Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
• CUSTARD:
• 2 large eggs
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1-1/3 cups half-and-half cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large tart apples, cored, peeled and quartered
• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust

What Is Chinese Cucumber Salad?

Chinese cucumber salad features spiral-cut cucumbers in a soy sauce dressing flavored with garlic, chiles and other Asian ingredients. According to Chinese recipe developer Wei Guo, this spiralized slicing technique is called the coir raincoat method, which originated in Shandong cuisine and mimics the look of a type of Chinese raincoat.

While the salad has become a viral recipe on TikTok, it seems that no two are alike, with many creators featuring their own versions and ingredient combinations.

How to Make TikTok Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pound (about 3) Persian cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1-1/2 teaspoons chili crisp

Directions

Step 1: Slice the cucumbers into spirals

Place the cucumber between two chopsticks—use takeout chopsticks, not your good ones, because they will get a few nicks in them. Make thin slices at an angle down the length of the cucumber. Flip the cucumber over, keeping it between the chopsticks, and make straight cuts from one end to the other, just as you would if you were slicing the cucumber into rounds.

Editor’s Tip: The chopsticks are key because they keep the knife from going all the way through the cucumber, resulting in the spiral shape you’re trying to achieve.

Step 2: Salt the cucumbers, then rinse

Place the spiralized cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt, tossing to coat. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, or until the cucumbers have released some water and become flexible. Rinse thoroughly, drain, and set aside in a serving bowl.

Step 3: Make the cucumber salad dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic and chili crisp. Make sure the sugar is dissolved.

Step 4: Assemble the salad and serve

Pour the soy sauce dressing over the cucumbers. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve!

Here’s What I Thought

I loved the flavor of this cucumber salad and was surprised by the simplicity of the slicing technique—it really works! It’s refreshing, salty, spicy and loaded with umami. You could easily adapt this recipe to your own taste by adjusting the level of spice or amount of garlic, and with additions like sesame seeds or scallions.

Tips for Making Chinese Cucumber Salad

• The more thinly the cucumbers are sliced, the more dramatic the spiral effect will be.
• Don’t skip salting the cucumbers! This is the key to softening them up so they form the spirals without breaking.
• If you don’t have chili crisp, you can use red pepper flakes, fresh chiles or chili paste instead.

The post I Made the Viral TikTok Cucumber Salad, aka Chinese Cucumber Salad appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Italy

Easter is a very important religious holiday in Italy. But unlike Christmas—which is always a family affair—at Easter, Italians most often celebrate with friends. Try your hand at this Italian Easter Bread (aka pane di pasqua), which is often served as part of a traditional meal with Torta Pasqualina (aka Italian Easter Pie).

Mexico

After Easter Sunday Mass in Mexico, congregants spill out into the plazas to eat street foods and begin the Semana de Pascua, a week of family vacation time. Make chicken croquetas and churros to bring Mexican street food flavors to your Easter brunch.

Norway

Norwegians eat more than 20 million oranges on Easter weekend. The tradition is believed to have originated when oranges were only available during their late winter season. They were a harbinger of spring and brighter days to come. Perhaps you’ll choose one of these orange recipes to brighten your holiday table.

France

The French celebrate Easter with lots of chocolate! Would you expect anything else? The windows of chocolateries are filled with exquisite and intricate chocolate creations in the shape of eggs, hens and bells. Don’t have a degree in patisserie? You can make your own chocolate eggs at home filled with an American staple—peanut butter.

Australia

Australia celebrates Easter a little bit differently than we do in the U.S. There’s no Easter Bunny; instead, they have the Easter Bilby, a small, endangered rodent native to the country. But tradition prevails when it comes to hot cross buns, which show up in bakeries weeks before the holiday.

Ukraine

One of the most well-known Ukrainian Easter traditions is the painting of beautiful eggs, known as pysanky, with intricate designs. Painting a pysanka at home may be complicated for beginners, so instead we have some Easter egg decorating ideas for you to try!

Portugal

Almonds symbolize eggs, fertility and spring in Portugal. In accordance with ancient tradition, godparents give sugar-coated almonds to their godchildren at Easter. These tasty cinnamon toasted almonds would be a great way to bring the spirit of this custom into your own home.

