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.

Add Filter


    14 Crazy-Good Things to Stir into Your Yogurt

    Sure, granola is the star. But I dare you to try these other fun yogurt mix-ins!


    What is Miso? The Secret Ingredient That Will Pack Your Recipes with Flavor

    With a helping of miso paste, you can transform any dish into something exquisite.


    Here’s Why You Should Never Wrap Your Leftovers in Foil

    Aluminum foil is for baking, not storing leftovers.


    Here’s Why Your Oven-Roasted Vegetables Aren’t Working

    Oven-roasted [insert your favorite vegetables here] are easy, healthy and oh-so-good! But if your vegetables have burnt edges (or turn...


    Tout icon

    30 Christmas Cookie Decorating Ideas to Try This Year

    Looking to make some spirits bright this holiday season? These Christmas cookie decorating ideas are sure to cheer up any...


    The One Place You’re Forgetting to Check Your Bread for Mold

    The spots on moldy bread can be sneaky—there's one place you're not checking for mold but should be.


    Tout icon

    What Is Masa Harina?

    You'll find corn tortilla and tamale recipes calling for this specialty flour—but what is masa harina?

    How to Add Fresh Herbs to Your Salad—and Why You Should

    Sure, romaine, iceberg or spinach will make a great base for a salad, but let's be honest—the flavor can be,...


    How to Prevent the Most Common Cake Mistakes

    Sometimes our favorite cake recipes fall flat. Learn how you can fix flat (and dry and uneven and sticky) bakes...


    19 Foods You Didn’t Know You Could Freeze

    From parsley to tomato paste, these freezer-friendly foods just might surprise you.


    This Is the Best Mason Jar Hack We’ve Found

    This so-easy mason jar hack will blow your mind!


    Tout icon

    Is Your Oven Working Properly? Here’s How to Find Out.

    To make sure your oven is ready for everything you'll throw at it (or in it), remember three things: Calibrate...


    What Are Dates? Our Guide to the Fresh Fruit

    Yes, dates look like raisins—but they're actually a fresh fruit! Learn more about why dates deserve a spot in your...


    12 Easy Cocktail Garnish Ideas That Will Make You a Better Home Bartender

    You can be a pro bartender at home, no problem. Just use our cocktail garnish ideas to serve up sharp-looking...


    8 Mistakes You’re Probably Making with Homemade Gravy

    The process of learning how to make gravy is fraught with mistakes. Here's how to fix 'em!


    The Secret Technique for Getting Big Flavor out of a Tiny Can of Tomato Paste

    Who knew there could be SO much flavor in that tiny little can?

    Tout icon

    How to Make Cheese Crisps and What to Use Them For

    It's so easy to make a batch of cheese crisps—and they are crunchy low-carb heaven.


    Marzipan, Fondant and Almond Paste—What’s the Difference?

    Trust us: You're not the first person who has wondered, "What is marzipan? Or fondant? Even almond paste?" These three...


    14 Christmas Cookie Baking Hacks to Help You Win the Holiday Season

    Between shopping for gifts and entertaining guests, the most wonderful time of the year can get pretty stressful. Save time...


    Tout icon

    9 Things to Know About Freezing Cookies

    So you're planning ahead, intending to get a head start on all of this year's cookie-baking—kudos to you! The freezer...


    9 Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes With Royal Icing

    That colorful coating might look pretty on your Christmas cookies, but royal icing can be, well, a royal pain. Here...


    The Serious Reason You Should Never Store Potatoes in the Fridge

    When it comes to potatoes, sticking them in the refrigerator could increase your risk of cancer.

    Tout icon

    How to Make a Perfect Cake Roll

    We love pretty spiraled cake rolls, but they can seem pretty daunting to make. Find out how to make a...


    Flaked Coconut vs. Shredded Coconut: What’s the Difference?

    If your recipe simply calls for "coconut," what type of coconut do you choose? Here's your guide.


    This Secret Trick Lets You Cut Cake Layers Like a Charm

    Here's how to cut cake layers like a boss...with no knives or expensive gadgets required!


    How to Use Different Pie Thickeners

    A juicy fruit pie is the perfect way to end any meal. Wondering which thickener to use? We'll help you...


    11 Types of Frosting All Bakers Need to Know

    There's a whole world of tasty frosting beyond the canned stuff. Learn how to make all the best types of...


    9 Clever Things to Do When Your Cake Gets Stuck to the Pan

    It's a major bummer when a cake gets stuck to the pan, but don't let all that precious time—and cake—go...