Recipe times – why are they so often unrealistic?

August 7, 2024July 21, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

When you make a recipe, do you rely on the times listed in the recipe, whether it be prep time, total cooking time or cook time for just one particular step? In my classes, I often find the students religiously using a timer and expecting it to tell them when a specific step is done. That is one thing that can lead to recipe failure in your kitchen. I have been known to take times out of a recipe to force students to rely on their other senses, such as sight, smell, hearing and taste. In this Cooking Tip, I will discuss the dilemma of timing in recipes.

Before we get into the timing issue, let me remind you that not all recipes you will find, especially online, are well-written and accurate. I have written a prior Cooking Tip on Recipe Cautions that you might want to read.

Most recipes list different times—prep time, times for individual steps, and total cooking time. When I read a recipe, I ignore the prep time, as it can be very misleading. I might glance at the total cooking time, but I pay more attention to the timing of different steps. Although they might not be accurate, they give me a better estimate of how much time I will need to prepare a dish.

Let’s discuss why the timing listed in recipes might not be correct and what you should do to be successful. Many variables affect how long it will take you in your kitchen to prepare a dish from start to finish, and those variables often mean your real cooking time is different from the recipe’s.

Organization – what the French call mise en place – is very important to how long it will take you to complete a dish.

If your kitchen is disorganized, you will spend more time looking for an ingredient, the correct pot/pan, or a kitchen tool. None of that will be included in the recipe’s prep time, as the writer assumes you have all you need readily available.
How quick and efficient are your knife skills? I do not advocate trying to be a lightning-quick chopper/slicer. However, the more you practice, the quicker you will naturally get. And, the more efficient you become in achieving the proper and similar-sized results, the less additional chopping you will have to do. The recipe writer probably assumes you have good knife skills. If you do not, you will need to add extra time to the recipe.

What is included in the prep time?

You might think that the estimated prep time includes gathering all your ingredients and preparing them as instructed to get ready for cooking. It certainly doesn’t include the “gathering” stage.
Some recipes may include all the washing of vegetables, chopping, slicing, peeling, and measuring in the prep time, but others do not. When they do not, I am not sure what they think “prep” involves, but you are going to need to significantly lengthen their estimate for prep. Unfortunately, I have never seen a recipe that states what is and what is not included in prep time.
If the recipe says to use 4 tablespoons of butter at room temperature, most likely the recipe developer assumes the butter is at room temperature when you start cooking. If it is not, guess what? Your start-to-finish time will be longer as you wait for your butter to come to room temperature. And, yes, those recommendations are generally necessary to the recipe’s success. See this Tip for more explanation.

Equipment

A good recipe will include the type and size of pot/pan you will need. However, you will probably not have the exact same pot. Using a smaller or larger pot can affect the cooking time. A smaller pot decreases the surface area, and since the liquid in that pot will be deeper, it can take longer to cook. Cooking risotto in a smaller diameter pot will take much longer than if you cook that same risotto in a larger diameter and shallower pot.
How sharp are your knives? Just as with your knife skills, using a dull knife can increase the prep time, and that does not even talk about the danger of dull knives.
The oven temperature and its accuracy may greatly affect cooking/baking times. If your times are significantly different from the recipe, you should seriously consider checking the temperature of your oven with an accurate oven thermometer. Even if your oven registers the correct temperature, it may cook/bake differently based on its air circulation and whether you use the convection mode or not.
Cooktop temperature – low, medium, medium-high, and high on your cooktop can mean different things to different people, and even setting the dial at a similar setting as that recommended in the recipe can produce a different heat output on a different stovetop.

The Cook’s Skill

You get quicker at an activity whenever you are more skilled at it. Recipe developers are very experienced. Therefore, it probably takes them less time to go from start to finish than you will. It has been shown that cookbook and recipe writers frequently underestimate start-to-finish times.
This is especially true if you have never made the recipe before. If that is the case, add at least 15 minutes to the recipe’s timing.

Environment

The ambient temperature of your kitchen might mean it will take you longer than the recipe states. We all probably know that cooler kitchens lead to longer proofing times. However, cooler kitchens also mean your pantry ingredients, such as flour, will be cooler. Therefore, even if you place your item in a temperature-controlled proofer, cooler flour means a longer proofing time. The recipe writer is most likely making time estimates based on his/her environment, which may not match yours.
Altitude – those who live at a higher altitude know that certain dishes will take longer to cook, especially whole grains and beans. Unless the recipe states it was developed at a high altitude, assume it was not. That means more time for you.

Ingredients

Besides the ingredients’ temperature, the food’s size will also alter the cooking time. Does diced onion mean the same thing to the recipe writer as it does to you? If the food is larger than the one used in developing the recipe, cooking time can be longer.
The thickness of the meat is very important. If your meat cut is thicker than the recipe calls for, it can take much longer to cook.

Follow your senses, not your timer.

Because of the above, if a recipe says a specific step will take a certain amount of time, do not rely on that time. As Bon Appetit puts it, “When you’re following a recipe at home, cook to the indicator, not to the time.” For example, the recipe might say, “sauté onions for 3-5 minutes or until they are softened and golden.” The indicator after that “or until” is so much more important than the “3-5 minutes.”
Use your senses to tell when you have completed a particular step. Does your pan and the ingredients look as indicated? Is the aroma as stated? If the recipe says something like “softened,” taste it. There is no better way to determine texture than by tasting.

Timers

Does that mean you should throw your timers out? No, they have a place, especially when something is in the oven. I always set my timers for less time than the recipe states and then check what I am cooking.
For meat, invest in a good food thermometer. That is one piece of equipment that is bound to improve your results in the kitchen. It is not just for meat, though. Bread, casseroles, and candy are just some other items that will benefit from cooking to the proper temperature.
If a timer does nothing else, it will help you not forget that you have something on the stove or oven.

As I mentioned in the Tip on Recipe Cautions, a recipe failure might not be your fault. It might be the fault of the recipe writer. Timing is something over which you have control, and I hope this explanation will help you as you evaluate a recipe and its stated timing. It might not be what you expect!

