Apple cider vinegar is a very common ingredient. For the longest time, people have associated it with healthy living. Manufacturers make the cider vinegar by fermenting apple cider. Apple cider vinegar contains yeast and sugar. It also has other ingredients, but we will not get into the details today. Apple...

If you are reading this, you have probably come across one or several recipes that call for vermouth. What is vermouth? Vermouth is a type of fortified wine. It is flavored with spices and herbs. Some of the spices and herbs infused in vermouth include; cinnamon, cardamom, chamomile, marjoram, cloves,...

I occasionally make Italian cuisine so it is safe to say that I interact with plum tomatoes a lot. Plum tomatoes are the go-to tomatoes in Italian recipes. They are used in sauces, tomato pastes, gravies, and also in salads. I personally don’t use plum tomatoes in salads because I...

The vanilla flavor has always been one of a kind. It is one of the baking essentials. Vanilla gives depth to dishes and also balances the flavors. It is used in ice cream, chocolates, baked goods, coffee, and even nuts. Vanilla bean paste is a thick paste that has a...

Leeks are vegetables that belong to the Allium family. In terms of appearances, they look like large scallions. Leeks are a common ingredient. I have come across several recipes that call for leeks including salads, stews, soups, and several other cooked dishes. You can either add leeks to your dish...

First things first, what is cooking sherry? Cooking sherry is a grape wine that has been fortified with brandy. It has an alcohol content of 12 to 17 percent but they sell it as a food item in the United States. Apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, fruit juices, other wines,...

For the longest time, cooks have used chicken bouillon granules to add flavor to various dishes. They are often used in place of chicken broth. You get a similar flavor without the inconvenience of homemade chicken broth or the expense of canned chicken broth. The convenience of chicken bouillon granules...

Cooking sherry has always been a must-have in my kitchen. I love how it enhances the flavor of every dish it is added to. Cooking sherry has some alcohol content in it, but the alcohol evaporates when you cook your dish and leaves a distinct sherry flavor. Cooking sherry lasts...

I first came across bulgur several years ago when I had tabbouleh, an amazing Middle Eastern salad that I came to learn has been around for thousands of years. This salad contains onions, tomatoes, herbs, and bulgur wheat. The salad tasted amazing. I had to ask what was in it,...

Red curry paste is one of my favorite ingredients. It comes in very handy when I am making a marinade for chicken, red meat, or fish as well as a stir fry. Red curry paste is basically a mixture of Thai red chilies. Manufacturers make it by mixing dried red...