Cooking burgers on the grill, stove, or in the oven doesn’t have to be a hit or miss. Here are the three best ways to tell when they’re done.
How to Clean Your Induction Cooktop Naturally
It’s been half a year since I started cooking with induction. So far, it’s been working out great. Enough so that I continue to stick to the opinion that, despite their higher price, induction cooktops are generally worth it. The cooktop heats my pans and pots quickly and evenly (for those of you coming here for…
What Do Chefs Think About Induction Cooking?
Induction cooktops. Manufacturers say they’re fast, precise, and energy efficient. But what do professional chefs think about them?
How to Keep Burgers From Sticking to Your Pan
Pan-frying burgers doesn’t have to be a hit or miss. Here’s what you need to do to keep them from sticking.
Is It Better to Fry or Bake Burgers?
Should you pan-fry or oven-bake your burgers when cooking at home? Here’s the pros and cons of each method, so that you can make a choice.
Should You Cook Burgers in Oil or Butter?
The answer depends on what kind of burger you want to make. Here’s what you need to know about cooking burgers in vegetable oil vs. butter.
Should Burgers Be Cooked From Frozen?
Yes, you can cook burger patties from frozen. And it doesn’t have to be a hit or miss. Here’s what to do to have them come out perfect.
Can You Use Olive Oil to Cook Burgers?
Olive oil is a natural and healthy cooking oil. But can it withstand the high heat of cooking a burger? Find out here.
How to Clean White Stains Off Your Induction Cooktop
Can’t get rid of those stubborn white stains on your induction cooktop. Here’s where they came from and how to clean them off.
How to Keep Salmon From Sticking to Your Frying Pan
Check out this simple trick for preventing salmon, or other seafood, from sticking when you’re pan-frying it.
How to Clean Stuck Salmon Off a Stainless Steel Frying Pan
This trick will help you clean a frying pan in minutes, without any scrubbing whatsoever. All you need is water and a little vinegar.
De Cecco Classico Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Review)
De Cecco makes great pasta. But how do they score when it comes to olive oil? I tried their Classico extra virgin olive oil to find out.
How to Choose the Best Frying Pan
Selecting cookware doesn’t have to be intimidating. When you know kind of pan to look for, finding the best one for you gets easy.
This Pasta in Brodo Recipe Is the Perfect Warmer
One of the many reasons for my long-standing obsession with Italian cuisine is its ability to take a few simple ingredients and turn them into some of the most appetizing and aromatic food you’ve ever had. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recipes from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, known for its fertile lands, medieval…
The Best Cheese to Add to Pasta
Cheese, grated finely on top, mixed into the sauce, or used as a filling, can take your home-cooked pasta to chef-level.
Glass-Ceramic vs. Induction Cooktops (Illustrated Guide)
Both of these cooktops work on electricity and have a stylish, durable, and easy to clean surface. But the similarities end there.
How Much Penne Pasta Is One Serving?
Don’t know how much penne is one serving? Here are two of my best ways to tell (without the need for a kitchen scale).
Is Maple Joe Real Maple Syrup? (Review)
I came across Maple Joe’s Canadian Grade A maple syrup at the supermarket. So I decided to try it out and do a review. Here’s my take on it.
Why Do Beets Taste Like Dirt?
Yes, beets are supposed to taste like dirt, even after you clean them. Here’s why—and what you can do to tone that earthiness down.
Penne Pasta with Tomato Sauce: Timeless Recipe
Add this delicious penne tomato pasta recipe to your dinners. Here’s everything you need to know about cooking it at home.
What You Can Cook in a Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Frying pans made of stainless steel are the most durable and versatile pans on the market. Here’s what you can (and can’t) cook with them.
The Only Guide to Barilla Pasta Numbers You’ll Need
Here’s what those numbers on Barilla boxed pasta mean. And how you can use them to choose the best pasta shape for any recipe.
Wow Everyone With This Pizza in a Stainless Steel Pan
This pizza won’t take you a long time to cook and will come out tasting better than the pies you get at most Italian restaurants.
How to Get Sauce to Cling to Your Pasta
This simple and powerful trick for saucing your pasta gets the sauce to cling to the noodles every single time. Here’s how.
Scratched Your Stainless Steel Pan? (Read This)
Here’s everything you need to know if you just scratched your stainless steel frying pan or pot (and are worried about what to do next).
Costa d’Oro Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Review)
This supermarket olive oil is made from 100% Italian olives. But is it worth the price? Here’s everything you need to know before buying it.