Kitchen Towels – more to them than you think

July 31, 2024July 28, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

Do you give much thought to your kitchen towels? I have a drawer full of all kinds. Some are lovely towels that very good friends gifted to me. Others are ones I have had so long that I have no idea when or where I obtained them. Others are seasonal that I only pull out for Christmas, Thanksgiving or the fall season. I must admit that some of these towels are more absorbent and seem to do a better job. Are there certain things we should look for when buying and using kitchen towels? Are some brands superior to others? Let’s look at that topic in this Cooking Tip.

Before looking at what makes a better towel, reviewing my Cooking Tip on Kitchen Sponges would be helpful. Because of the risk of pathogens flourishing in kitchen sponges, we should probably use more kitchen towels instead of sponges as long as we take care of the towels properly.

As with sponges, towels can also be a breeding ground for pathogens. Wet surfaces are more susceptible to bacterial growth, so kitchen towels should always be laid out or hung up to dry between uses.

They should also be swapped out frequently, probably every few days. If they come into contact with raw meat or eggs, swap them out as soon as you wipe up the spills. They should be laundered and allowed to dry completely before being put back into use. For the best sanitation, a hot water wash is recommended. Hot water is also better for stain removal. The downside (besides the energy cost) is that hot water will lead to more shrinkage of the towels. I suspect most of us throw our towels in a dryer after laundering, but one advantage of air drying is that it reduces the piling of the towels.

When you go to the store to buy kitchen towels, are you drawn to the pretty colors and patterns? I know I am. However, there are more important considerations, such as the type of fabric, the type of weave and the size. Let’s look at the pros/cons of different types before looking at favorite brands.

Fabric – Most dish towels are made of cotton, linen, microfiber or a blend.

Cotton

Pros – cotton towels will be soft, more durable than other fabrics, and very versatile.
Cons – cotton towels take longer to dry and are prone to piling and leaving lint behind.

Linen

Pros – linen towels quickly dry and are much less likely to develop piles or lint. They are also durable.
Cons – the major con is that they are pricey compared to cotton towels. They can also feel scratchy for the first few uses

Microfiber

Pros – microfiber towels are relatively inexpensive, very soft, and ideal for shining delicate glassware.
Cons – many people use their kitchen towels as pot holders to remove hot items from the oven. Microfiber can melt when exposed to high heat and should not be used for this purpose.

Weave – Towels can be woven in different patterns. They vary depending on how the strands of material are interlaced to form the fabric. There might be a simple, plain weave, a waffle weave, a basket weave or a terry cloth weave. Although you might not care about identifying the exact weave, the weave will manifest in how the towel looks, feels and performs.

Cotton towels with a plain weave will be thinner. They won’t be as absorbent, but they are great for delicate tasks such as drying glasses. They are also excellent for wringing out moisture from your shredded veggies (such as zucchini) or for just placing your washed produce so it can dry.
Waffle weave towels will have a square or rectangular pattern. They tend to be thicker and more absorbent.
A basketweave is said to strike a balance between strength and absorbency.
Terry cloth is the easiest to identify. It is very absorbent but is the most prone to piling and linting.

Size somewhat depends on your storage space and your personal preference. People who do a lot of towel drying of dishes like larger towels as they can dry more dishes with just one towel. America’s Test Kitchen prefers towels that are 30 inches long by 20 inches wide. Another consideration is to remember that most towels will shrink some after being washed. So, the size you end up with will be smaller than what you buy. For people like me, who do minimal towel drying of dishes, smaller sizes are better as they are easier to store and dry.

What should you look for in a kitchen towel?

Absorbency
Durability
Easy to clean
It is thick enough to use as a pot holder without being too bulky. This is a minor consideration for me, as I prefer using an oven mitt to a towel for hot items. Others tend to always use a towel, and for them, this is an important consideration.
Usage – Many, including myself, like to have different types of towels for different purposes.
- I always have one very absorbent, usually terry, towel dedicated for hand drying. That is the one I loop through my apron ties every time I cook. It is important, though, to keep that towel dedicated just to hands and not where it will come into contact with food or clean dishes.
- I then have simpler woven towels that I use to set dishes on as they air dry or to put my washed produce on. Since, as I said, I do minimal towel drying of dishes, these towels also work well enough for that purpose.

There are similarities and differences in results from outlets that have conducted rigorous testing of different towels. As you might expect, everyone has their favorite towel. A few towels, though, tend to rise to the top of the ratings over and over.

Zeppoli Dish Towels

These towels are considered the workhorse of many professional kitchens, particularly because they can be used for multiple tasks. They can be used not only for lint-free dish drying but also for hand drying, wiping counters or appliances and as potholders.
They are made of 100% cotton and are 14”X25”.
They come in a few different colors and are simple yet attractive towels.
They are relatively inexpensive as compared to other highly rated towels.
The one negative is that they can take a long time to dry.

Williams Sonoma Towels – multiple sources highly rated two different WS towels.

WS Classic Stripe Towels

Made of 100% cotton in a basketweave pattern, these towels are available in several different colors and the size is 20”X30”.
They are strong and absorbent, although not as much as terry towels.
Stains come out easily.
They dry more quickly than other towels.
They tend to be rough, but they will soften with washing.
They are more expensive than the Zeppoli.

WS All-Purpose Pantry Towels

Made of 100% cotton with a tighter weave.
Available in multiple colors with a size of 20”X30”.
They have a waffle texture on one side and terry on the other.
Top rated by TheKitchn.com and Wirecutter. The latter states they are the best combination of absorbency, durability, attractiveness and price.
They are very durable.
Some users preferred the classic striped ones, as the all-purpose ones are rougher and a bit thick for delicate drying tasks.

Utopia Towels Kitchen Bar Mops Towels—If you want an inexpensive towel for cleaning purposes, these bar mop towels may be the thing.

