Test Kitchen Tips

Our Test Kitchen is full of culinary experts who have picked up plenty of handy tricks and techniques over the years. Check out our favorite cooking tips that’ll make cooking and baking at home easier than ever.

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    The Biggest Mistake You Can Make When Buying Vanilla

    The type of vanilla you buy can have a big impact on your cooking. Learn all about vanilla extract ingredients...


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    How to Peel Tomatoes in 3 Easy Ways

    Our Test Kitchen expert reveals her tips for how to peel tomatoes every which way.


    How to Season Meat Like a Pro

    It's easy to make restaurant-style steak, chicken and pot roast when you know how to season meat.


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    This Is How to Keep Potatoes from Turning Brown

    Need your cut potatoes to look fresh? Learn how to keep potatoes from turning brown with these two tricks.


    The Surprising Reason You Need an Electric Skillet in Your Kitchen

    Look beyond the stovetop! Here's why the electric skillet is staking a claim as one of the most valuable kitchen...


    15 Steak Ingredients That Take Your Steak from Good to Great

    Wondering how to season a steak like a pro? A former restaurant chef shares her favorite steak ingredients, from simple...


    10 Baking Steps You Shouldn’t Skip

    Looking to take shortcuts while you bake? Well, don't skip these crucial baking steps! Find out which steps you should...


    Are You Making This Dangerous Mistake With Your Mandoline Slicer?

    We love our mandoline for getting paper-thin slices of produce like cabbage, radishes and apples. Not so much our fingers!

    What Size Roasting Pan Do I Need? Here’s How to Choose.

    What size roasting pan will deliver the most delicious turkey? What other factors should you consider? We've put together a...


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    The Ultimate Guide to Baking Pies & Tarts

    We'll show you how to make pie and tart baking, well, easy as pie! We've got all the techniques you...


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    The Ultimate Guide to Baking Cupcakes

    Learn the ins and outs of this sweet treat with our comprehensive guide to cupcakes.


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    The Ultimate Guide to Baking Cheesecake

    Making cheesecake doesn't have to be intimidating. These recipes, tips and techniques will help you make a restaurant-quality dessert at...


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    13 Best Apples for Apple Pie

    Some apples are good for snacking, and others are better suited for baking. These are the best apples for apple...


    Here’s What to Do When You Don’t Have a Sifter

    Should you skip the sifting step just because you don't have a certain gadget? You won't need to ask once...



    Bean, Paste or Extract: Are You Using the Right Kind of Vanilla for Your Recipe?

    When the choices include whole beans, vanilla bean paste or many types of vanilla extract, how do you know what's...


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    10 Mistakes You Might Be Making with Eggs

    We love eggs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But is your scramble a bit watery? Is your sunny side down?...

    This Is How to Cut a Slice of Pie the Right Way

    This easy method promises picture-perfect slices every time.


    The Essential Guide to Wine Pairing with Salmon

    You might be surprised at how few rules there are for wine pairing with salmon.


    This Is the Real Difference Between Refined and Unrefined Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil is a staple ingredient in recipes, plus it can be used as a natural beauty product. Let's look...


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    What’s the Best Tomato Paste Substitute?

    Tomato paste is one of those ingredients that can be hard to keep stocked. When you're in a pinch, these...


    How Long Do Leftovers Last?

    Wondering how long cooked chicken lasts in the fridge? Or a leftover slice of pizza? Food expert Peggy Woodward lets...


    How to Find Your Microwave’s Wattage

    Not sure how to find your microwave's wattage? You're not alone. This task is often not as easy as it...

    How to Store Cake Pops (the Right Way!)

    The perfect pop is rich and moist. Find out how to store cake pops so you can savor every bite!


    The Gross Reason You Need at Least Two Cutting Boards

    Bacteria can thrive in unexpected places—which is why you need separate cutting boards in your kitchen. We got the full...


    9 Mistakes You Might Be Making When Cooking Fish

    Planning on making fish for dinner? Learn what not to do before you start cooking.


    Should I Worry About Condensation on Food Container Lids?

    What's up with all those water droplets on the lid of your leftovers? If you see them when you take...


    What’s the Difference Between a Pinch, a Dash and a Shake?

    We love vintage cookbooks, but sometimes we need an exact measurement when trying a recipe for the first time—not just...


    7 Ways You’re Shortening the Life of Your Refrigerator

    Believe it or not, it is very easy to break your refrigerator. These 7 common habits could be taking years...