Gingerbread – A Holiday Tradition

December 17, 2025November 26, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

Is Gingerbread part of your holiday tradition? Do you make cookies or a gingerbread house? How about a gingerbread cake? This Cooking Tip is all about what gingerbread is and how to make the best you can.

In today’s world, Gingerbread can be either a noun or an adjective. As a noun, gingerbread is a moist, spiced cake made with ginger and molasses. As an adjective, we see it used in phrases like ‘gingerbread cookies,’ ‘gingerbread house,’ etc. In reality, gingerbread is a somewhat broad term for many baked goods that use ginger and molasses, though some recipes use honey or treacle instead.

Since gingerbread typically uses certain spices, we also tend to use the word as a flavor, similar to how we talk about Pumpkin Spice. What does it taste like? Ginger is a major flavor in gingerbread along with other warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice and even pepper. Sweetness usually comes from molasses’ unique flavor.

Picking out an appropriate recipe depends on which type of gingerbread baked good you wish to make. A recipe for gingerbread cake will be somewhat different than that for gingerbread cookies. And a gingerbread house requires a recipe adapted to create a much sturdier product that will stand up to the house form. Some call this Construction Gingerbread.

A gingerbread cake will have a higher liquid-to-water ratio, making for a very moist cake. The cookies will have more flour compared to the liquid, and the construction gingerbread will have even more flour. Take a look at this chart of basic recipes from King Arthur Baking as an example.

	Flour	Sugar	Butter	Molasses	Eggs	Other
Cake	2 cups	¼ cup	8 Tbsp	¾ cup	1	Buttermilk – 1 cup
Cookies	3¾ cups	¾ cup	12 Tbsp	¾ cup	1
House	5 cups	1 cup	6 Tbsp	½ cup	1	Buttermilk – ¾ cup

Making a gingerbread cake (more correctly called just gingerbread) is fairly simple. It is a type of quick bread. It can be as simple as mixing the dry ingredients, mixing the wet ingredients, combining them, and baking. It is often enjoyed with whipped cream or ice cream.

_{Image by Ray_Shrewsberry from Pixabay}

Gingerbread cookies and gingerbread houses take a bit more effort. Here are some tips for success.

Refrigerate the dough
- Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. Many recommend longer, and some advise chilling it overnight. This will make the dough less sticky and easier to roll out.
Rolling the dough
- To get evenly-shaped cookies, take time to roll out the dough carefully. To prevent sticking, dust your rolling surface and pin with flour.
- Try to roll to a consistent thickness, about ¼ inch thick.
- If you roll directly onto parchment paper, it will make the task of transferring to a cookie sheet easier.
Baking the cookies
- If you bake at a lower oven temperature of 325°F for a longer baking time, you will get a firmer and evenly colored cookie.
- Use the recipe’s recommended baking time as a guide, as the actual time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the cookies. You may want to start and bake just one as a test to determine the perfect baking time. A softer, chewier cookie will take less time, whereas a firm, crispy cookie will require longer in the oven. This is particularly true if you are making construction gingerbread. It should dry completely in the oven, yielding a sturdier structure for your house.
Tips for decorating
- Consider drawing out your design on paper and then practicing it by piping onto parchment or broken cookies.
- Royal icing is the traditional type used for decorating, as it dries hard and has a glossy finish. It is typically made with powdered sugar and egg whites. However, if you are unable to get pasteurized eggs, meringue powder is often recommended.
- Some make a faux royal icing, using powdered sugar, water, and corn syrup.
- The consistency should be thicker for outlining the cookies, as it holds its shape better. This thicker icing is also better for making more intricate details.
- For flooding or filling the cookie, use thinner icing.
- To adjust the thickness, just add powdered sugar to thicken or water to thin the icing.If you are making a gingerbread house, royal icing is also used as your glue. It is stiff and dries quickly and completely.
- One may also use a frosting. Although you could use a glaze made with powdered sugar and water or milk, you will get better results with buttercream. It is creamier and spreads more easily than royal icing. However, it does not harden. Therefore, it is better for simpler decorations.
- For prettier results, use piping bags and tips. Use a small round tip for outlining and details. Larger tips are better for flooding or filling in the cookie.
- Embellish to your heart’s content by using sprinkles and candies.Let the icing dry completely, which may take several hours.

Is make gingerbread cookies or a gingerbread house part of your holiday tradition? With this advice, I hope you will make them the best you have ever done!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Pancakes – A Fluffy Delight

December 10, 2025November 21, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

I recently wrote a Cooking Tip on waffles and how to make the best waffles possible. If you are more of a pancake person, this Cooking Tip is for you. We will look at pancake varieties from around the world and offer tips for making great American-style pancakes.

According to The New Food Lover’s Companion, pancakes are one of the oldest forms of bread. A simple definition is that a pancake is made from a batter, poured into rounds and cooked on a griddle or in a skillet.

We all recognize American-style pancakes as the light, fluffy creations topped with butter, maple s yrup, and more. Pancakes are known around the world, but in different forms and with different names. Here are just a few.

Crepes

French crepes are probably among the most well-known pancakes after American-style pancakes. The batter is much thinner, and they are cooked either on a crepe maker or in a nonstick skillet.

Blinis

Hailing from Russia, these are small, thin pancakes served not only for breakfast but also as an appetizer, often topped with smoked salmon or caviar. They are traditionally made from buckwheat flour, are yeasted, and have whipped egg whites folded into the batter.

Banh Xeo

Vietnamese crepes that are made with rice flour and have turmeric added for color.

Swedish Pancakes

These pancakes are thin and delicate, like a French crepe.

Back to those American-style pancakes we all know, served at IHOP since 1958. Here are some tips to help you become a pancake master.