They are a terry cloth made of 100% cotton, making them very absorbent.
They come in multiple colors and are 16”X19”.
They may not be the best for dishes as they tend to leave lint on the surfaces. They are better for wiping up spills and drying hands.
Besides the lint, other negatives are that they are not the most durable, take a long time to air dry, and are not very attractive.

Different sources rate other towels as their favorite, but the above were the ones that were rated the highest and most often.

Do you give much thought to your dish towels? If not, maybe another look is in store for you. I hope the above information will be helpful as you replace some of your dish towels.

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Beets – Pretty, Nutritious & Delicious!

July 24, 2024June 30, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

I am making a lovely tart for tonight’s dinner that contains two ingredients that can be polarizing for some people – beets and goat cheese. I have already written a Cooking Tip on Goat Cheese. In this Cooking Tip, let’s explore the wonderful world of beets, known in Europe as beetroot.

Beets are a root vegetable, but one in which you can eat the entire plant – the bulb, stem and leaves. They are full of healthful nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

There are different types of beets, but the ones we find in our stores and on our plates are garden beets. Other varieties include the sugar beet (from which we get 55% of our sugar) and mangold beets, which are used in livestock feed. Even among the garden beets, there are different varieties, although you probably won’t know the variety unless you grow them yourself or buy them from a farmer’s market.

The most common variety in the market is the red beet. Some markets may sell golden beets. A third variety is Chioggia, also known as Candy Cane Beets. They are an heirloom variety from Italy and have pink and white concentric circles on the inside. Although not impossible to find, they are much less commonly sold in the average supermarket.

Most stores also sell vacuum-packed cooked beets. Their flavor is comparable to fresh beets, but canned beets are not as good a substitute for fresh.

The flavor of beets is said to be sweet but earthy. Many ask if the different colored beets taste differently. America’s Test Kitchen tested red beets, golden beets and Chioggia beets. They tasted them raw, roasted and marinated. Their tasters thought that the golden beets were less sweet and more earthy. The Chioggia were rated mild but with a bitter aftertaste.

My husband grows both red and golden beets. I love the look of the different colors, but we also thought the red beets were sweeter in a side-by-side test.

When shopping for beets, look for medium-sized ones, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Larger ones may be a bit more tough. Look for ones without blemishes or dents. If you have the choice, buy them with the greens still attached, as they will probably be fresher. Once you get the beets home, cut off the greens and store them separately. Wash the greens, wrap them in paper towels and put them into a plastic bag. Store the beets unwashed in plastic bags in the refrigerator. The greens will last a few days in the refrigerator, but the beets can last up to a month.

Preparing them is not difficult, but it can take some time, depending on your chosen method. They do not need to be peeled, but leaving the skin on can result in a tough texture.

Roasting

This is my preferred method. It takes the longest but is practically hands-off. Wrap the beets in foil and put them on a sheet pan in a 400°F oven for about an hour or until they are tender. Remove them from the oven, allow them to cool and then rub away the skin. Quartering the beets before roasting will speed up the cooking time.

Microwave

Peel the beets, cut them into ½-inch pieces, put them in a microwaveable bowl with a splash of water and cook, covered, for about 15- 25 minutes, depending on their size.

Grill

Heat your grill to medium-low heat. Clean, peel and cut the beets horizontally into ¼-inch slices. Toss the slices in olive oil, place them on the grates, and lightly salt them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flip and continue cooking until tender.

Steam

Cut the unpeeled beets into ½- to 1-inch cubes. Bring a small amount of water in a pan to a boil. Put a steamer basket in the pot, add the beets, cover and steam until tender, 10-30 minutes. Remove from the basket, cool and peel.

Boiling

Beets cooked in boiling water will be less intense in color and leach some nutrients into the water. However, many like this method. Place whole beets in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, 20-45 minutes. Remove the beets from the simmering water, put them into an ice bath to cool and stop the cooking, and peel.

Raw

Beets are perfectly edible in the raw state. However, as they can be tough, they should be sliced very thinly or grated. Another option is to use a spiralizer.

Instant Pot

If you cook your beets this way, there is no need to peel them. The skin is barely noticeable after cooking in an Instant Pot. Leaving the skin on also means extra nutrients.

Beet greens

The beet greens can be eaten raw, but others prefer a quick sauté in butter or oil. Garlic is also a nice addition. It helps to separate the stems and cook them for a few minutes before adding the greens.

Besides the storage advice given above, cooked, peeled beets can be frozen for 8-10 months.

Some people do not like the red beets because they stain hands and cutting boards. However, there are ways to deal with this.

To prevent staining:

Wear gloves.
Coat your hands in oil – just ½ teaspoon rubbed on your hands is enough.
Prevent your cutting board from staining by giving it a light spritz with a cooking spray before cutting the beets.

Removing beet stains:

Wash your hands as quickly as you can in hot, soapy water.
Scrub salt and soap into your hands and then wash.
Rub a bit of whitening toothpaste into the stain and then wash.

What is your favorite way to prepare beets? As mentioned above, I prefer to roast them. You can then eat them just with a bit of butter and lemon juice. Or, add the beets to salad greens and pour over a flavorful vinaigrette along with nuts and goat or feta cheese. Here are a couple of great recipes.

What a pretty and tasty way to get your nutrients!

Cooking Tips · Techniques

Reverse Searing – Advantages & Drawbacks

June 26, 2024May 28, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

If you cook a lot of meat, you know the importance of getting a good sear on it. It results in a tasty and crunchy exterior but also leads to the development of fond, the foundation of a great pan sauce. Searing is a fairly easy procedure, and most of us do it exactly the same way. The subject of this Cooking Tip, though, is about turning the searing process on its head in something called Reverse Searing.

Reverse Searing is a technique developed for cooking steak but can be used for other proteins such as burgers, chicken or entire roasts. Regular searing involves heating oil in your pan until it is very hot, putting your meat in it and allowing it to develop a beautiful brown crust on all sides. Depending on the size and cut of the meat, you might finish cooking it on the stovetop or in the oven.

