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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    8 Ways to Perk up Your Ice Cubes

    Use our ice cube ideas to add a spark to your favorite drink with fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables or...


    How to Grill Scallops for the Perfect Summer Dish

    Simple, easy and delicious: the perfect recipe. Learn how to grill scallops for your new favorite summer dish that's as...


    How to Microwave Leftovers (Without Destroying Them)

    Whether it's last night's steak or Sunday's quiche, we've found the best way to heat up your favorite meal one...


    How to Store Cherries in the Fridge or Freezer

    Whether you'll be eating them right away or keeping them for later, here's how to store cherries so they're crisp...


    What’s the Difference Between Evaporated and Condensed Milk?

    You likely have both of these staples in your pantry, but how do they differ? Learn all about both types...


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    The Craziest Ingredients Grandma Put in Her Chocolate Cake

    Leave it to Grandma to dream up these inventive recipes! Each of our top-rated chocolate cakes include secret ingredients you'd...


    What Are Desperation Pies, and Why Are These Vintage Treats So Hot?

    “Desperation pie” may sound alarming, but these vintage pies are downright delicious—and they’re making a comeback!


    8 Cooking Lessons We Learned from Julia Child

    Anyone can be a better cook with these down-to-earth tips from beloved home chef Julia Child.

    Why High Elevation Makes Cakes Fall (and How to Fix It)

    Here's how to avoid a cake fail when you're doing high elevation baking at 3,000 to 7,000 feet above sea...


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    The Secret Technique to Making the Best Sandwiches on Earth

    Making a truly amazing sandwich is as much about the ingredients you use as how you slice, stack and slather...


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    The Easiest Way to Prevent Freezer Burn

    Discover how to get a practically airtight seal on your freezer bags.


    How to Cut an Onion Without Crying

    From lighting candles to biting spoons, you'll never guess which method for cutting onions left us tear-free.


    9 Ways to Use a Salad Spinner That Have Nothing to Do With Salad

    Your salad spinner is not a one trick pony! Find out how you can put this tool to good use...


    9 Spices and Seasonings You Never Knew You Needed Until Now

    Adding spices to your cooking is the best way to add your personal touch to a dish. We've rounded up...


    9 Nifty Ways to Use Parchment Paper Sheets

    Parchment paper should already be a kitchen staple, but when you buy it in pre-cut sheets, you can take your...


    A Guide to the Most Common Mushroom Varieties

    Grocery stores are starting to carry more and more types of mushrooms; here's your guide.


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    13 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Cast-Iron Skillet

    Cast iron can be fickle. Here are some habits to avoid when you're cooking.

    11 Tricks to Cooking Without a Recipe

    Go ahead, break the rules!


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    How to Pick the Best Sweet Corn

    Picking the freshest corn at a grocery store or farmer's stand might be even easier than you'd think.


    9 Surprising Soup Toppers

    Ready to bring your bowl to the next level? Forget the oyster crackers! Top your soup with something unexpected.


    10 Secrets to the Best Guacamole of Your Life

    These expert tips will really take your guac game to the next level! We talk about how to prevent browning...


    9 Pro Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Salads at Home

    Have you noticed that homemade salads are never as good as restaurant salads? A former restaurant chef shares her secrets...


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    Sugar Cookie Tips for the Best-Ever Treats

    Looking to make your best batch yet? These sugar cookie tips ensure you get soft, chewy cookies with every bake.

    12 Genius Ways to Use Rubber Bands in the Kitchen

    We all love gear that makes our lives just a little bit easier. Rubber bands are the ultimate low-key tool...


    10 Things You Should Do with Mushrooms

    Packed with vitamins and minerals, it's plain to see why mushrooms should be a part of your diet. Here's how...


    What Is Mirepoix and How Do You Use It?

    What is mirepoix? Simply put, it's an aromatic shortcut every chef should know how to use for the best savory...


    7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Canning

    Canning mistakes not only waste your time, but they can be dangerous, too! Luckily, each one of these mistakes is...


    7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Chicken

    Hate it when chicken breasts are dry and tough? Tweak your technique to make sure your chicken stays juicy and...


    12 Cheesecake Mistakes We’re All Probably Making

    Is there anything better than homemade cheesecake? If you avoid these common cheesecake mistakes, you can make sure yours is...