Flour

Using too much or too little flour can negatively affect the batter.
Weighing the flour helps ensure the proper ingredient ratio.

Leavening

Pancakes generally call for chemical leavening in the form of baking powder, baking soda or both.
Most baking powder is “double-acting.” This means it starts to leaven when it comes into contact with moisture, but it also “acts” when heated. This gives you more time before cooking without losing the leavening action. It also produces a lighter and fluffier pancake.
Because baking soda starts working immediately when it comes into contact with acid, a recipe that only calls for baking soda can produce a thinner pancake. You also need to start cooking quickly after mixing.
Note that, without an acid such as buttermilk, baking soda will not cause leavening.
Apart from leavening, baking soda also helps with browning.

Buttermilk

Although not necessary, many pancake aficionados recommend using buttermilk in the batter. This acidic ingredient reacts with baking soda, creating bubbles that cause the batter to expand.
It also adds a tanginess to the flavor.

Separating eggs

Most recipes call for using whole eggs.
Some advocate separating the eggs, whipping the whites to peaks and folding them into the batter. The whipped egg whites contain air, which will help produce fluffiness.

Batter Consistency

This is like Goldilocks – not too thin, not too thick, but just right.
As you let the batter run from a spoon into the bowl, it should fall in clumps rather than a steady stream.

Mixing

A significant problem that people make is overmixing the batter. Mix until the batter is just combined, leaving some lumps. This minimizes the development of gluten.
King Arthur Baking recommends whisking the wet ingredients together first until you see bubbles. They state that this helps to emulsify the fat and water before adding the dry ingredients, thus preventing overmixing.

To Rest or Not

There are two schools of thought on whether you should rest the batter before cooking.
The first recommends resting the batter for 10-15 minutes or even overnight. Proponents of this method say it allows the gluten to relax and the batter to fully hydrate, giving a more tender pancake.
The other point of view (shared by Serious Eats and Bon Appétit) is that the pancakes should be made immediately because the leavening agents of baking soda and/or baking powder begin to produce gas as soon as they are mixed in. Resting only allows this gas to escape before putting the batter in the pan, making a less fluffy pancake.
King Arthur Baking takes an intermediate approach. They recommend resting for about five minutes, which they say ensures full hydration and that the leavening agents are fully working.

Cooking

Preheat the pan slowly over medium-low heat. This results in more evenly distributed heat and uniformly golden pancakes.
Wipe away excess oil after adding it to the pan, leaving only a slight coating. If there is excess oil, it may pool under the pancake, causing uneven cooking.

Make a test pancake

This ensures your pan or griddle is at the right temperature.
America’s Test Kitchen recommends adding just a tablespoon in the middle of the pan. If that mini-pancake is golden brown on the bottom after one minute, the pan is ready. If it is more of a blond color, allow the pan to preheat longer. If it burns, lower the heat.

Portioning the batter

You can use a measuring cup, but a cookie scoop is even better for a consistent size.

Flip properly

Do not flip until you see small bubbles appearing evenly across the surface, popping and leaving a hole. You may also take a peek at the underside to help monitor the cooking process. You want to see an even golden-brown color.
When you flip the pancake, use a thin spatula and flip in a smooth but quick motion with a flip of the wrist. This will minimize splattering and misshapen pancakes.

Keep pancakes warm

As you cook, keep the pancakes warm on a rack in a 200-degree oven.

Storage

For storage, put between layers of wax or parchment paper.
They can stay in the refrigerator for a few days or longer in the freezer.

Troubleshooting

Flat pancakes – This results from overmixing or insufficient leavening.
Dense pancakes – This can result from too much flour. Weighing dry ingredients rather than using cups ensures more accurate measurements.
Soggy middle – If your heat is too high, it will cook the outside too quickly, leaving the center undercooked. Use medium-low heat and cook slowly.

Making pancakes is not difficult, but it does take some practice to achieve that “perfect” pancake. How do you like yours? I think a pat of butter and some good dark maple syrup is all that is needed. Others like chocolate, fruit, jam or other flavorings. No matter what, they are delicious!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Waffles – Great for Breakfast & Dinner!

December 3, 2025November 20, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

I made Belgian waffles for dinner the other night. They were delicious, and it caused me to wonder how many of you make your own waffles. Don’t tell me if all you do is put frozen waffles in the toaster! In this Cooking Tip, I will discuss the different types of waffles and offer tips for making a great waffle from scratch.

The first thing you need to decide is what kind of waffle you wish to make. There are many kinds of waffles, but the two major categories are Belgian-style and American-style waffles.

Belgian waffles

What Americans call Belgian waffles originated in Belgium and were introduced to the US during the 1964 New York World’s Fair. However, you won’t find the term “Belgian waffle” anywhere in Belgium. There are what are called Brussels waffles and Liege waffles.
Brussels waffles are larger in size than American-style waffles. They also have deeper pockets for all the toppings.
What makes these waffles unique is that yeast is used in the batter. This produces a light and fluffy waffle with a crispy exterior.
Many recipes for Belgian waffles also call for separating the eggs, whipping the whites into peaks and then folding them into the batter, giving an incredible lightness and airiness.
You will find Belgian waffles in America that forgo the yeast and instead use baking powder. However, it is the yeast that gives this waffle style its characteristic form and slightly tangy taste.
They are traditionally cooked in a rectangular or square waffle maker.
Liege waffles differ in that the batter is thicker and they have pearled sugar baked into them. This gives a lovely crunch. They are typically cooked in a round shape.

American waffles

These waffles are thinner and denser than the Belgian waffles.
They are leavened with baking powder rather than yeast.
The batter is much closer to a pancake batter, although a pancake batter will not work in a waffle maker.