In reverse searing, the meat is first gently and slowly cooked (usually in an oven) to a desired internal temperature. It is then removed from the oven and quickly seared in a hot pan stovetop before serving.

Advantages

The meat cooks more evenly and can prevent the gray band of over-cooked meat that often develops just under the surface.
The meat is less likely to overcook. Of course, you do need to monitor the internal temperature to ensure over-cooking does not occur.
The meat is said to be more tender and softer.
The low heat is not equipment-specific. Although the oven is the typical way of cooking the meat, others use a smoker, indirect grill, or even sous vide.
The time in the oven dries out the surface, allowing for a good sear. Many feel, though, that the crust is not as good as in a regular sear.

Drawbacks

This method is only meant for thick pieces of meat, at least 1.5 inches thick. It will not work well for thinner cuts.
The meat takes much longer to cook.
Many do not think it produces as good of a crust as with a regular sear.
The cooking process involves more pots/pans.

The procedure

Pat the meat dry.
Season with salt and pepper and place on a rack, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 2-24 hours. (See this Cooking Tip for more information on this method of seasoning.)
Preheat oven to 200° – 275°F.
Place meat on a rack over a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven until it reaches your desired internal temperature. Some recommend cooking until the meat registers 15 degrees below your desired level of doneness.
Remove the pan from the oven.
Heat oil in a heavy pan on the stovetop until very hot.
Place the meat in the pan, adjust the heat and allow it to sear. Then, flip and sear the other side.
If desired, add aromatics such as shallots, thyme, garlic, and basting with butter for a couple of minutes.
Let meat rest and serve.

Is reverse searing worth changing your routine and planning for extra time? Only you can answer that. You will read that it is the perfect way to cook a steak and the only method to get the best steak ever. However, there are as many who have tried it and then gone back to their normal process of searing as there are proponents of the method. What about you? Have you tried it? Do you recommend it or not?

Cooking Tips · Techniques

Plating like a chef!

June 12, 2024May 20, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

When you go out to a restaurant, and they present you with an artfully plated dish, your expectations that it will taste good go up. Those who know me know that making things look pretty is not a skill I possess. If I want a nice garnish or some other touch on the plates I am serving to guests, I call my husband, who is much better with things that require a bit of manual dexterity. This Cooking Tip on how to plate food is for those who want that wow factor when you serve your guests. I don’t think it will help people like me, but you never know!

Dishes

Most chefs will tell you successful plating starts with the plate/dish. There is a reason most restaurants serve food on white dishes. It is a plain background on which you can do your artistry. However, you do not have to feel constrained by this if your dish’s colors/patterns complement and do not distract from the food.

Other considerations besides the color are the size and shape of the dish. There is no one correct size; it should be large enough to hold the food without looking like there is too much empty space but not so small that it covers the entire plate. Successful plating involves a certain amount of negative space.

Some like to match the shape of the dish to the food, such as using a square plate with slices of lasagna. Others like to contrast shapes. Use what is most pleasing to the eye for your food.

Food placement

The classic style puts the main ingredient in the center of the dish, with the side dishes arranged around it. Others like to put that main ingredient just off-center.

Traditional plating involves placing the main part of the meal (typically the protein) at about 6:00, the traditional starch at about 11:00, and the side dish at 2:00. This works best when the sizes of these different items are balanced.

Others like to arrange the food in linear patterns, either vertically or horizontally. The food is placed in parallel or intersecting lines, and garnishes are added to break up the lines. Still another pattern is placing the food on the plate in arcs rather than straight lines.

Odd numbers of items, such as shrimp, scallops, or small bites are considered more attractive than even numbers.

You will undoubtedly have seen the practice of stacking food on the plate to add height. An example would be putting the starch on the bottom, the protein in the middle, and the veggies to top it off. The bottom layer could be your starch in a pureed form, mayo or a sauce. The middle layer could be your protein or a neat dollop of rice or noodles. If the protein is not in the middle layer, it will be in the top layer. Longer items, such as asparagus spears, also look great on top.

Another tip is to slice your chicken, steak or other protein before plating and then arrange it on the plate back into its whole shape but fanned out.

This all takes creativity and practice. Some chefs start by making a drawing of how they want the plate to look. This helps them visualize and then achieve just what they want.

Color

Try to avoid a monotone dish. If you are serving a lighter-colored protein, such as fish, surround it with darker-colored sides and vice versa.

Garnish

Sprinkling on herbs or cheese or even a lemon slice can add a pop of color and increase the visual appeal. When it comes to cheese, rather than grating, why not try making shavings and topping the food with those? Just a drizzle of olive oil or an interesting infused oil can be striking. You could even incorporate edible flowers.

Sauces

Sauces are not always necessary but are an excellent addition. I was taught in culinary school that the proper way to use a sauce is to put it on the plate first with the other items on top. Get creative with how you apply the sauce to the plate. This video has some interesting techniques for the application of sauces. If you are going to use a sauce, do not plate it until just before serving.

Texture

Just as you do not necessarily want all the food to be the same color, you also do not want all the textures to be similar. Adding chopped nuts, sesame seeds, or seaweed flakes adds a certain amount of interest to the mouthfeel.

Wipe the edges

This is just common sense. If some of the items are all over the edges of the plate, it will look messy. Take those few seconds to wipe it clean before putting the plate in front of your guest.

Helpful tools

If you are serious about raising your plating skills, consider investing in some helpful tools. Inexpensive squeeze bottles improve your control over where your sauce goes. Long tweezers allow you to place smaller items exactly where you want them without disturbing the other ingredients. Some chefs like to use food-grade paintbrushes. Ring molds help you achieve that neat, circular placement of the food. Small prep bowls can be used to mold your rice into a neat shape before placing it on the plate. A good set of kitchen tongs will aid you in shaping an attractive nest of pasta on the plate.

Even with my lack of creativity and poor manual dexterity, these tips could help me make my dishes not only taste great but look attractive and appealing. I am sure it would be the same for you. Experiment, have fun and don’t be too hard on yourself!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Roasted Red Peppers – Jarred or Homemade?