Cacio e Pepe Is Comfort Food, Roman-Style (Recipe)
This classic Roman pasta dish is made with only a few ingredients and tastes incredible. Here’s the correct technique for how to make it.
How to Tell If Pasta Is Overcooked
There’s nothing to love about overcooked pasta. Here’s how to tell when pasta is overcooked, how to fix it, and never overcook pasta again.
How to Store Pecorino Romano Cheese
If you store an opened wedge of Pecorino Romano cheese correctly, it will stay good for 2-3 weeks in your fridge. Here’s how to do that.
The Best Salt for Baking
Kosher salt, table salt, and fine grain sea salt are three of the best salts to use for baking. Here’s what makes them such a good choice.
The Science of Cooking the Perfect Pasta
Here’s all you need to know about the science of cooking the perfect pasta every single time you fire up the stove.
Make Pizza Dough More Flavorful
If your homemade pizza came out tasting bland, here’s what most probably went wrong—and how to fix it the next time you make one.
Detroit-Style vs. Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
Both Detroit-style and Chicago-style pizza are deep-dish pizza styles. But the similarities end there. Here are the differences.
Barilla vs. De Cecco: Which Brand Has Better Pasta?
Barilla and De Cecco are two of the biggest pasta producers in the world. But which of them has the better boxed pasta?
How to Keep a Baguette Fresh
Keep baguette bread crispy on the outside and airy on the inside for up to 2-3 days after baking. Here’s how.
Can You Cook With Expired Beer?
The other weekend, my wife and I were with a couple of friends in their summer house by the sea. I was thinking of making beer-battered fish when I saw that we had drank all the beer the night before. It was already getting late and the nearest gas station was a 45 minutes’ drive…
Why Pasta Water Should Taste Like the Sea
There’s a saying among Italian chef that “pasta water should taste like the sea.” And the reason is not what most people think. Here’s why.
Pizza Stones: 15 Things You Should Know
A pizza stone is a must-have for anyone who makes homemade pizza often. Here’s everything you need to know about buying and using one.
Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Review)
Filippo Berio is an aromatic, flavorful, and viscous extra virgin olive oil at a reasonable price. Here’s what else you need to know.
The Best All-Clad Cookware for Induction
All-Clad makes some of the best stainless steel cookware in its price range. Here are my three best picks for induction cooking.
How to Make Pizza Dough More Airy
Your pizza came out crusty and dense instead of light and airy? Here’s what went wrong—and how to never repeat this mistake again.
Can a Pizza Stone Go in the Dishwasher?
Never put your pizza stone in the dishwasher. It’s going to soak up the salts and chemicals from the detergent and ruin your next few pizzas.
Can Your Pizza Stone Stay in the Oven All the Time?
Yes, you can leave your pizza stone in the oven all the time. It can help to even out hot and cold spots on older or cheaper ovens.
Pizza Crust or Pizza Dough? (Here’s How to Choose)
Looking to make a quick and easy pizza? You have two options, store-bought pizza dough or ready-made pizza crust. Here’s the pros and cons of each.
8 Ways to Make Pasta Taste Better
These 8 simple and science-backed tricks will help you cook the tastiest pasta dishes you and your family have ever eaten. Here’s how.
Your Pizza Stone Will Crack on the Grill (Use This Instead)
Pizza stones and sudden temperature changes don’t get along well. This is a problem when you want to make pizza on an outside grill.
Is Blue Cheese Safe to Eat?
Blue cheese, unlike most moldy foods, is safe to eat. In fact, it can even be good for you in moderate quantities. Here’s why.
Does Pasta Water Clog Drains?
Pasta water alone won’t clog your kitchen sink. But noodles in the water can—and the clog can be surprisingly stubborn. Here’s how to fix it.
Can Blue Cheese Crumbles Be Frozen?
Every so often, a recipe will call for blue cheese crumbles. If you haven’t come across one yet, try adding crumbled blue cheese to your salad, burger, pizza, or pasta the next time you make one. Its salty taste and pungent smell pair exceptionally well with sweeter ingredients like onions, pears, and dried fruit.
Is Detroit-Style Pizza Sicilian?
Yes, Detroit-style pizza is a rendition of Sicilian pizza, which comes from a snack called sfincione that Italian grandmothers make on New Year’s Eve.
Why Is Blue Cheese So Expensive?
Blue cheese is a moldy cheese traditionally made in Western Europe. It’s also significantly more expensive than other cheeses. Why is that the case?