Greece

Different parts of Greece have their own unique Easter customs, from throwing clay pots into the streets on Corfu, to having fireworks battles on Chios. But no matter where they are, Greeks love lamb on Easter Sunday. Put your spin on this tradition with one of our lamb recipes.

Can’t enough of Greek flavors? Check out these Greek Easter recipes perfect for all of your celebrations.

Germany

Prior to Lent, Germany celebrates Karneval or Fasching. Cities hold large parades, children dress up in costume and people party in the streets. On Fat Tuesday, do as the Germans do and indulge in jelly doughnuts known as Berliners, krapfen or pfannkuchen before the Lenten restrictions begin.

United Kingdom

In the UK, Fat Tuesday is known as Pancake Day. Pancakes are eaten to use up all the eggs and fats before Lent. They even have pancake races, with people running through the streets flipping pancakes in a skillet. We think homemade pancakes would make a fantastic Easter breakfast!

Austria

Austrians enjoy a baked ham for Easter Sunday lunch. However, it’s not the traditional honey-glazed ham you might make in the States. They bake an entire ham encased in bread dough. It’s a ready-made ham sandwich right out of the oven. Pass the mustard!

Ireland

In Ireland, it’s tradition to clean the house from top to bottom on Good Friday. This accomplishes the tasks of spring cleaning and preparing for a house full of family at the same time. Get your kitchen sparkling for Easter with these cleaning hacks.

Kenya

Good Friday is a solemn day of worship, personal reflection and charitable acts in Kenya. But Easter Monday brings a more joyful and relaxed mood, with Kenyans taking trips to the beach, having picnics and enjoying traditional foods like nyama choma (grilled meat) and chapati, a flaky bread similar to the Indian flatbread known as paratha.

Hungary

Hundreds of years ago in some parts of Hungary, young men would take women to the well and dump a bucket of water on them to promote fertility. Thankfully nowadays, Hungarian men give women perfume instead, then everyone sits down to a meal of hard-boiled eggs, ham and a sweet bread known as milk loaf. Bake some brioche rolls to bring this delicious sweet and savory combo to your table.

Argentina

Holy week in Argentina is filled with processions, street fairs and even rodeo events, depending on the region. Easter lunch is often celebrated with an asado, a traditional barbecue featuring grilled meats of every kind. Whether you’re grilling or not, whip up some zesty Argentinian chimichurri sauce to serve alongside your main course.

Sweden

Easter in Sweden is marked by the tradition of children dressing up like witches and going door to door asking for candy on Maundy Thursday, much like Halloween in America. Lunch on Sunday is a smorgasbord of bite-sized delights. Wouldn’t your guests love some Swedish meatballs on the buffet this year?

Spain

Spain is renowned for its processions during Holy Week, especially the ones in Seville with their legendary pasos. These are large floats carrying life-sized wooden sculptures of characters from the bible. Throughout the week, Spaniards enjoy torrijas, a popular dessert made of bread dipped in milk or wine then fried and served with sugar or syrup. Peruse some of our favorite Easter dessert recipes to get inspiration for your own sweet treats.

Philippines

In the Philippines, the Easter meal might start with a stuffed crispy roasted pork belly called lechon. When it’s time for dessert, families enjoy bilo-bilo, which consists of glutinous rice balls, fresh jackfruit and tapioca pearls swimming in sweetened coconut milk.

The post 18 Easter Traditions from Around the World appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Alabama

JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies, Birmingham

JaWanda began cooking for her family at the age of nine. She learned to make sweet potato pie shortly after she got married, and soon friends and neighbors were requesting them, too. Now JaWanda’s Sweet Potato Pies in Birmingham serves up 15 flavors, including pecan and s’mores, along with other sweet southern treats.

Alaska

A Pie Stop, Anchorage

The grandmother-granddaughter team behind A Pie Stop in Anchorage makes all of their pies from scratch, using locally grown fruit whenever possible. They’ve got three pie recipes with rhubarb, fruit pies and cream pies, plus sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free options. They even have a drive-through window!

Arizona

Rock Springs Cafe, Black Canyon City

Opened as a hotel and general store in 1918, the Rock Springs Cafe is now an institution in Black Canyon City. People come from far and wide on their way to the Grand Canyon to stop in and try famous treats like their towering banana cream pie and delicious mixed berry crumb pie. Can’t make it to Arizona? Here’s how to make banana cream pie at home.