May 15, 2024April 26, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

Roasted red peppers are a delicious condiment and a crucial ingredient in many recipes. They are not hard to make, but what do you do if you don’t have any red peppers in your kitchen? Are jarred roasted red peppers a suitable alternative? That is the subject of this Cooking Tip.

Red peppers are a type of sweet pepper. They are wonderful raw or cooked in many different savory dishes. A favorite way of using them is roasting them. There are various ways of doing this in your kitchen.

Oven method

Preheat oven to 500°F.
Line a baking sheet with foil.
Wash the peppers and place them on the baking sheet.
- Many people will cut them in half, remove the seeds and ribs, and then place them flat on the baking sheet.
- Many others like to roast them whole as they feel you are less likely to get burned edges. They also find precut roasted peppers more difficult to peel.
If whole, rotate the peppers every 10 minutes.
Roast until charred on all sides and the skin looks wrinkled, 30-40 minutes.
Once charred, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the peppers to cool before peeling. Placing them in a covered bowl, plastic or paper bag, or even wrapping them in the cooking foil causes the peppers to steam, resulting in a softer texture. Many say it also makes them easier to peel.
Leaving them uncovered to cool will give you a firmer texture.
When cool, remove the stem and seeds, peel them, and use them in your dish as directed.

Grill pan or dry cast iron skillet

Preheat the pan until very hot.
Place the peppers on the pan and cook, turning as they char.
Finish as in the oven method.

Directly over a gas flame

You may also roast the peppers using the flame of your gas cooktop.
Using tongs, hold the pepper directly over the flame, turning until all sides are charred.
Finish as in the oven method.

Broiler

Cut the peppers to lie flat, removing the stem, seeds and ribs.
Heat the broiler with the rack 2½ to 3½ inches from the broiler element.
Line a baking sheet with foil and lie the peppers on the sheet pan.
Broil until the skin is charred but the flesh is still firm, about 8-10 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through.
Finish as in the oven method.

Grill

You may also roast them on a grill, which is the method that will result in the most robust smoky flavor.

Jarred peppers are already roasted until they are charred and then peeled. They are shelf-stable until open. Are they a suitable alternative to homemade ones? Most chefs would say yes in certain preparations.

Make them yourself if you want to put them in salads, on a pizza, or on an antipasti plate. However, if you will be pureeing them into a soup or a sauce, the jarred variety will work fine. Just be sure that you like the taste of them and that you check for any ingredients that might have been added to the jarred peppers.

Supermarkets carry various brands in my area. Here are the ingredient lists for these brands. Note that some contain sugar, and one even contains vinegar.

Mt Olive

Roasted red bell peppers, water, salt, sugar, citric acid

Mezzetta

Peppers, water, sea salt, citric acid

Delallo

Red bell peppers, water, salt, brown sugar, citric acid, calcium chloride

Safeway’s Signature Select

Roasted red peppers, water, salt, citric acid, calcium chloride

Walmart’s Great Value

Roasted red peppers, water, salt, citric acid, calcium chloride

Trader Joe’s Roasted Red Peppers

Red peppers, water, sea salt, red wine vinegar

I looked for taste tests on jarred roasted red peppers. There were only a handful and they disagreed on which brand was best. Another problem with taste tests is that they often taste different brands, making it hard to compare results.

America’s Test Kitchen tasted them plain and in roasted red pepper soup. For plain, the tasters preferred firm, smoky and sweet peppers and those that were packed in a brine of only salt and water. Bottles that contained other ingredients such as vinegar, garlic and olive oil were felt to have an interesting flavor, but they also thought that the vinegar masked the red pepper flavor. In soup, the texture was not important, but tasters still preferred sweet and smoky ones. Those packed in vinegar gave a sour note to the soup. Their two preferred brands were Dunbars and Cento. Further down on their rating was Divina. They did not recommend Mt Olive or Mediterranean, among other brands.

Another taste test showed that Divina came out on top. Looking at the brands America’s Test Kitchen also tasted, they did not like Cento. You will note that this was one of the two preferred brands in the testing by America’s Test Kitchen.

Because there are not many taste tests and the above two are inconsistent, I recommend that you just do your own taste test and find one you like.

Whether you make your own roasted red peppers or buy jarred ones, what do you do with them? Here are a few ideas.

Red pepper sauce – puree with or without additional seasonings. Use on pasta or meat.
Romesco sauce: Pulse in a food processor with olive oil, sherry vinegar, toasted almonds, garlic, salt and pepper. Serve with raw veggies or crackers.
Make a soup.
Use on an antipasti platter.
Add to salads.
Use as a pizza topping.
Make a delicious twist on hummus.
Make a red pepper pesto.
Use in a quiche or scrambled eggs.
Throw in a summer veggie tart.

There is also a difference in cost between making your own and buying the jarred variety. Currently, in my area, one fresh pepper costs $1.59. The jarred ones vary from $2.15 for a 12 oz jar to $4.49 for a 16 oz jar. The first is $0.18 an ounce and the latter $0.28 an ounce. My fresh red pepper weighed 8 ounces. Not accounting for the weight of the peel, seeds and ribs, that price came to about $0.20 an ounce. Of course, with the fresh ones, there is also the cost of the foil, the power to run the oven as well as your time. Considering all of this, we can say that there is not a huge difference in cost between making your own and buying the jarred ones.

Roasted red peppers will last in the refrigerator for a week or two. For longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. I have a bottle in my refrigerator right now that I want to use up. I will be making a pasta sauce. One choice uses red peppers, parmesan cheese, green chili and cilantro. The other one uses peppers, garlic and feta cheese. Which sounds better? What about you? What will you make with your roasted red peppers?

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Smoothies – Friend or Foe?

April 24, 2024April 6, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

Image by Niels Erik Bach Boesen from Pixabay

Smoothies have never been a part of my daily routine. I suspect, though, that many of you do make smoothies regularly. They are one of those items that do not require a recipe. Instead, some general principles will help you make whatever smoothie you want. That, along with a discussion on the healthfulness of smoothies, are the subjects of this Cooking Tip.