Tips for Great Waffles

Waffle Maker – Great waffles not only require a good recipe but also a waffle maker. If you make waffles regularly, you may want to invest in a higher-end model. For most of us, though, a more moderately priced one will do just fine.

Instructions – Be sure to read the instructions of your waffle maker so they are cooked as your appliance calls for.
Preheating – Be sure to properly preheat the waffle maker. Most waffle makers indicate they are ready after about 4 minutes of preheating. America’s Test Kitchen (and others) recommends preheating for 10-20 minutes to ensure the entire surface is thoroughly preheated.
Oil – Unless you know your waffle maker is very non-stick, it is best to brush a small amount of oil on both sides of the waffle maker before adding the batter.
Portioning batter – It will take some practice to know how much batter to add to the waffle machine. Once you know, measure each time to ensure consistently sized waffles.
Judging doneness – Do not open the waffle maker until the appliance tells you it is ready. It will not cook properly if you do. Many experts say that you should not open your waffle maker until the steam has stopped seeping out its sides.

Ingredients

Flour – It is fine to use all-purpose flour. Some prefer cake flour because it gives a lighter texture.
Leavening agents – For the best Belgian waffles, use yeast. For American-style waffles, baking powder is used.
Eggs – Eggs are crucial for structure and richness. Some recipes use whole eggs, while others use yolks and whipped egg whites. There are many advocates of the “whipped egg whites”. However, some say this is a waste of time. See this article from Epicurious. Even if you opt for just using whole eggs, whisk them until they are nice and fluffy. Adding air to the eggs, whether whole or separated, gives the waffles a light and airy texture. If you desire an eggless waffle, try using buttermilk for acidity and baking soda for leavening. This batter shouldn’t sit for very long, as the leavening reaction may die. Therefore, make small batches and once the batter is ready, start cooking. Do not allow it to sit for too long.
Milk – Many use whole milk, but buttermilk will give a tangier flavor.
Butter – Butter certainly adds richness and flavor. For crispier waffles, though, try vegetable oil in place of the melted butter. A waffle study published in Food Science & Nutrition showed that waffle batter made with oil browned more than batter made with butter. They attribute this to the fact that, unlike butter, oil doesn’t contain water. The water in butter adds moisture and can hinder the formation of a crispy crust.
Cornstarch – King Arthur Baking considers this a secret ingredient to producing a crispier exterior in a non-yeasted waffle. Try starting with ¼ cup of cornstarch and work up to ½ cup to get the desired result.

Making the Batter

Sift the dry ingredients to aerate them and to ensure there are no lumps.
Warm your liquid ingredients. This will prevent your melted butter (if using) from coagulating and forming small bits of solid butter when stirred into cold dairy. Also, the liquid ingredients will blend better with the dry ingredients if they are all at a similar temperature.
Do not overbeat the waffle batter. You want to minimize the gluten development, which can lead to tough waffles. Just stir until everything is combined, and leaving a few lumps is perfectly acceptable.
Allow the batter to rest for at least ten minutes and up to an hour to ensure good hydration and to increase flavor.

Keeping Waffles Warm and Storing Waffles

As you are making waffles, you will want to keep the cooked ones warm until you have enough cooked for everyone. Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and put it on the middle rack of a 200°F oven. As you cook, simply transfer each finished waffle from the waffle maker to the wire rack. The rack helps to prevent sogginess.
To store, place cooled waffles between layers of wax paper and place in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for a few days.
To rewarm waffles, place them on the oven rack in a 200°F oven. Microwaving isn’t ideal, as the waffles can get soggy.
To freeze, cool and place wax paper between them. Place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow them to defrost at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then, heat in a 300°F oven.

Troubleshooting

To prevent soggy waffles, ensure the waffle maker is fully preheated and cook thoroughly until done.
To prevent tough waffles, do not overmix and allow the batter to rest before cooking.
If your waffles are sticking to the waffle maker plates, be sure to grease the plates before each batch. If sticking persists, you may need to thoroughly clean the waffle maker according to the appliance instructions.

I cannot share my recipe for the Belgian waffles I mentioned, as it is a friend’s secret family recipe. If you want to make some delightful Gingerbread waffles (non-yeasted), check out this recipe. Just recall the advice from above and adjust the instructions to ensure success.

I much prefer yeasted waffles. What about you? Do you have a favorite recipe? Before reaching for that carton of frozen waffles, try making them yourself. They are so much better!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Tiramisu – A Classic Italian Dessert

November 26, 2025November 14, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

_{Image by Andrey Cojocaru from Pixabay}

Although Italian in origin, Tiramisu is a dish beloved all over the US. So many people order it when they go to their favorite Italian restaurant. It does not have to be limited to dining out, though. In this Cooking Tip, we will explain what it is and share tips for making the best tiramisu at home.

As is typical, historians disagree on when tiramisu was first created. Some say the 1700s. Some say the 1800s, and others claim it did not exist before the 1900s. Most do agree that it was invented in the Italian city of Treviso. It is an unbaked, elegant, rich and creamy layered dessert.

Typical Ingredients

Mascarpone

This is sometimes called Italian cream cheese. However, substituting American cream cheese is not recommended as mascarpone is smoother and milder in flavor.
Mascarpone should be cold before adding to the recipe.

