From Marinades to Mix-Ins, Make the Most of Mustard


Updated 05/18/12 8:43 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

How to Cook With Mustard

Source: Flickr User jlastras While mustard's always delicious slathered onto your favorite sandwich, there are so many ways to go beyond the basics and get creative with this common yet versatile condiment. From marinades to mix-ins, there are plenty of ways to make the most of mustard for your next meal. Give your casseroles a bit of bite. From shepherd's pie to mac and cheese, a spoonful of Read more

How to Make Your Own Balsamic Reduction


Updated 04/12/12 12:30 PM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Make Balsamic Reduction

If you're already a fan of making your own snacks, then why not start preparing your own condiments, too? One of the easiest in my book is balsamic glaze: all you really need is a bottle of balsamic vinegar and 10 minutes. Here's how you do it: Pour a cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the heat to a boil without reducing the heat on the stove. At this point, turn Read more

10 Condiments You Should Stock in Your Pantry


Updated 04/02/12 12:09 PM · Posted by · 4 comments

Essential Condiments For Home Cooks

With the right condiments, you can whip up gourmet, restaurant-quality dressings, marinades, and sauces in a snap. These 10 condiments are tried and true, but if you want to branch out, we've also pinpointed some of the most worthy brands you might not be familiar with. Apple cider vinegar, tahini, and Japanese mayonnaise are just a few items you should own if you don't already. To find out why, Read more

When to Toss Spices and Other Pantry Basics


Updated 03/26/12 4:10 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

When to Throw Away Spices and Pantry Supplies

With warmer weather tickling the air, I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and dig into a little Spring cleaning. Sure, there are ovens to clean and counters to scrub, but one task I'm forcing myself to tackle this season is tidying up my pantry and spice rack and clearing out old and expired items. Today I've rounded up some guidelines on how long to keep basic pantry staples and how to tell when Read more

10 Zesty Dishes With Stellar Sauces


Updated 03/02/12 8:45 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

10 Recipes Made With Classic Sauces

Home cooks: how are your sauce smarts? If they're virtually nonexistent, consider advancing your skills with some hands-on practice at home; in this chilly weather, it's one great way to become a better saucier. Begin by familiarizing yourself with dishes that call for classic sauces. From rémoulade to romesco and chimichurri to caramel, we've got you covered. Here are 10 recipes with stellar Read more

Know Your Ingredients: Maggi Seasoning


Updated 01/03/12 2:49 AM · Posted by · 9 comments

How to Pronounce Maggi Seasoning

For years, I'd heard bits and pieces about a flavoring agent called Maggi Seasoning, but it wasn't until recently that I had a chance to see how it's put to use. You may not be familiar with the ingredient itself, but this dark, vegetable protein-based liquid is used to add oomph to scores of popular products worldwide. Maggi (pronounced "maggie") looks a whole lot like soy sauce, but it's, in Read more

Easy Pickling: Farm-Stand Tomatoes


Updated 09/26/11 5:15 AM · Posted by · 13 comments

Fast and Easy Pickled Tomato Recipe

If you can't bear the thought of this year's beloved heirloom and Early Girl tomato crop coming to an end, there are two things you can do to prolong your enjoyment of Summer's sweet and seedy fruits. If you're really itching to enjoy them in a few months, learn how to can them. Or, if you find the idea of pressurizing any sort of jar in boiling water intimidates you, there's always Read more

Why Mayonnaise Could Really Be the Next Big Thing


Updated 11/30/11 10:49 AM · Posted by · 4 comments

Sam Mason Opening Aioli Shop in Brooklyn

Yesterday, news that pastry chef and Dinner With the Band host Sam Mason is opening a mayonnaise shop spread faster than a dollop of Hellmann's on white bread. The chef's shop, Empire Mayonnaise Co., will open in Prospect Heights in Brooklyn this November, and it will be dedicated solely to high-end aioli and mayonnaise. He plans to serve roughly 40 different types of the condiment, ranging from Read more

The Basics: Italian Salsa Verde


Updated 07/18/11 3:20 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

Italian Salsa Verde Recipe

Aside from an ice-cold refreshment, nothing goes better with Summer grilling than an array of fresh sauces and homemade condiments. It's true: a brushstroke of tangy barbecue sauce on ribs or a dollop of aioli on a burger adds a mouthfeel and an element of excitement to basic Summer staples like grilled meats and vegetables. Italian salsa verde is, in my opinion, the most underrated of Read more

Summer Grillout Condiments Galore


Updated 06/26/11 3:40 AM · Posted by YumSugar · 0 comments

Homemade Condiment Recipes

Besides sunny skies and record-high temperatures, what else is in the forecast for this coming week? We predict hamburgers and hot dogs — lots of 'em! — with a light sprinkling of house-made condiments for an extra special touch. From DIY ketchup to homemade flavored mayonnaise, we've got the dressing you're looking for to take your grilling to the next level. Romesco Ketchup Barbecue Read more