Smoothies are thick, creamy beverages made by pureeing together fruits and vegetables with liquid and, at times, add-ins such as nuts and seeds. All smoothies start with two essential ingredients: a base and a liquid.

Popular ingredients include the following.

Fruits such as berries, bananas, apples, peaches, mango, avocado, pear, grapes and pineapple.
Vegetables might be kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, bok choy, Swiss chard, collards, wheatgrass, microgreens, cucumber, beetroot, cauliflower, or carrots.
Nuts and seeds could be in the form of nut butter, or items such as chia seeds, and flax meal.
The liquid can be as simple as water but might also be fruit juice, vegetable juice, milk, non-dairy milk, coconut water/milk, iced tea, or even cold brew coffee.
Dairy items such as cottage cheese or yogurt are common.
Sweeteners might include maple syrup, raw sugar, honey, pitted dates, simple syrup, fruit juice concentrates, stevia, ice cream, or sorbet.
Some people like to add nutritional and herbal supplements such as spirulina, bee pollen, matcha powder, protein powder, and powdered vitamin or mineral supplements.

There are different categories determined by the basic ingredients.

Fruit smoothies usually consist of one or more types of fruit blended with fruit juice, water, milk, yogurt, or ice cream.
Green smoothies usually contain fruit for sweetness, but they also include leafy green vegetables in a larger proportion.
Protein smoothies usually consist of one fruit or vegetable, a liquid, and a significant protein source, such as Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, silken tofu, or protein powder.

Smoothies are popular because they are seen as healthy. They can be very healthy, but they also have some drawbacks.

Here are some positives about smoothies.

They usually contain a significant amount of healthy nutrients.
They help you to eat more fruits and veggies if you do not eat them in the whole form.
They are convenient and portable for those on the go.

Here are some of the cautions.

Sugar—The major problem with smoothies is that they often contain a significant amount of added sugar. This is especially true of commercially prepared smoothies, as opposed to homemade versions.
Calories – depending on the ingredients and the smoothie size, some can contain over 1000 calories, not exactly a low-calorie snack. The suggested serving size of a smoothie is 5 ounces, far less than most people consume.
Fiber—Although smoothies can contain a significant amount of fiber if you make them from whole foods, they still will not contain the same amount of fiber as if you were eating the whole foods without blending them.
Satiety—Although smoothies may be satisfying in flavor, they may be less so in satiety. It is typical for those drinking smoothies to become hungry again soon afterward, particularly if the smoothie lacks protein or fiber.

To make a healthier, more filling, and pleasant-tasting smoothie, follow this advice.

Choose whole fruit, not juice.
Add leafy greens. Research has shown that cooking the greens increases their mineral and antioxidant content. Therefore, steam or blanch them, puree them and then freeze them in ice cube trays. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag.
Try to sweeten only with the natural fruit without adding any other sweeteners.
Increase the fiber content by adding oats, oat bran, psyllium husks, or chia seeds.
Include healthy fats by adding ground flax, chia seeds or flax oil. Alternatively, add nut butter or avocado.
Add protein in the form of yogurt or even a protein powder.
Blend the ingredients in stages. Most recommend blending the leafy greens and liquid together first, then adding the fruits and blending again.
Some will use ice to increase the thickness, but you may also use frozen fruit instead of ice.
Some like to make their smoothies using a 60/40 ratio. That is 60% fruits and 40% leafy greens. For example, 2 cups leafy greens, 2 cups liquid, and 3 cups ripe fruit.
Homemade smoothies are generally much healthier than ones you purchase in stores or cafes. You can control the amount of sugar in them and amp up the healthy ingredients. The most nutritious smoothies utilize whole foods, contain little or no added sugar, and include a balanced amount of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

As the weather is warming up, many people turn to smoothies. Just be aware of what you are drinking and, even if it is a healthful smoothie, it is only one part of a healthy diet that should rely more on whole foods rather than just smoothies.

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Hidden Gluten – Do you know where to find it?

April 17, 2024October 20, 2025 culinaryjourneysllc

I do not have a gluten sensitivity. Nor do I cook for anyone who needs to avoid gluten. I was recently teaching a class where one of the recipes we were using called for chili powder. The only one I had contained flour. That might be surprising to those who pay no attention to gluten. Some call these “hidden” sources of gluten. I decided to write this Cooking Tip on those unexpected gluten sources. I hope it is helpful for those of you who may need to cook for others who need a gluten-free diet.

Gluten is a family of proteins naturally found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. It gives bread its great chew and elasticity. Too much gluten can make baked goods tough; too little can mean a lack of structure. That is all most of us think about when we consider gluten. However, if you have celiac disease or even a gluten sensitivity, it can seriously impact your health.

We all know not to offer bread, pastries, or pasta to someone who needs to avoid gluten. However, gluten can be hiding in many other places of which we should be aware. This is not an exhausting list by any means. It does highlight some of the more common places where you wouldn’t expect to find gluten, but it can certainly be there.

Seasonings

As I mentioned above, gluten may be hiding in your seasonings. If it is a single spice or herb, it is most likely gluten-free. You have to be cautious when it comes to blends. If you are a regular reader of these Cooking Tips, you know I am a big proponent of making your own spice/herb blends rather than buying pre-made ones. See this Tip for more information. Besides the reasons given in that Tip, add this one – you can avoid putting gluten in these blends.

The main reason that wheat starch is put in some seasoning mixes is that it acts as an anti-caking and anti-clumping agent. Common examples of spice blends are curry powder, chili powder and Italian seasoning, although there are many more.

This is why you should pay attention to ingredient labels, which are required to list any gluten-containing ingredient. My favorite spice source is Savory Spice . They state in their website’s FAQ section that most of their spices/seasonings contain no gluten. They also list those details on the product pages.

One of the largest spice companies, McCormick’s, has this statement on its website, followed by a list of 13 different potential allergens.

