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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    Are You Choosing the Right Type of Shrimp for Your Recipes?

    There are many types of shrimp available but not all are quite the same. Find out what shrimp—or prawns—are right...


    How to Clean Leeks the Easy Way

    Leeks are a hugely versatile veggie. Learn how to quickly clean and prep this delicious ingredient with tips from our...


    15 Things You Need to Know About Drinking Beer

    It's always beer-drinking season! Here's how to drink beer and order the perfect pint on your next visit to the...


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    12 Ways to Hack an Ice Cube Tray

    This one-dollar kitchen tool is a lot handier than you thought. Here are a dozen things it can do beyond...


    Here’s Why You Should Always Bake with Room-Temperature Eggs

    If you skip this step, you may be disappointed with the results.


    Boneless, Bone-in and Spiral Ham: What’s the Difference?

    Spiral ham might be a fan favorite, but it's worth getting to know the other types, too. Your taste buds...


    Can You Freeze Ham After It’s Been Cooked?

    Can you freeze ham on the bone? Yes! Here's our take on safely freezing leftover cooked ham.


    Are Rhubarb Leaves Really Toxic?

    The answer is more complicated than you think.

    The Best Fish to Buy Instead of Tuna, Halibut, Mahi Mahi and More

    It doesn't matter what type of fish your recipe calls for—we know the best fish to substitute!


    Can You Freeze Cheese? Yes—Here’s What You Need to Know

    You can freeze cheese to make it last longer. Here's how to freeze shredded cheese, sliced cheese and even blocks of...


    Grass-Fed vs Corn-Fed Beef: What’s the Difference?

    Can't decide whether to pick up grass fed vs corn fed beef? Here's what we know.


    11 Frozen Foods You’re Probably Storing Wrong

    Help your favorite frozen foods last longer with these smart storage tricks.


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    Your Complete Guide to the Different Types of Butter

    It's no secret that butter makes everything better. Get the lowdown on all the types of butter in our guide!


    Here’s When to Use a Glass or Metal Baking Pan

    Does it matter whether you use a glass or metal baking pan?


    You’re Probably Throwing Away the Secret Ingredient to Mind-Blowing Soup

    We've got good news: That crusty Parmesan rind you've been tossing is just as flavorful as the rest of the...


    Sick of Stirring Peanut Butter? Try This Simple Trick.

    Natural peanut butter keeps its ingredient list simple, just like this hack for no-stir satisfaction.


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    How Do You Know When a Cheesecake Is Done Cooking? The Wobble Test!

    How do you know when that cheesecake, creme brulee or other custard is finished baking? Just give it a (gentle)...

    Here’s What You Need to Know About Halibut

    Let's talk about why halibut deserves a place in your weekly dinner rotation.


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    20 Essential Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesecake

    Learning how to make cheesecake can be a challenge. These tips will help your dessert turn out perfect.


    4 Mistakes We All Make When Cooking Mushrooms

    Love mushrooms but can't quite cook them to perfection? Learn what mistakes to avoid when cooking mushrooms to get the...


    10 Things Grandma Never Told You About Making Meatballs from Scratch

    Grandma was a pro at making meatballs from scratch. Here are some of her best-kept-secrets for getting them just right.


    15 Things You Need to Stop Doing TODAY to Make Your Food Taste Better

    Ever wonder how to make food taste better, like the kind you'd have at a restaurant? Professional chefs do things...


    The One Thing You’re Not Doing with Your Cast-Iron Skillet (Yet!)

    When you're craving a rustic, golden pie that's flaky and delicious, reach for your trusty cast-iron skillet!

    Does Cooking Burn Off All the Alcohol in a Recipe?

    Flambe away? Not so fast! How much alcohol is really burned off? We've got the scoop.


    6 Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Instant Pot

    You already love the Instant Pot. Just wait until you know the techniques that will bring your Instant Pot cooking...


    Why Saving Your Pasta Water Is a Step You Seriously Shouldn’t Skip

    Pasta water is the secret ingredient most people forget about adding to their sauce. Here's why you should save it.


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    This Surprising Ingredient Makes Roast Chicken SO Tender

    Want to make your dinner extra-delicious? Here's why cooking chicken in milk should be your next culinary trick.



    Your Guide to the Different Kinds of Peppercorns

    Pepper adds pleasant heat and crunchy texture to our favorite foods, but do you know the difference between black, white,...