Let's clear up a few misconceptions about curry leaves: First, they are not related to curry powder; the latter is a blend of ground spices, as opposed to the curry leaf-producing plant, called Murraya koenigii. But if you can't get your hands on curry leaves, a few substitutions may do the trick.
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We often call any form of sparkling wine at any celebration 'champagne,' and since all sparkling wines around the world are made the same way, you might wonder why Champagne is so special — and why it is so expensive.
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It's a classic that's spent most of its culinary life hidden away in America's freezer section that is the northern Midwest. But the hotdish (yup, one word!) is having a moment in pop food culture, thanks to Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and her Hot Dish House Parties.
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Despite the fact that you probably just ate bacon, you likely don't know how it got to your plate. You know it's pork, but how is it actually made? What type of pig does it come from? Does it have to be cured? Can it be healthy? Fear not — we've got you covered. Here's how bacon is really made.
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It seems word has gotten out that MOD Pizza is not only quick and convenient — after all, that's pretty much the point of pizza chains — but that their pizza is yummy enough to stand out from the crowd of competitors.
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They used to be everywhere. History tells us that when the first Europeans reached the New World, lobsters would reportedly come ashore in piles up to two feet high, and thanks to their sheer abundance, lobsters were considered the poor man's protein. Why are they so pricey these days?
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Menudo and pozole are both traditional Mexican soups, and they are, in some respects, quite similar. The main difference between the two soup recipes, though, lies in the meat.
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It may come as a surprise that a sauce will have come from one of five 'mother' sauces. The mother sauces (or "grand sauces" as they are called by the Culinary Institute of America) are sauces that can be prepared in larger quantities, then flavored to create a 'smaller sauce.'
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There are plenty of ways to mix batter, at least that's according to noted cookbook author Mark Bittman, which makes the overmixing issue an even more confusing one. What really happens when you overmix batter?
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Costco sells just about everything and its Kirkland brand is incredibly popular with shoppers. Going cheap with liquor, though, doesn't always pay off. While we named Kirkland's Scotch Whisky as one of the best liquors to buy at Costco, the same couldn't be said for their tequila.
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While balut is well-known (and well-loved) in Southeast Asian cuisines like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia, the idea of downing a fertilized duck egg might not appeal to many diners. Why, exactly, is it considered a delicacy then?
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Costco is incredibly popular for a reason, and the store brand products, Kirkland Signature, have something to do with it, especially in the booze aisle. Kirkland Signature London Dry Gin has earned an 89 score from Tastings for its "crisp, dry light body" and "effortless" finish. But who makes it?
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Mayonnaise is the most popular condiment in the U.S. However, if you need something to substitute for mayonnaise, whether for health reasons, because you ran out, or because you're making a dish that requires it and you simply don't like the country's most popular content, there are options.
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Even if you, like America, run on Dunkin', there is one secret menu item you may not even be aware that you can order there. Not even talking about the endless variety of customizable drink options — this is something truly unexpected.
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Food trucks blew up in the late 2000s and early 2010s, surely spurred on by the recession as would-be operators looked for ways to cut costs instead of taking the financial plunge that accompanies brick-and-mortar businesses. But how much does it take to make these meals-on-wheels wonders run?
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Steak tartare is, as Newsweek describes it, "meat in its platonic ideal." Although the publication admits that the dish is potentially risky due to the ever-present possibility of foodborne illness, still, it is "delicious partly because it is dangerous."
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Should you find the paprika bottle empty, there are several alternative options you can use in place of the spice.
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One of the first things you learned about the freezer as a kid is that it wasn't a good idea to put any kind of beverage in there, lest you'd get a bursting-open can, big mess, and yelling mom. But what about one you're an adult? Doesn't vodka belong in the freezer? It turns out the answer is no.
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Costco has something of a cult following. Everyone from high schoolers, bartenders, and parents love the big box store and have been found to wax-poetic on Kirkland Signature products from time to time. But one major change is heading for one of the most beloved corners of stores: the food court.
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Not that anyone's encouraging you to eat more sugar, but, let's face it, sometimes you just need some baked goods in your life. Unfortunately, vegans must conquer an extra layer of concern around the sugar they're buying and consuming. Why is that?
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The Halal Guys, a food cart that has served New York City for over 25 years, is famous for its secret white sauce used over platters of lamb, chicken, and rice. People have been trying to get the recipe for decades to no avail.
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Garlic is a pretty great ingredient on its own that can add some real flavor and aroma to countless dishes. That said, there's a way to make regular ol' garlic, as great as it is, even better -- make it black.
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Food trucks have been around for decades, but at the moment, they're most definitely one of the cool kids on the block in American food culture. How much can a food truck owner expect to make?
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Ginger is often used in baking and cooking. Whether you're reaching for the spice jar to make salad dressing, spice up sautéed vegetables, or to add a dash to a golden milk latte, there are plenty of substitutes in the spice rack that are suitable alternatives.
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If you want to purchase real-deal Kobe beef in the U.S. — well, good luck with that, there are only 36 restaurants in the nation that are authorized by the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association to even sell the stuff. Why is it so expensive?
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Kiwis are one of those fruits we love to hate. Inside you'll find a juicy green fruit full of sweetness. Outside is a fuzzy layer of thin skin that seems almost impossible to peel off. Why not just eat kiwis with the skin on? It would definitely make life easier, but is it safe?
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It's something that happens every year, just after Valentine's Day, and goes on for about a month, up until St. Patrick's Day — that most wonderful time of the year according to certain McDonald's frozen beverage aficionados — Shamrock Shake season!
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