We are aware of allergies and sensitivities and will always declare the[se] … ingredients on our label in the ingredient statement – they will never be hidden under the notations of “spices” or “natural flavors.”

If you buy other brands, be sure to check their product information as well as the product labels. Be wary of spices sold in bulk bins, as cross-contamination can easily occur with scoops or other items.

One comforting thought comes from celiac expert Shelley Case, RD. She writes the following on BeyondCeliac.org.

“A single serving of a ground spice is typically quite small (about 0.5 grams). So, if a spice had 160 ppm of gluten and an individual ate 0.5 grams of this spice in a meal, the amount of gluten consumed would be 0.08 milligrams (mg). Studies have found that a threshold level of less than 10 mg of gluten per day is safe for most individuals with celiac disease.”

Soy Sauce

Wheat is used in the traditional method of making soy sauce. This Tip talks more about that process. To avoid gluten but have a product with a similar taste, many people choose Tamari. That is the liquid byproduct formed during miso-making. It is thicker and richer than soy sauce and is made just with fermented soybeans but little or no wheat. Because of that, it is touted as a gluten-free soy sauce. However, not all of the brands are totally free of wheat, so you need to check the label.

Salad Dressings & Vinaigrettes

Some may use malt vinegar (another source of gluten), soy sauce or even flour. As always, check the label or, even better, make your own.

Processed deli meats

Some may contain gluten-containing ingredients, which are used as thickeners. Even if they do not, be wary of cross-contamination by the deli workers.

Oats

Many feel oats are a safe gluten-free food. However, there is some concern about cross-contamination when oats are grown in fields next to wheat fields. To be certain, only buy oats that are certified gluten-free.

Potato Chips/French Fries

Although potatoes do not contain gluten, seasonings often applied to them may contain malt vinegar and wheat starch. There is also the chance of cross-contamination if they are fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods.

Marinades & Sauces

Many store-bought products in these categories contain malt vinegar, soy sauce or flour. Even sauces (homemade or in the restaurant) served with meat or veggies are thickened with a roux, which is generally made from butter and flour but can be made with gluten-free alternatives.

Sausages

Sometimes, sausages contain a binder made of flour-based ingredients.

Cooking Spray

Most are fine, but some brands can contain flour. Baking sprays are different and are purposely formulated with flour.

You need to become a label-reading expert. However, the words used will not always be flour or wheat. Here are just a few words that could signify gluten unless it states gluten-free.

Starch
Modified food starch
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed plant protein
Textured vegetable protein
Dextrin
Maltodextrin
Glucose syrup
Caramel
Malt flavoring
Malt extract
Malt vinegar
Brown rice syrup

There are also apps to help you know if a food is gluten-free. One is Fig. You set it up by indicating what foods you want to avoid. Its search function will tell you which foods will be appropriate for you and in which stores you can find them. You can also scan the barcode to see if the ingredients match your dietary needs. The starter version is free. I have not tried this app, but it has good reviews. Another is Spokin, although it is only for Apple devices.

Many websites can be very helpful for people trying to avoid gluten and those of you who cook for them. Here are just a few.

You may not need this information the majority of the time you take to the kitchen. But, for those times you do, I hope you find this helpful.

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Lentils – Not just for vegetarians!

April 10, 2024March 24, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

So many of us are trying to cook and eat in a more healthful manner. I wrote an entire series of Cooking Tips on how to do that. Here is the first one in that series. One way we could all do that is to increase our intake of foods that I suspect we do not eat regularly. One such food is Lentils. What lentils are and what to do with them is the subject of this Cooking Tip.

Some people think lentils are a type of grain. However, they are part of the legume family, similar to beans, peas, and chickpeas. Lentils are a nutritious source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

Although you will probably just see a couple of varieties in your market, there are numerous types. They vary in color from brown to green to black to reddish-orange. Some are considered large, others small, and even others petite.

Most lentils will be sold in a whole shape. However, some, such as red or yellow, are sold as “split.” This means their seed coat is removed, and they are cut in half.

Brown Lentils

These are the ones most commonly found in supermarkets.
Size/shape – large, flat
Color—light brown. Because the brown color can have a greenish tint, they are sometimes called green lentils. Do not confuse these with French green lentils.
Taste – Mild, earthy flavor
Uses
- They are intermediate in their ability to maintain their shape. They break down easier than French green lentils or Beluga lentils, but not as much as red and yellow. To keep them as firm as possible, do not overcook them.
- Use in soups, stews, curries, salads, pilafs or meat replacement dishes.

Green Lentils

Some sources consider these a type of brown lentil, while others describe them as a separate variety. They are not the same as Puy lentils, though.
Size/shape – similar in size/shape to brown lentils
Color – a dusky green color
Taste – earthy but slight peppery quality
Uses are similar to brown but may maintain their shape better when cooked.

Lentilles du Puy (du Puy lentils)

These are only grown in the Puy region of France and are known as French green lentils. Not all French green lentils are grown in this particular region of France. If they do not say “Puy,” they are probably the same variety but grown elsewhere.
Size/shape – smaller and rounder than other lentils. They have a thicker skin than other green lentils, which gives them a firmer texture.
Color – greenish with dark specks.
Taste – If true “Puy” lentils, they will have mineral and peppery notes due to the volcanic soil in which they are grown. This may not be so if you have green lentils grown in other areas of France.
Uses
- They take longer to cook.
- As they hold their shape, they work well in salads and soups, although they may require pureeing in the latter.

Red Lentils

Size/shape—These are often sold as “split,” meaning their coat has been removed, and the inner part has been split in half.
Color – reddish-orange
Taste – Earthy and nutty with floral notes.
Uses
- These cook more quickly than other lentils.
- They break down completely so they can be made into a puree.
- Good in soups and curries.

Yellow Lentils

These are very common in Indian cooking.
Color – yellow
Flavor – slightly sweet
Uses
- They become soft when cooked and can act as a thickener.
- Common in Indian dals, hummus, and as a thickener in soups and stews.