Eggs

As opposed to the other ingredients, eggs should be at room temperature as they will whip much better than if cold.
The original tiramisu recipe probably used eggs that were separated. The yolks were mixed with the sugar, the eggs were whipped to stiff peaks, and then the whites were folded into the egg mixture. The concern with this is that you would be consuming raw eggs.
Most modern recipes use either whole eggs or just egg yolks, which are sterilized by slowly cooking over a bain marie as you whip the mascarpone mixture. Follow the recipe directions for the ideal temperature. This is sometimes followed by folding in whipped cream rather than raw egg whites.
Pasteurized eggs are difficult to find in supermarkets. They also do not whip up as well as fresh eggs, though this can be helped by adding some cream of tartar.

Whipping cream

For the best whipping, the cream should be very cold.
To get an optimal result, start whipping at a lower speed, gradually increasing the speed as you go. If you do this for about 10 minutes, the resulting whipped product will be much more stable.

Sugar

Regular granulated sugar can impart a grainy texture.
Either use superfine sugar or pulse your sugar in a food processor before using it.

Ladyfingers

These are called savoiardi in Italian and are dry, oblong-shaped sponge cookies.
Be sure to use crunchy ladyfingers, not soft cake-like ones.
They will be dipped in a liquid solution. The trick is to get them flavored with the liquid without allowing them to get soggy. To do this, they should be dipped only briefly, no more than about two seconds per side. Alternatively, you can also brush on the liquid rather than dipping.

Coffee/Espresso powder

The classic tiramisu is made by dipping the ladyfingers in a strong coffee or espresso mixture.

Alcohol

Many recipes include adding alcohol to the coffee. The classic is Marsala, but you can vary it according to your taste. You may also leave it out if you want an alcohol-free dessert.
Some recipes will add the alcohol to the cream mixture rather than just into the dipping mixture.

Cocoa powder or grated chocolate

This is sifted or scattered over the top, but also may be added to each layer.
Since cocoa powder is very bitter, you may want to cut it just a bit by whisking it together with a small amount of powdered sugar.

How to make it

The directions for all recipes are very similar, although you may see some slight variations. Always start by gathering all your ingredients, allowing some to come to room temperature as noted in the ingredient discussion.

Classic recipe

Prepare the mascarpone mixture.
- Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale yellow.
- Add the mascarpone and whisk until smooth.
- Fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.
Prepare the coffee/alcohol mixture by mixing in a shallow bowl.
Briefly dip the ladyfingers in the liquid and arrange them at the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread ⅓ of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
Sprinkle with ⅓ of the cocoa powder.
Repeat two more times.
Chill thoroughly.
Note that this recipe contains raw eggs unless you use pasteurized eggs.

Modern recipe – Method 1

Whisk together coffee and alcohol and set aside.
Beat egg yolks and sugar until thick, creamy and light yellow. Stir in unwhipped heavy cream.
Cook mixture gently over a bain marie until mixture reaches 160°F. Allow to cool.
Beat mascarpone and alcohol, if using, into egg mixture.
Dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture and place in the bottom of your baking pan.
Spread ½ of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Sprinkle with cocoa powder or grated chocolate.
Repeat with the rest of the ingredients.
Chill.

Modern Recipe – Method 2

This is very similar to Method 1.
The difference is that the whipping cream is not added in the beginning. Instead, it is whipped to peaks separately and folded into the mascarpone mixture.

Recap of tips for success

Mascarpone and cream, if using, should be cold.
Eggs should be at room temperature. If using separated eggs, separate them while cold, then allow them to come to room temperature.
For the most traditional flavor, do not substitute cream cheese for the mascarpone, as it will change the texture and flavor.
Do not overwhip the mascarpone, as it may split.
Do not overmix when folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to prevent graininess.
The finished dessert must set up for at least six hours, even overnight. Proper chilling not only helps the tiramisu set up but also lets the flavors meld.

Make ahead and storage

Tiramisu can be made up to two days before serving.
It will last in the refrigerator for about a week.
You can freeze tiramisu for up to three months. If you choose to do this, do not dust with cocoa powder. Wrap in plastic wrap, placing it directly on the surface. Cover tightly with more plastic wrap, followed by foil.
To defrost, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. After it has defrosted, dust with cocoa powder.

Variations – A fun thing to do with Tiramisu is to vary ingredients.

In the summer, I make a Summer Berry Tiramisu. I follow my regular tiramisu recipe, but eliminate the coffee and cocoa. Instead, I use summer berries (fresh or frozen) for layering. I also make a simple syrup with the berry juices and use that for the dipping mixture. If you wish to add an alcohol, choose a berry-flavored one such as cassis.
At Christmas, use cranberries and apple cider for layering as well as the dipping liquid.
Make a lemon curd for a citrusy tiramisu. Add some to the mascarpone cream and use some in the layering step.
Instead of pumpkin pie, make a pumpkin-spice mascarpone cream. Add brown sugar and warm spices to the dipping liquid. Finally, layer crushed gingersnaps between the layers.
Instead of making in a baking pan, make individual tiramisus using pretty glasses or goblets.

Making tiramisu is not difficult, but it does take some patience. If you follow the above tips, I am sure you will be rewarded with success – and a delicious dessert.

Cooking Tips · Ingredients

Chili – My go-to freezer meal

November 19, 2025November 10, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

If you are like me, there are busy days when the last thing you want to do is cook dinner. Those are the nights I reach for pre-done dishes in my freezer. One item I have in my freezer year-round is chili. I have my favorite recipe (see below), and I am sure you have yours. Chili can be a polarizing topic – beans, no-beans, beef, chicken, etc. This Cooking Tip will parse out some of those differences.

For me, I want both meat and beans in my chili, but others disagree. I really do not care about the different chili categories; I just want it to taste good. Others, though, feel passionately about what recipe can be called by what name.

Typical ingredients found in chili recipes include the following. Note, though, that regional differences exist.