Arkansas

PattiCakes Bakery, Conway

Step through the screen door into PattiCakes Bakery in Conway and you’ll be rewarded with an avalanche of sweet treats to choose from. But the Arkansas possum pie is not to be missed! It’s layered with pecans, cream cheese and chocolate.

California

Pietisserie, Oakland

Jaynelle St. Jean began her pie journey by giving slices away through the window of her mother’s house on Valentine’s Day. She’s still a proponent of “random acts of sweetness,” and now owns Pietisserie in Oakland. Her signature pie has raspberry filling encased in two chocolate crusts. It’s stunning!

Colorado

The Huckleberry, Louisville

Tucked into the historic old Post Office in Louisville, The Huckleberry serves sweet treats made with ingredients from their own farm. You’ll want to sample the peach huckleberry, because peaches + just about any other flavor = great pie. Bring a friend so you can try everything!

Connecticut

Michele’s Pies, Norwalk

Michele of Michele’s Pies in Norwalk wanted to make her grandma’s pie recipes famous, and she has definitely succeeded. Stop by to try her award-winning creations made with local ingredients. They’re all fabulous, but her apple caramel crumb pie made with homemade caramel is a standout.

Delaware

Bing’s Bakery, Newark

It’s a sure bet that Delaware’s longest-running bakery is going to have the best pie. Bing’s Bakery has been operating since 1871, and generations of families come for their baked goods that are made from scratch daily. The banana cream pie is a local favorite.

Florida

Key West Key Lime Pie Co., Key West

Did you expect a mention of any other pie? Key West Key Lime Pie Co. sells pies whole or by the slice, or they will dip a frozen slice in chocolate for you. Yes, please! They also offer baking classes for ages five and up. Can’t get there for a class? Make one of these Key lime pies recipes at home.

Georgia

The Pie Hole, Roswell

Known for their sky-high apple pies, The Pie Hole makes a variety of southern favorites. Try other fruit pies like triple berry and cherry, and seasonal staples like chocolate peppermint, salted caramel and pear cranberry. See what classic pie represents every U.S. state.

Hawaii

Leodas Kitchen and Pie Shop, Lahaina

Local ingredients and tropical flavors shine at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop. Try the Chocolate Haupia Pie, which has a macadamia nut crust and a layer of haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). You’ll also find pies made with guava, dragon fruit, pineapple and local Olowalu limes.

Idaho

Pie Hut, Sandpoint

A local favorite in Sandpoint, Pie Hut serves hand-crafted pies in unique flavors like cinnamon apple cream and Nanaimo bar. But the peanut butter cup brownie pie is a showstopper!

Illinois

The Pie Boss, Aurora

As far as savory pies go, Pie Boss in Aurora takes the, err, pie. This bake shop prides itself on making fresh pies daily, so they offer a menu that gets updated on social media each day the shop is open. Pie Boss specializes in savory South African pies. One flavor customers can’t get enough of? Pepper steak! The dish features savory sirloin steak cooked in a homemade black pepper gravy.

Indiana

Mrs. Wick’s Pies, Winchester

The sugar cream pie, or Hoosier pie, is the state pie of Indiana, and Wick’s Pies has been making them for more than 70 years. You can get a slice at Mrs. Wick’s Restaurant in Winchester, along with 35 other flavors of pie made fresh daily.

Iowa

Crouse Cafe, Indianola

Cozy Crouse Cafe is a real hidden gem in Indianola. While the cafe serves assorted daily pies like apple, peach and coconut cream, it’s the eatery’s cherry pie that has received countless rave reviews. The tender, flaky homemade crust might have a little something to do with it.

Kansas

Spear’s Restaurant & Pie Shop, Wichita

The home cooking at Spear’s Restaurant & Pie Shop in Wichita literally began at home—the family converted a large house into a restaurant in 1956. They have every pie you’d hope for and more. Apple and cherry are big hits, but they’re known for whipped cream pies like coconut cream and peanut butter fudge.

Kentucky

The Whistle Stop, Glendale

If meringue is your jam, then you need to get to The Whistle Stop in Glendale! Their beautiful meringue pies are famous all over the state. Have a hearty southern meal, then try a slice of the butterscotch or peanut butter meringue.