When Is the Best Time to Add Pasta Noodles to the Water?
The best time to add pasta noodles to the water is shortly after you’ve brought it to a rolling boil. Come over to learn why.
The Best Substitutes for 00 Flour
As I was planning to make pizza yesterday, I remembered I was out of 00 flour. It’s an Italian flour I use for practically all of my pizza dough, so I found myself in a difficult situation. On the one hand, I was craving a good pizza. On the other, I knew I was missing…
How Do Mini Fridges Work?
Picking out a mini fridge for your dorm, horm, or backyard? Here’s all you need to know about compact refrigerators.
Stand Mixer or Food Processor? Which One Is Right for You?
Stand mixers and food processors are not generally interchangeable. I’ll help you decide which one is the right kitchen tool for you.
Can You Cook Pasta in Beef Broth?
Yes, you can boil pasta noodles in beef broth (or any other broth for that matter). But it makes less of a difference than most cooks think.
8 Reasons Why Your Pasta Carbonara Came Out Bitter
Made bitter carbonara? I’ve been there. Here are the most likely causes of bitterness in this traditional Roman pasta dish.
Everything You Need to Know About Avocado Oil
From nutritional facts to smoke point and uses, here’s what you should know about avocado oil (and how to use it as a cooking oil at home).
The Home Cook’s Guide to Butter
From the types of butter sold in grocery stores to how to pan-fry, bake with, and store butter. Come on over to learn more.
Cook Like a Legend: Antonio Carluccio’s Carbonara Recipe
Learn how to make Spaghetti alla Carbonara from the late Antonio Carluccio, the Godfather of Italian gastronomy. Here’s a breakdown of his recipe.
What Skillet Size Is Right for You (8, 10, or 12 Inches)?
Wondering what size skillet to buy for your home kitchen? Here’s my illustrated guide with all you need to know to make the right choice.
How to Clean Your Knife After Cutting Raw Chicken
Soapy water won’t kill most bacteria, but it helps to degrease your knife and wash away the poultry. Here’s how to REALLY sanitize your knife.
When and How to Clean Your Knives (Food Safety)
Food safety isn’t just about keeping your home kitchen clean. It’s also about avoiding cross-contamination. Here’s what to watch out for.
How to Keep Water in Your Pot From Boiling Over
This trick is so simple and works so well, it’s almost hard to believe. Here’s how it works—and what’s the science behind it.
5 Ways to Make Bland Pasta Sauce Taste Better
Here’s what to do when the taste of the sauce you bought in the grocery store didn’t really live up to what was said on the label.
Why Your Pasta Water Is White
As you cook pasta noodles in boiling water, some of the starches in the pasta get released and dissolve in the water. Here’s why this matters.
Should You Stop Buying Shredded Cheese?
Shredded cheese contains additives and preservatives that most cheese blocks don’t. Here’s what they are, so that you can decide for yourself.
How to Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil (Illustrated Guide)
I know from email exchanges and comments on other articles that many of you get intimidated by sautéing. After all, the name is French, and it sounds like sautéing is something pretty darn complicated to do. The irony is that it’s one of the most straightforward cooking techniques out there. Sautéing means pan-frying food quickly,…
The Best Pecorino Substitutes for Pasta Carbonara
My favorites are Parmigino-Reggiano, Grana Padano, and aged Asiago. Come over to check out why (and see my top three cheese picks).
Why Your Carbonara Came Out Goopy (And How to Fix It)
Your carbonara came out goopy? Come over and see how to make the perfect Pasta alla Carbonara every single time.
What Is Bronze-Cut Pasta? (And Why It Matters)
Bronze-cut pasta is, by all criteria, higher quality than regular pasta. It has a golden color and a rougher, more porous texture. Here’s why.
Is Basso Extra Virgin Olive Oil Good? (Review)
Basso’s classic extra virgin olive oil is a balanced blend of high-quality oils from Italy, Spain, and Greece. My score is 7.5/10. Here’s why.
Does Salt Kill the Yeast in Dough?
Salt can kill living yeast in a high enough concentration. Here’s the science, the facts, and how to get it right ever time you bake at home.
The 10 Italian Pasta Terms You Need to Know
From naming pasta water in Italian to knowing how to cook pasta al dente, here are 10 words in Italian that every home cook needs to know.
Are Tomatoes With Black Spots Safe to Eat?
The black spots on your tomato are a plant disease called anthracnose. Cut the infected areas out—and the rest of the tomato is safe to eat.