Meat – beef, pork, turkey, chicken
Beans – kidney, black, pinto
Vegetables – tomatoes, onions, bell peppers
Chili peppers
Spices – cumin, chili powder, garlic, paprika, Mexican oregano
Toppings – jalapenos, onions, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, bacon, avocado, lime wedges

The International Chili Society (ICS) is the sponsor of national chili cook-offs. For their purposes, they break chili into four categories.

Traditional Red Chili

Any kind of meat (or combination) cooked with red chili peppers, spices and other ingredients.
Beans, rice or pasta are not allowed.

Homestyle Chili

Any kind of meat (or combination) and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers (any color), spices and other ingredients.

Chili Verde

Any kind of meat (or combination) cooked with green chili peppers, spices and other ingredients.
Beans, rice or pasta are not allowed.

Vegetarian Chili

Any kind of vegetable, or meatless product cooked with chili peppers, spices and other ingredients.
Beans are allowed but not required.

Chili is one of those dishes that varies by region of the country. Here are a few of the most popular versions.

Chili Con Carne

Specialty of Texas
Other names include Texas Red, Traditional Red, Bowl of Red.
Typical ingredients are beef, red chili peppers, paprika, cumin and Mexican oregano.
Everyone agrees that authentic Texas chili does not include beans.
There is a bit of debate about whether tomatoes are allowed.

Cincinnati Chili

Specialty of Ohio
Also known as Skyline Chili
This chili is more of a sauce than a stew-like dish and is served as a topping over spaghetti.
Usual ingredients are beef, tomato paste, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, chili powder and cumin. It may also include cocoa powder.

Hoosier Chili

As the name implies, this chili hails from Indiana.
It is similar to Cincinnati chili, but the recipe calls for mixing the spaghetti (or elbow macaroni) into the chili.
It has more of a soup-like consistency.
A standard recipe includes beef, beans, tomato juice, pasta and chili powder.

Tavern Style Chili

This is also called Springfield chilli (spelled with two “l”s), named for the city in Illinois.
It is characterized by the use of beef suet or tallow, which lends an oily layer on top.
Other ingredients include beef, beans, tomato juice, chili powder, cumin, and at times, beer.

Oklahoma Chili

Named for the state, this type of chili resembles Texas red chili with beans.
Usual ingredients include beef, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce/paste, chili powder, cumin and oregano.

Kansas City Chili

Hailing from Missouri, this is not just one type, but can have many variations.
Recipes usually include beef and/or brisket or pork shoulder, beans, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, cumin and chili powder.

Chili Verde

This is the green chili known throughout New Mexico.
It uses the Hatch green chili, which is grown in the town of Hatch, New Mexico.
Another difference from most chili is that the meat is pork shoulder, not beef.
Other ingredients include green chilis, tomatillos, and garlic. Other optional ingredients are onions, cumin, Mexican oregano and cilantro.

White Chili

White chili has become very popular and is white due to the absence of red meat and tomatoes.
It is made with chicken, white beans, mild green chilis and other spices.
It is typically less spicy than other types of chili.

Turkey Chili

This could be termed a white chili, but it is made with lean turkey rather than chicken.

My favorite chili would probably fall into the ICS Homestyle Chili category, as it has both beef and beans. It began as a recipe published in a 1978 Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. I have made some alterations to the recipe, and this is what is in my freezer at all times. The name is Spicy Hot Chili, but I tend to moderate the spice to a lower level.

Another source of chili recipes is the International Chili Society’s website. You can check out the winning recipes here. Link to ICS Chili Cookoffs Winning Recipes

Whether you just make chili occasionally or it is a freezer staple as it is at my house, it is a delicious and filling meal. I hope you have your own favorite style!

Equipment · Ingredients

Christmas Food Around the Globe

November 12, 2025October 25, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

_{Image by HANSUAN FABREGAS from Pixabay}

All of you could probably describe the typical American Christmas dinner, although many of us may put our own twist on it. What about other countries? How do they celebrate Christmas at the dinner table? This Cooking Tip will explore the traditions of a few other countries.

_{Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay}

England

Main dishes & accompaniments
- The main dish that sits on most English dinner tables is roast turkey, although you might also see roast goose or prime rib.
- The number one accompaniment to the meat is roast potatoes, often cooked in goose fat.
- Other sides are pigs in blankets, which are sausages wrapped in streaky bacon (not in pastry as in the US), Brussels sprouts, braised red cabbage, cranberry sauce, parsnip puree and Yorkshire pudding. The latter is similar to popovers.

Desserts
- Traditional English desserts are heavy with dried fruits and spices. This might be in the form of mince pies, Christmas pudding or Christmas cake.
- Christmas pudding is also called figgy pudding or plum pudding. It is cooked by steaming and contains dried fruit, spices and alcohol. Although not as prominent today, there is something called Stir-up Sunday. That tradition involves making the Christmas pudding on the last Sunday before Advent. All the family would take turns to stir clockwise, east to west, to mark the journey of the three wise men while making a wish for the year ahead.
- Christmas cake is a spiced fruitcake that is baked in the oven and is less dense than Christmas pudding.
- Mince pies initially started savory, using a “mincemeat” filling. Today, they are made with a mixture of dried fruit, spices and sugar.
- A Yule log is a chocolate-covered cake shaped like a log that spread from France to the UK.
- An English trifle is a dessert made of layers of cake, custard, whipped cream and fruit or jam.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding is a moist date-based sponge cake served warm with a toffee sauce.