Louisiana

Strawn’s Eat Shop, Shreveport

It’s hot in Louisiana. Maybe that’s why Strawn’s Eat Shop is famous for its icebox pies. The staff has been making them by hand since the late 1950s. During the holidays, they sell up to 500 icebox pies per day at each of their three locations. May we suggest one of these icebox desserts to make at home?

Maine

Hello, Good Pie Bakery and Gourmet Kitchen, Belgrade Lakes

Maine and blueberries go hand in hand, so expect to find some blueberry pie at Hello, Good Pie in Belgrade Lakes. Their pies—including the fruit fillings, curds and caramel—are made from scratch. All this berry talk is giving us an urge to bake up some tasty blueberry treats!

Maryland

The Ugly Pie, Salisbury

The three owners of The Ugly Pie in Salisbury began their business by “borrowing” a local commercial kitchen and making their special order pies overnight. Now at their brick-and-mortar location, you can find unique flavors like Coffee Cream Pie and Bonobo Banana Pie, featuring a dark chocolate custard with fresh bananas and whipped cream.

Massachusetts

Mike’s Pastry, Boston

People flock to Mike’s Pastry in Boston for their famed cannoli, but the pies are not to be missed. Their specialty, ricotta pie, has a sweet ricotta filling between two flaky crusts and has folks standing in line at their North End location to get a slice.

Michigan

Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe, DeWitt

With a slogan like “Eat pie, love life!”, it’s a sure bet that DeWitt’s Sweetie-licious Bakery will satisfy your pie cravings. No less than 50 flavors rotate with the seasons, but you can find the coconut cream pie on the menu every day of the year. It’s hard to resist good coconut desserts!

Minnesota

Betty’s Pies, Two Harbors

Betty’s Pies began as a simple stand selling coffee and donuts to local fisherman in 1956. Now it’s a roadside institution for people on their way to the North Shore. You can order up French silk, toffee cream and blueberry pie. Or try their most popular pie, created by Betty herself, the Lemon Angel.

Mississippi

Sugaree’s Bakery, New Albany

The colossal chocolate meringue pie at Sugaree’s Bakery in New Albany weighs five pounds and is a dazzling sight to behold. The recipe was passed down from owner Mary Russell’s great-grandmother. It’s doubtful she’ll be giving away her treasured family recipe, so plan a visit soon. In the meantime, make one of these chocolate treats.

Missouri

Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, Kimmswick

Located in a small town on the Mississippi River, the Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery is home to a stunning feat of baking. Their Levee High Apple Pie is nine inches tall! Choose the classic version, or go even bigger and get it with caramel and pecans. Then, learn how to make your own extraordinary apple pie from scratch.

Montana

Rock ‘n’ Roll Bakery, East Glacier Park

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Bakery is known for its huckleberry pie and for outfitting guests with all the gear they’ll need to visit Glacier National Park. Stop in for locally roasted coffee and warm pie to fuel up before a hike.

Nebraska

WheatFields Eatery & Bakery, Omaha

A family-owned business in Omaha, Wheatfields Eatery & Bakery serves up whole pie, pie by the slice and even baby pies in fun flavors! Try the Baby Coconut Creme or Baby Chocolate “Moose.” You’ll also find cakes and cookies. Pair them with one of these homestyle recipes from Nebraska.

Nevada

Mix Bakeshop, Reno

If you’re headed to Reno, pop in to Mix Bakeshop for a plethora of pie choices. Their menu includes recipes with a twist. The salted caramel apple pie one-ups the original, and the seasonal eggnog cream pie will have you counting the days until Christmas.

New Hampshire

Just Like Mom’s Pastries, Weare

Just Like Mom’s Pastries began as a home business. They now offer fruit pies, cream pies and no less than four flavors of pecan pie, including bourbon pecan and pumpkin pecan. Owner Karen Car also offers gluten-free and sugar-free pies for those with dietary restrictions.

New Jersey

Red Barn Cafe & Pie Shop, Hammonton

If you’re headed through South Jersey, a historic windmill will point you toward Red Barn Cafe & Pie Shop. In a converted barn that’s more than 100 years old, the Penza family bakes old-fashioned pies like apple crumb, peach and pecan, or go for one of their Sicilian-style ricotta pies with fresh fruit.