How to Sauté Garlic in Butter (With Photos)
There’s nothing like the smell of garlic cooking in hot butter in your frying pan. Here’s how to pan-fry it to perfection every single time.
Why Does Ravioli Float When Cooked?
The answer is all about density. But it’s more complicated and intriguing than some of you may think. Come over and see why.
What Are Those White Spots on Frozen Chicken?
Those dried and tough white spots on the chicken in your freezer are called freezer burn. They’re safe to eat, but will come out dry and tasteless, no matter how you cook them.
When Should You Cook on High Heat?
Don’t cook all of your food on high heat. Here’s what high-heat cooking is good for—and what you shouldn’t really use it for.
How to Clean Eggs Off a Stainless Steel Pan (With Photos)
Cleaning burnt eggs off of your stainless steel frying pan is easier than you think. Use this trick to do it in less than 10 minutes.
Is Chewy Pasta Undercooked or Overcooked?
When pasta is chewy and crunchy, it’s still undercooked. Keep on cooking it and taste it every 30 seconds until done. Here’s how to tell.
Why Is My Bacon Slimy?
Bacon gets slimy, smells sour, and turns grayish in color when it’s past its expiration date. Here’s what you need to know about bacon.
Can Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze store-bought pasta sauce. But it’s best to not do it in the glass jar it came with. Here’s what to do instead.
Is Greek Pita Bread Unleavened?
Pita bread is a yeast-leavened flatbread from Greece. It’s made with wheat flour, baker’s yeast, salt, and sugar.
Do You Have to Cook Store-Bought Pasta Sauce?
Jarred pasta sauce sold at most grocery store is already cooked, so you only have to reheat it. But you can also make it better.
Is Pita Bread Vegan?
Traditionally, pita bread is made from wheat flour, baker’s yeast, water, salt, and sugar, which makes it vegan friendly. But there’s a caveat.
How to Use a Pasta Insert (A Guide With Pictures)
Yes, you can make pasta at home without no. No, you won’t want to after you try it. Here’s how to use a pasta insert for best results.
How to Cook Dried Pasta Nests Perfectly
To cook dried pasta nests perfectly, use a large pot, a pasta insert, and follow the 4:1:1 pasta ratio. Here’s how.
Should You Boil Pasta in Milk?
If you like the recipe and taste, why shouldn’t you? Here’s what you need to know about cooking macaroni in milk instead of salted water.
Does Salt Keep Pasta Noodles From Sticking Together?
No, it doesn’t. But it makes the noodles a lot tastier. Here’s how to keep pasta noodles from sticking together in the first place.
How to Tell If Sausages Have Gone Bad
To tell if sausages have spoiled, use your senses. If you see any discoloration, smell and unpleasant odor, or feel stickiness, discard them.
Can You Leave Pasta in the Water After Cooking?
You can, but you shouldn’t. The pasta noodles will soak up too much moisture and turn soggy. Here’s what to do with leftover noodles instead.
Are You Supposed to Wash Pasta Before Cooking?
Don’t rinse pasta noodles before cooking them. Your pasta dish will come out less tasty as a result. Here’s the reason why.
Can You Charge Your Phone on an Induction Cooktop?
On theory, you could. And you could just as easily destroy your phone by trying to do so. Here’s why this is not necessarily the best idea.
A Bite of Summer: Recipe for Greek Pita Fish Sandwich
These Greek pita fish sandwiches are a true favorite in our household. Once you try the recipe, I bet you they’re going to become yours, too.
Fast, Easy, Delicious: Tagliatelle, Tomato & Anchovy Pasta
Taste the Mediterranean Sea with this simple and delicious pasta recipe with canned tomatoes and anchovies.
Are Induction Cooktops Worth It?
Are induction cooktops worth the higher price? I cooked on an induction cooktop for a week to find out. Here’s the rundown.
How to Clean White Spots on a Stainless Steel Pan or Pot
My wife and I recently rented a new apartment and decided to treat ourselves by renewing some of our cookware. As regular readers know, I’m pretty specific about the model and make of frying pans and chef’s knives that I use. Less so when it comes to pans and pots. So we ordered new porcelain…
Does Pasta Float When Cooked? (Know When Pasta Is Done)
Pasta is one of the greatest foods on earth and a true staple in many households. It’s tasty, filling, and pairs exceptionally well with different Italian and Italian-American sauces like tomato, cream, or pesto sauce. The thing about pasta is that, even though most pasta dishes have only a few ingredients and require a simple…