine Alfredo. Real Italian Alfredo is just butter, cheese, and pasta water. American restaurants load it up with heavy cream and make it super thick. For an Italian, fettuccine Alfredo is a big no in the rule book! … Read more

Classic Chicken Salad Classic Chicken Salad (image credits: unsplash) Turning a rotisserie chicken into a classic chicken salad is both practical and delicious. Start by removing the skin and bones, then shred the chicken into small, tender pieces. Mix the chicken with diced celery, halved grapes, and chopped walnuts, which add a delightful crunch and sweetness. For the dressing, combine creamy mayonnaise with a splash of lemon juice and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This salad is perfect served over fresh greens or piled onto your favorite bread for a hearty sandwich. According to a 2024 survey from … Read more

Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado (image credits: unsplash) Quinoa is a true superstar in the world of quick, healthy meals. In just about 15 minutes, you can cook fluffy quinoa and toss it with canned chickpeas, creamy diced avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes. A fresh squeeze of lemon over the top brings all the flavors together in a bright, zesty way. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked quinoa delivers around 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making this meal both filling and nutritious. Chickpeas add even more protein … Read more

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes (image credits: pixabay) Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, bursting with vitamins and minerals your body needs every day. Just one medium sweet potato contains over 400% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, which is crucial for healthy vision and immune function. They’re also rich in vitamin C, which helps protect your cells and keeps your skin glowing. Sweet potatoes boast a hearty amount of dietary fiber that supports smooth digestion and helps you feel fuller longer. Unlike white bread, which is often stripped of nutrients during processing, … Read more

Why the Original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe Was a Viral Hit Why the Original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe Was a Viral Hit (image credits: unsplash) There’s a reason the original baked feta pasta took over social media so quickly. Its one-pan simplicity and creamy, tangy flavor made it a weeknight staple almost overnight. People loved that you could toss tomatoes, feta, and pasta in a dish, bake, and be done. Yet, as delicious as it was, nutritionists raised eyebrows at the heavy use of cheese and white pasta. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 70% of Americans already … Read more

The Colorful Trend Taking Over Social Media The Colorful Trend Taking Over Social Media (image credits: pixabay) Open any social media platform today and you’ll be greeted with stunning pictures of rainbow rice bowls. Their vibrant colors are almost hypnotic, making even the most skeptical eater want to dig in. According to Instagram’s 2024 food trend report, posts featuring “rainbow” or “colorful” bowls have surged by over 60% since last year. People aren’t just eating these bowls—they’re showing them off. It’s not just about the food; it’s about making a statement and sharing a lifestyle. The visual appeal of these … Read more