New Mexico

Pie-O-Neer Pies, Pie Town

If there’s a pie shop in a place called Pie Town, you’d better stop and get some! Pie-O-Neer Pies has all of your favorite classics, but try their uniquely New Mexico pies with chile, like Chocolate Chess with Red Chile and New Mexico Apple with Green Chile. For an at-home version, try our Peach, Green Chile and Cheddar Pie recipe.

New York

Noble Pies, Warwick

After literally stopping traffic selling pies by the roadside with a sign that read, “Turn back for pie!”, owner Leslie Noble realized she needed a retail location. Noble Pies uses Leslie’s grandmother’s tried and true recipes, and also offers cocktail-inspired pies, like strawberry daiquiri and margarita.

North Carolina

Fayetteville Pie Company, Fayetteville

Seeking to re-create the memories of her grandmother’s kitchen, Leslie Pearson opened Fayetteville Pie Company in Fayetteville and began serving a rotating menu of sweet and savory pies. With choices like root beer float and malted milk French silk, it seems she’s taken Grandma’s pie recipes up a notch!

North Dakota

Deaner’s Diner, West Fargo

Rock ‘n’ roll vibes and 1950s decor characterize Deaner’s Diner in West Fargo. They have all the classic American pies you would hope to find in a diner, from apple to lemon meringue. You can also enjoy a wide selection of omelets and other classic diner fare.

Ohio

Mama Jo Homestyle Pies, Amherst

Ohio is the Buckeye State, so there must be buckeye pie, right? You’ll find it at Mama Jo Homestyle Pies, along with many others like Boston cream pie, cherry pie, even pina colada pie! Their secret? All of their crusts are made with lard, just like Grandma did it.

Oklahoma

Pie Junkie, Oklahoma City

With pies available whole, by the slice or frozen to bake at home, it’s no wonder that Pie Junkie is Oklahoma City’s premier pie shop. Their most popular flavor is the Drunken Turtle Pie with salted bourbon caramel. Don’t miss their specialty whoopie pies on Fridays.

Oregon

Banning’s Restaurant & Pie, Tigard

Growing up on a farm gave the owners of Banning’s Restaurant all of the experience they needed to run a restaurant. They make everything in the restaurant from scratch every day, including the pies. Try the Mudd Pie, with coffee ice cream, chocolate, caramel and whipped cream.

Pennsylvania

Bird in Hand Bakery & Cafe, Bird in Hand

What’s a trip to Pennsylvania without some shoofly pie? Bird-in-Hand Bakery is said to have the best in Lancaster County. This wet-bottom pie made with molasses, brown sugar and cinnamon is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch recipe.

Rhode Island

LaSalle Bakery, Providence

Doing things the traditional way has kept LaSalle Bakery in Providence growing for nearly 100 years. The current owner began working there at the age of 15! Fruit pies, pumpkin pies, caramel apple pecan pie—they’ve got all the flavors you’re looking for. They even bake up dog treats around Christmas.

South Carolina

Strossner’s, Greenville

Run by the same family for three generations, Strossner’s has been making pie, cakes and bread from scratch for more than 70 years. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, but save room for chocolate cream pie or traditional southern pecan pie.

South Dakota

Wall Drug, Wall

There are so many things to see at this famous roadside attraction, but don’t forget about the pie! Wall Drug has been a place for travelers to get refreshments since 1936. Take a break on your way to Mt. Rushmore and get yourself a slice of cherry pie to go with that famous free ice water.

Tennessee

Sweet Creations Pie Bakery, Nashville

Barbara Toms, owner of Sweet Creations Pie Bakery started this business to benefit her community. She now offers six flavors including chocolate chip pecan (yum!), sweet potato, peach and apple. No time to swing by the shop? You can find her three-inch tarts at the Nashville airport. (And get some hot chicken before you leave, too!)

Texas

Royers Round Top Cafe, Round Top

People make pie pilgrimages to tiny Round Top (population 82) to visit Royers Round Top Cafe. You’ll see why when you try their original recipes like Junk Berry, with all kinds of berries and peaches and apples. But don’t leave without tasting their bestseller, the Texas Trash Pie, with chocolate chips, pretzels, coconut, caramel and graham crackers.