Beluga (black) Lentils

They get their name due to their resemblance to caviar.
Size/shape – very small and sphere-shaped
Color – dark brown to black
Taste – meaty and earthy
Uses
- They have thicker skin, meaning they will retain their shape but take longer to cook.
- Use in salads and soups.

Cooking Lentils

Purchase lentils that are as fresh as possible, as older lentils take longer to cook. If they are very old, they may not soften at all, despite how long you cook them. Some recommend buying from bulk bins as they tend to be fresher due to the more considerable turnover.
Lentils should be rinsed before cooking to remove dust or debris.
You should also sort through them to pick out any pebbles or grit that might be present.
They do not need to be soaked before cooking as they have a relatively short cooking time.
Cook lentils in plenty of water as they will swell in size as they cook.
Bring the water (or broth) to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer to prevent the skins from splitting.
Do not add salt until the lentils are cooked, as it can cause the lentils to stay crunchy rather than soft and tender. Some caution against adding acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, for the same reason. However, others like to add them earlier to aid in flavor absorption.
To add more flavor, add aromatics (onion, leeks, celery, carrots, garlic), spices, herbs, or even meat. Cook aromatics gently first before adding lentils.
Be aware that brown and green lentils will be firmer and hold their shape better, while red and split green lentils will quickly break down.
Cooking Times
- Brown lentils – 20-30 minutes
- French green lentils – 25-35 minutes
- Red and yellow lentils – 15-20 minutes
- Black Beluga lentils – 20-25 minute
America’s Test Kitchen likes to make crispy lentils to top soups and salads. After a short brine (see below), they strain and pat them dry. After heating oil in a pan until very hot, the lentils can be fried until crispy and golden. After removing from the pan, they can be tossed in seasonings of your choice.

Brining

As with other legumes, the skin of the lentils can easily rupture during cooking. To prevent this, America’s Test Kitchen recommends soaking them in a salt brine before cooking. They recommend a teaspoon of salt in a quart of water and soaking for an hour.
Do not brine split lentils since their coat has been removed.
Skip brining if you want a softer, more mushy texture.

Storage

Dried lentils have a very long shelf life. Store in an airtight container away from light, heat and moisture.
Cooked lentils may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

Are you a regular consumer of lentils? I must admit that I am not although my husband likes them in soup. I challenge all of us who are not lentil-eaters to set a goal of trying the different varieties. That is one healthy challenge!

Cooking Tips · Ingredients · Techniques

Japanese Milk Bread – Is it worth the effort?

April 3, 2024March 17, 2024 culinaryjourneysllc

People often ask me if I like to bake or to cook. I always find this question hard to answer as I love to do both. If I was forced to pick one, I just couldn’t do it. Many people, though, find themselves gravitating towards one or the other. If you consider yourself an avid baker, you probably have heard of Japanese Milk Bread. If you shy away from baking, you may not have heard of it. It is a delicious creation, and what it is and why you might want to try it are the subjects of this Cooking Tip.

If you love artisan bread with its thick, chewy crust and interior full of holes, milk bread is not for you. If you only want to eat bread made with whole grains, milk bread is not for you. If, however, you love the guilty pleasure of soft, creamy, slightly sweet white bread, read on.

According to Bon Appetit, Japanese milk bread may have been invented by a British baker who opened a bakery in Japan in 1862. If you have never tasted milk bread, the closest thing you may recognize is white supermarket sandwich bread, although that is not as flavorful or as fluffy as milk bread.

Japanese milk bread is an enriched bread, meaning it contains more than just flour, water and yeast. Enriched breads also contain fat, dairy, eggs and/or sugar.

Other names you may see are Hokkaido milk bread or Shokupan. The latter Japanese term means “food bread.” It is a general term for a loaf that you slice and toast into sandwiches. It has a soft interior with a mild flavor and minimal crust. As it has evolved, today’s shokupan contains more fat than the original.

The key to making this bread is something called Tangzhong, which is a Chinese technique. It is a warmed roux usually made with milk and flour, although some recipes use water and flour, and others use all three. This tangzhong is said to do a couple of things. According to MasterClass, it allows the flour to absorb more liquid, yielding a moister result. The warm liquid also starts activating the gluten in the flour, aiding in trapping the liquid and achieving the final soft texture. It also helps to give milk bread a slightly longer shelf life than other breads.

As a sideline, not all bakers agree that tangzhong is the key to milk bread. Read this post from Epicurious for more information. Since the large majority of recipes use the tangzhong method, I will discuss that.

Besides the tangzhong, the other ingredients are flour, yeast, milk, sugar, butter, eggs and salt. Some recipes will add nonfat dry milk powder, saying it improves the bread’s tenderness and flavor.

Tangzhong – This is made by mixing the flour, milk, and/or water together over low heat until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency and reaches 150°F. It is then set aside and allowed to cool slightly before continuing with the recipe.

Flour – Most recipes use bread flour, although some have developed recipes using all-purpose flour.

Sugar – This gives the bread a sweeter flavor than other breads. Most recipes call for about ¼ cup.

Butter – As with all baking, use unsalted unless salted is specifically called for. Some recipes just have you soften it, while others will melt and cool it before adding it to the mixture.

Egg – Another enriching ingredient that increases the fat content.

Folding/Shaping – After the dough is mixed sufficiently and allowed to rise, most recipes require you to follow a folding technique for shaping followed by a second rise. The folding technique will vary depending on the recipe, so consult the one you are using for their recommendations. The classic baking method is in a Pullman pan, but you can also use a loaf pan or even shape the dough into rolls.

Although most recipes are similar, they can vary somewhat. As with all baking, it is best to follow your specific recipe carefully and use weights rather than volume measurements, if possible. Here are three recipes to try—all from reputable sources. The first two give measurements in weight and volume, while the third is volume only.

Have you made milk bread before? Did you like it? If you haven’t made it, I encourage you to try it. Although it is not the healthiest bread, it is delightful on the palate!