France

Christmas dishes & traditions will differ by region of France.
Le Réveillon de Noël – This is Christmas Eve dinner and is the most important meal during the Christmas season. Traditionally, it was not served until after midnight mass. Today, most partake of this meal much earlier.
Appetizers/Starters – any of the following might be served at the beginning of the meal.
- Smoked salmon
- Escargot (snails)
- Caviar
- Shrimp
- Oysters
- Scallops such as Coquilles Saint Jacques
- Foie gras, especially with a slice of spiced bread (similar to gingerbread) and fig jam.
- Gourgères (cheese puffs)
Main course and accompanying sides
- The meat course might be turkey, capon, duck or guinea fowl and is often stuffed with foie gras or a chestnut or other type of stuffing. Less traditional would be Beef Wellington or a fish course.
- Potatoes are common and may be in the form of pureed potatoes, Gratin Dauphinoise or Duchesse potatoes.
- Risottos
- Gnocchi
- Haricots Verts Amandine – green beans with almonds
Salad & cheese course – as is typical with French meals, the main course is followed by a salad course and a cheese course.
Dessert
- The most classic dessert is Bûche de Noël, also known as a yule log and is a chocolate sponge cake put together and decorated like a log in the forest in winter.
- Other little sweet bites might be chocolate truffles, cookies, nougat or candied fruit.
- In Provence, one might see Les Treize Desserts (Thirteen Desserts), which is a symbolic arrangement of sweets, nuts, nougats, and fruits representing Christ and his apostles at the Last Supper.

Italy

Just as in France, the dishes served at Christmastime are regional in nature.
The Christmas Eve meal is known as Cenone della Vigilia. It is a very important dinner centered around fish and vegetables.
Many Americans think of the Feast of the Seven Fishes and assume it is what is served in Italy on Christmas Eve. It is, however, an Italian American tradition. It does not exist in Italy, although their Christmas Eve meal is also seafood-focused.
Starters
- Seafood salad
- Shrimp cocktail
- Stewed eel
- Canapés such as smoked salmon, caviar, or tuna mousse
First course
- Pasta dishes such as spaghetti with clams, salmon penne or fish ravioli
- Rice dishes such as scampi risotto are also typical.
Main course
- Baked sea bass
- Grilled prawns
- Fried salt cod
Christmas Day lunch is more meat-based and can last for hours. Here are examples of dishes that might be served at this hearty lunch.
Appetizers
- Cured meats and cheeses
- Insalta Russa or Russian salad – This is a mixture of diced vegetables and mayonnaise.
- Savory pies filled with spinach, ricotta or cured meats.
- Marinated vegetables
First course
- Northern Italy – tortellini in brodo
- Piedmont – agnolotti
- Central Italy – lasagna, cannelloni
- Southern Italy – pasta al forno, fusilli al ragu
Main course
- Northern Italy – roast beef, veal, polenta, roast potatoes
- Central Italy – roast lamb, rabbit
- Southern Italy – roast lamb, honey-glazed duck
Desserts
- Panettone – This is the tall, dome-shaped sweet bread we see in bakeries that is filled with candied fruit and raisins.
- Pandoro – This is a soft, buttery cake that is shaped like an eight-pointed star and dusted with icing sugar to resemble snow. It is often served with a drizzle of chocolate or cream.
- Cartellate is from Puglia and is a sweet dough that is rolled out, coiled and fried.
- In Sicily, you will find struffoli, small dough balls that are fried and coated in honey & colorful sprinkles.
- Tuscany showcases panforte, a chewy, dense fruitcake from Siena that is flavored with honey, cloves, coriander, cinnamon and white pepper. Siena also boasts a dense and chewy almond cookie called ricciarelli.
- In addition, one might find tiramisu and the nougat candy called torrone.

Mexico

Pork is the meat of choice for many Mexicans for a Christmas meal. It is often coated with a spice mixture.
Carne Asada is also common.
Tamales are very traditional at Christmas.
Soups and stews such as pozole, codfish or beef stew, and menudo (tripe and hominy) are often served at this time.
A dish called Romeritos is made from the romerito plant and paired with baby potatoes, nopales, and dried shrimp. It is cooked in a rich mole sauce.
Ensalada de Noche Buena is a fruity Christmas Eve salad.
For dessert, one might find the following.
- Bunuelos – large rounds of fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar.
- Marranitos – pig-shaped cookies
- Churros
- Rice pudding
- Cake

You may be a person who only serves a traditional American Christmas meal. If you want to switch it up a bit, try introducing just one or two of these dishes from other countries. Or, if your family will allow it, why not serve a French, Italian or other nationality Christmas?

Whether you say Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Buon Natale or Feliz Navidad, I hope it is a wonderful time with friends and family and great food!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients

Dried Grapes – Aren’t they all raisins?

October 29, 2025October 14, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

We all know what raisins are, and we can easily purchase them in both regular and golden forms. Once in a while, you may run across a recipe (especially from the United Kingdom) that calls for sultanas or currants. This Cooking Tip will explore what those dried fruits are, their similarities and differences.

Raisins

Many people use the term “raisin” as a sort of general name for any dried grape. However, different grapes are used to make different raisin-like products.
According to the company Sun Made,
“About 90-95% of raisins are made from the Thompson Seedless variety of grape, which includes Selma Pete, DOVine and Fiesta. The remaining percentage is made up of varieties including Flame Seedless, Ruby Seedless and Sultana.”
Some say the latter term, Sultana, is just another name for Thompson Seedless. This is a pale green grape, but as they are dried, they darken in color, becoming what we know as a “raisin.”
If the drying process is in the sun, they are known as “natural” raisins. The drying process takes about two to three weeks.
A vine-dried grape is just what the name says. The grapes are left hanging on the vine to dry. This takes longer than ordinary sun-drying, requiring several weeks. According to the organization, California Grown,
“This process allows the grapes to retain their flavor without taking on any unwanted flavors from sunburn. The resulting vine-dried grape is plump, meaty, juicy, and delicious.”
A third method of drying is mechanical. This requires the grapes to be treated with an alkaline solution to aid in the loss of moisture. Then, mechanical driers blow air past the grapes to continue the drying process. This entire process takes about two days.
Raisins are larger than sultanas or currants.
They have a soft and chewy texture.
The flavor is somewhat intense and caramel-like.