Utah

Provo Bakery, Provo

In business for more than 75 years, Provo Bakery‘s original owner trained as an Army baker in Paris during the Korean War. Still operated by the same family, the bakery’s staff will be happy to serve your favorites like chocolate cream pie, coconut cream pie and all sorts of fruit pies, including mincemeat.

Vermont

The Southern Pie Company, Chester

A little taste of the South awaits at Southern Pie Company. Savor a variety of flavors of chess pie, or their maple buttermilk pie for a uniquely Vermont twist on a southern classic. Don’t forget about their pumpkin sweet potato pies in the fall.

Virginia

Livin’ the Pie Life, Arlington

The women who own Livin’ the Pie Life met at a PTA bake sale and soon teamed up to sell pies at a local farmers market. Now you can visit their bakery for seasonal flavors like peach Melba or Silky Gingerbread Pudding Pie. If you’re a savory pie person, their macaroni and cheese pie could change your life.

Washington

The Pie Goddess, Enumclaw

Suzie Sidhu, better known as The Pie Goddess, has been baking pies for 25 years. In her shop, she makes about 50 varieties, depending upon the season. She’s known for her lush bakes, in flavors like chocolate peanut butter banana, butterscotch and chocolate pistachio.

West Virginia

Oliver’s Pies, Wheeling

Each pastry at Oliver’s Pies is hand-rolled by Jim Oliver every morning. He offers whole pies, slices and mini-pies at his location in Centre Market. Stop by for apple or cherry, or try his decadent cream pie flavors including butterscotch and chocolate peanut buttercream.

Wisconsin

Sweetie Pie’s, Fish Creek

What could be better than fresh cherry pie in a county famed for growing them? Sweetie Pie’s uses Door County cherries grown just down the road in all their pies. Each hand-rolled crust is made from unbleached, unbromated flour.

Wyoming

The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant, Jackson

Located in an old blacksmith shop, The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant has been serving up high-quality baked goods for 40 years. Their pies are made fresh daily, using fresh ingredients like strawberries, rhubarb and peaches. Come early, because they sell out fast!

The post The Best Pie Shop in Every State appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Boost Brown Butter Sauce

It’s a given that vanilla and brown butter go hand in hand when you’re baking. The same goes for your savory dishes. The roasty, toasty qualities of the two ingredients can add a new twist to your old favorites. Combine them in this recipe for Cranberry Ricotta Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sauce.

Caramelize Roasted Vegetables

Your roasted vegetables are already caramelizing in the oven, and what goes great with caramel flavor? Vanilla, of course. Vanilla extract can boost the flavor of roasted vegetables in two ways. First, it intensifies their sweetness, and then, the alcohol adds another layer of caramelization as it evaporates. Find more secrets for best-ever roasted vegetables.

Amplify Tropical Flavors

You may not always think about it when you’re baking, but vanilla is a tropical ingredient. So naturally, it will complement the flavors of other tropical ingredients, like coconut. Stir some vanilla extract into Coconut Curry Cauliflower Soup while it simmers. It just might whisk you away to the islands!

Don’t have any vanilla on hand? Neilsen-Massey is our go-to vanilla extract.

Substitute for Wine in Risotto

If you want to make risotto but don’t have any wine, substitute the same amount of stock plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The alcohol will evaporate and impart aroma and flavor, just like wine does. Swap in some vanilla extract to deepen the sweet and earthy elements of this Shiitake and Butternut Squash Risotto.

Cut the Acidity in Tomato Sauce

Vanilla will mellow the acidity and step up the sweetness in all sorts of foods. Italian grandmothers know this, and have been adding it to tomato sauce for ages. Here’s another trick that will step up your homemade sauce.

Magnify the Taste of Maple

Can maple be any better? Only if you add some vanilla! Almost any recipe with maple will benefit from this secret ingredient, especially roasted vegetables that already have a bit of natural sugar. We like to add vanilla extract to this Maple Glazed Acorn Squash recipe.

Add Refinement to Salad Dressings

A subtle hint of vanilla will soften the tanginess of vinegar-based salad dressings. This trick works remarkably well in salads with fresh or dried fruit. Blend some vanilla extract into the dressing of this Mango Grilled Chicken Salad and you’ll feel like you’re eating at a 5-star restaurant. Don’t miss our other salad ideas.

Make Fancy Cocktails

Vanilla tastes so good, don’t you just wish you could drink it? Well, you can! Kind of. Mix in a bit of vanilla extract to balance the tartness of your favorite cocktails, and make them just a little fancier. Give it a shot in this Pomegranate Cosmo.

Enhance Wine Braises

One of the best things about braising meats in wine is the warm aroma that fills the house all day. Use a little vanilla extract to enhance those aromas and add richness to a dish like this Beef Daube Provencal. It gives the recipe that special something no one can put their finger on. Let it be a mystery!

Use it in Seafood Recipes

Vanilla in a seafood recipe? Believe it or not, yes. Vanilla heightens the natural sweetness of the seafood, and pairs well with almost any fish or shellfish. Check out our best seafood dinners to get some tasty ideas for using vanilla extract.

The post 10 Surprising Uses for Vanilla Extract You Haven’t Thought to Try appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Cracking Eggs on the Edge of the Bowl

First things first: Don’t crack your eggs on the edge of the bowl or you may get pieces of shell in your beautiful frittata. Gently tap the egg on a flat countertop, then open it over the bowl. If a bit of shell still sneaks in, use another piece of shell to fish it out. Here’s how to crack an egg (the right way!).

Not Whisking Enough

For scrambled eggs and omelets, the egg mixture should be a uniform yellow, with no white or clear strands left behind. To properly mix eggs, use a fork or whisk and go back and forth quickly, hitting the sides of the bowl with each stroke. Even the simplest egg recipes will look and taste like they came from a fancy restaurant!

Cooking Scrambled Eggs too Fast

Scrambled eggs seems like an easy dish to make when you’re in a hurry. But that’s the thing: You shouldn’t be in a hurry when you make scrambled eggs. When you cook them quickly over high heat, they dry out. They should be cooked slowly over low heat until they turn into gorgeous, fluffy curds. Here is your guide to trying something unique and making boiled scrambled eggs. Don’t worry, it still doesn’t take long.

Adding Milk to Scrambled Eggs

Do you add milk to scrambled eggs? Is that what gives them their creamy texture? Well, no. It actually makes them rubbery and flavorless. If you cook plain scrambled eggs slowly and keep them moving in the pan, you’ll get perfect, creamy eggs. Save the milk for your cookies.

Letting Eggs Stick to the Pan

Eggs are the spackle that holds everything together in our baked goods and breakfast casseroles, but that also means they will stick to a skillet like glue. Be sure to use a nonstick pan when cooking eggs, whether you’re making brunch for a crowd or breakfast for dinner.

Not Using Enough Fat When Frying Eggs

Using a nonstick pan is the first step, but you’ll need some kind of fat in there, too. And don’t be stingy with it! Butter, olive oil or even coconut oil can be used to keep those fried eggs moving, so they go from pan to plate without incident. Go ahead and put an egg on it!

Starting Hard-Cooked Eggs in Boiling Water

Nothing is worse than having a hard-boiled egg crack while cooking. The white comes bursting through the shell, and now your beautiful plate of deviled eggs will never be. Always start your eggs in cool water, so they gradually come up to temperature and cook evenly. Or, you could skip the stove altogether and hard-cook your eggs in an Instant Pot.

Boiling Eggs That Are too Fresh

Sometimes it seems like half of the egg peels off with the shell. That just won’t do. Hard-boiled eggs actually turn out best when they are not too fresh. Then cook them properly, and they will peel easily. Try these tips the next time you peel hard-boiled eggs.

Cracking Eggs Directly into the Poaching Water

When you crack the egg over the water and let it drop right in, the egg separates and goes all over the pan. That might be fine for egg drop soup, but not for an eggs Benedict recipe. Instead, crack the egg into a small bowl or ramekin, then ease it gently into the water.

Poaching Eggs in a Tiny Pot

Poached eggs need a little breathing room to cook evenly. Use a large saucepan or deep skillet with about 3 inches of water, and don’t overcrowd the pan. There’s no need to rush. Hold poached eggs in a bowl of warm water while you prepare the rest of your brunch spread. (Hello, bacon!)

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup brickle toffee bits
• 1-1/2 cups boiling water
• Vanilla ice cream, optional

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 package (5.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 container (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
• Optional: Toasted chopped pecans and chocolate curls