Sultanas

Sultanas are also known as Golden Raisins. They are typically made from the same green seedless grapes as raisins, Thompson Seedless.
The processing is different in that they are not sun-dried. Instead, they are put inside dehydrators and then treated with sulphur dioxide to stop oxidation and preserve the lighter color.
As compared to regular raisins, golden raisins have a softer texture and a higher moisture content.
The flavor is milder and somewhat sweeter.
They are smaller and juicier than regular raisins.

Currants

Things get a bit confusing with currants. There are plants that produce small berries known as redcurrants or blackcurrants. These plants are related to gooseberries.
Dried currants, though, are not made from these actual currant berries. Just as with raisins, they are dried grapes. The grapes used are smaller and seedless. The variety is typically Black Corinth or Carina grapes.
They are often called Zante currants, referring to the fact that the grape originated on Zante, a Greek island.
They are smaller than either kind of raisin.
Their texture is firmer than raisins.
The flavor of Zante currants is tangy and slightly tart.

Choosing which to use

As with many things, using the type of dried grape that your recipe calls for is best. However, if you want a sweeter and juicier fruit, use sultanas. For a deeper flavor, choose raisins. If you want a tart note, currants will be the best.

There you go – raisins, sultanas and currants demystified!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients

Nutmeg & Mace – Two Spices in One

October 22, 2025October 20, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

As we approach the holidays, one spice you probably use more at this time of the year is nutmeg. In this Cooking Tip, we will explore just what nutmeg is, how to use it and how it is related to mace.

This spice is native to what were called the Spice Islands of Indonesia. These islands are located northeast of Indonesia, between Celebes and New Guinea. Today, these islands are called the Moluccas. Most nutmeg comes from these islands along with the West Indies, but it is also grown in South Africa, Grenada and Sri Lanka.

In its natural stage, nutmeg is really two spices in one. The part we are most likely to recognize is the inner kernel surrounded by a shell. Wrapped around this shell is a reddish lacey covering, called mace. It grows on trees that can reach up to 75 feet high. As the fruit ripens, it splits open, revealing the red lacey covering. This will be stripped off, dried and sold and used as mace. The remaining shell-like part will be dried in the sun until the nutmeg kernel rattles in the shell. These are then broken open, and the nutmeg kernels are removed.

Both nutmeg and mace are warm spices, although mace has a more delicate flavor with citrus notes. I will discuss them separately.

Nutmeg

Form

Nutmeg may be purchased whole or ground. Here is a link to a reputable source, Savory Spice. As I discuss in my Spices Cooking Tip, whole spices do have advantages over the ground variety. This is especially true with nutmeg, as ground nutmeg quickly loses its essential oils, resulting in a product that has lost its potency and flavor.
Whole nutmeg can last indefinitely if stored properly. This means storing it in a tightly sealed jar or container in a cool, dark place. You must grate it before using. The most typical way to grate it is using a microplane. Only grate what you need. Freshly ground nutmeg will be stronger and more potent than the bottle of ground nutmeg. Because of this, you may want to use a bit less of the fresh than of the pre-ground and adjust as needed.

Uses

Although Americans tend to use nutmeg more in baking, its use is not limited to sweet applications. It is more widely used in countries where it is grown. In the Caribbean, it is used in jerk seasoning as well as pastries and other desserts. In Indonesia, it is a component of curries and savory sauces. It is used in lamb dishes in Africa and the Middle East. It is also a common seasoning added to béchamel sauce. It works well with potatoes, squash, pork and lamb as well as cooked spinach and soft, tangy cheeses. On the sweet side, it is often added to baked or stewed fruit, custards and eggnog.
Both nutmeg and mace are also commonly found in spice blends such as pumpkin pie spice, quatre épices, ras el hanout and garam masala.
When using nutmeg, do so in moderation. Most dishes only require a small amount. Using too much can result in an overwhelming and bitter flavor. It is better suited to providing a background note.
In excess, nutmeg can be toxic. Experts say it only takes two to three teaspoons of this spice to make a toxic dose. A 10-year study done by the Illinois Poison Center listed the following as the most common effects among 30 cases of nutmeg toxicity.

Hallucinations
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Confusion
Seizure (in two cases.

Substitutes

Nutmeg is very easily found in supermarkets, but if you are looking for a substitute, you may consider the following.
Mace – this is probably the best substitute.
Others that some recommend include garam masala, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, or ground cloves. As all of these alternatives tend to have more intense flavor profiles, use them sparingly when substituting.

Mace

Form

Mace is found in “blades”, which can be ground in a spice blender. It will be more difficult to find in stores, but it can be purchased online.
Just as with nutmeg, pre-ground mace loses its delicate notes quickly.

Uses

Most say that mace is lighter, subtler and sweeter than nutmeg. Serious Eats describes it as a “cross between nutmeg and coriander tinged with citrus and cinnamon.”
Mace is often used in savory dishes such as sauces, stocks, sausages, chutney and meat pies. It is also nice when nutmeg would be too heavy. For example, white fish, chicken, light dairy, pork, cookies, cream soups and fruit.
Some recommend toasting mace before using it, especially in Indian dishes.

Substitutes

The best substitute would be nutmeg. Experts differ on how the substitution should be done. Some recommend using equal amounts of nutmeg and mace. Most chefs would advise using only half as much nutmeg as mace. America’s Test Kitchen is a standout because it recommends using double the amount of nutmeg compared to mace.
Other possible substitutes are similar to those for nutmeg, including allspice, cinnamon, ginger and pumpkin pie spice.

Is nutmeg or mace on your list of holiday spices? How about branching out and trying it in savory dishes? You just might be pleasantly surprised.

Cooking Tips · Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice – Where’s the Pumpkin?

October 15, 2025October 12, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

Every fall, some people eagerly await the “Pumpkin Spice” season, while others dread it. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, do you really know what it is and what the name means? That is the subject of this Cooking Tip.

The first thing to know is that there is no pumpkin in pumpkin spice. In fact, pumpkin has minimal natural flavor. According to King Arthur Baking, raw pumpkin is up to 90% water, which explains why it is so lacking in flavor.

Pumpkin is a type of squash. As you will learn from this Cooking Tip, Libby’s Pumpkin Puree is made from a Dickinson squash. As for classic pumpkin pie, one of the best you will ever make doesn’t even use pumpkin. Instead, it uses roasted butternut squash. Check out this recipe.

A pumpkin pie without some version of pumpkin pie spice would be very sad indeed. The deliciousness comes not from the pumpkin, but from the other ingredients, including the added spices. The blend of spices that gives pumpkin pie its characteristic flavor is known as pumpkin spice or pumpkin pie spice.

Each producer of pumpkin spice has their own recipe, but the most commonly included spices are the following.

Cinnamon
Ginger
Nutmeg
Cloves
Allspice

You can certainly buy bottles of pumpkin pie spice. McCormick even produces a liquid extract titled “Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend Extract.” If you do not think you are going to use a purchased bottle of pumpkin pie spice before next year, it would be better to make your own. It will be fresher, you only have to make how much you want to use, you can alter the ratio of the ingredients to match your preferences, and you won’t have a bottle of something that you are not using taking up precious space.

People like to talk about before and after the Pumpkin Spice Latte that Starbucks created in 2003. Pumpkin spice as a spice blend certainly existed long before then. A cookbook from 1798 actually has a couple of recipes in it that use nutmeg and ginger, as well as allspice and ginger. However, this Starbucks beverage created a new cult following for this flavoring profile, and decades later, it shows no signs of slowing down.

It is a trend that is not limited to Starbucks. Look at these other products cashing in on the Pumpkin Spice craze.

Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Goldfish
Target Favorite Day Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream
Pumpkin Spice Cheerios
Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Cookies
Great Pumpkin Imperial Ale
Laughing Cow Pumpkin Spice Cheese Wedges
Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Caramel Chocolates
Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Dawn Pumpkin Spice Powerwash
Dunkin Pumpkin Munchkin Creamer
Air Wick Pumpkin Spice Essential Mist
Febreze Air Mist Pumpkin Roll

Do you enjoy the pumpkin spice season? What’s your favorite product?

Cooking Tips · Ingredients

Pickles – A supermarket shelf of options

October 8, 2025September 21, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

Almost all of us have likes and dislikes among foods. One food that is definitely on my dislike list is pickles – or anything that undergoes the pickling process. The only time they make it into my shopping cart is when my husband requests them. I typically look at the shelves of pickles and have to search my memory for the variety he likes. If you are the same, this Cooking Tip is for you, as we will delve into the world of pickles.

The word “pickle” can be either a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to food that has been preserved in a brine or vinegar solution. The verb applies to the process of preserving food in this brine or vinegar mixture. In this Cooking Tip, we will stick with pickle as a noun.

Many kinds of food can be pickled. What we all think of as the average pickle, though, starts as a cucumber. Here is a list along with descriptions of some of the most common pickles.

Dill pickle

This is the most popular pickle.
The brine is made with abundant amounts of dill in all its forms.
Dill pickles have a strong and herbaceous flavor.

Polish/German Dill

These undergo an extended processing time in wooden barrels, which impart a unique flavor.
The Polish variety contains more spices and garlic than traditional dill pickles. They tend to have a peppery bite.
The German variety has sugar added to the brine, giving them a sweet-sour flavor.

Refrigerator/Overnight dill

These are soaked in a brine for a short period of time (overnight to a few days) in the refrigerator.

Sweet Pickles

Sweeter than other pickles as they are made with sugar, vinegar, and spices.

Bread & Butter Pickles

Bread & Butter pickles tend to be made with vinegar, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and celery seeds.
They have a tangy taste with sweet notes.

Candied Pickles

As their name implies, these are pickles soaked in a syrupy sugar &vinegar solution for at least a week.
They are much sweeter than sweet pickles because of the sugar concentration of the soaking solution.

Gherkin Pickles (baby pickles)

Gherkins are made from small cucumbers with bumpy skin. These cucumbers are mainly used for pickling.
Gherkins are usually jarred whole.

Cornichon

This is the French word for “gherkin”.
Some varieties of cornichons are sweet, and others are brined with tarragon.

Sour pickles

These pickles are fermented not with vinegar, but in a brine of water and pickling salt.
There are two varieties – half-sour and sour. The latter is fermented for twice as long as the former.
Actual fermentation times depend on the company, but they are said to range anywhere between a week and a few months.
Some sources say that if they are eaten before six weeks, they are called half-sour. After that time, they are termed sour.

There are other pickle types, including some unusual ones such as Kool-Aid pickles and Cinnamon pickles. However, the pickles mentioned above are the ones you will most likely see in your supermarket. I hope this Tip will help you as you stare at the supermarket shelf trying to decide what to buy.