Cooking Basics

Unfamiliar with popular ingredients, terms and techniques? Take a look at our comprehensive A-Z guide to cooking.

Most recipes can be converted for a convection oven.

When you cook at high altitudes, recipe adjustments are necessary to ensure the best results possible.

Microwave timing varies, but follow these general guidelines for heating foods.

Our guide to the workings of the cleaver.

Knowing how to cook starts with knowing how to chop.

Make the most of intensely flavored dried herbs with these tips.

These highly perishable seasonings require a little extra TLC. Here are simple ways to do it.

Zest is appropriately named, as it adds flavor and life to all sorts of recipes.

Dried mushrooms are a simple way to add a rich, earthy, aromatic flavor to recipes.

Nutritious brown rice is easy to make and versatile to use -- it just takes a little longer to cook. Follow our coo...

Spices -- the seeds, bark, roots, fruit, or flowers of plants -- add flavor and color to savory dishes.

The use of fresh herbs is one of the hallmarks of fresh-tasting, flavorful cooking.

Traditionally, vinegar is what gives vinaigrette its bite, but you can use fruit juices to replace some of the vine...

Vinegar adds zip to salads, marinades, sauces, and more. Sample these types to find your favorites.

Take the math out of measurements with our simple conversion chart.

Simmering a pot of homemade chicken broth takes minimal hands-on time and rewards you with its rich, cooked-from-sc...

Learn how to make this flavorful base for homemade soups, stews, and sauces.

Made of equal parts flour and fat mixed together and slowly cooked over low heat, roux is used to thicken stews, so...

Rich, classic pan gravy adds the perfect finishing touch to many chicken dishes. Follow these easy directions to ge...

Here are some guidelines when using flour and cornstarch for thickening sauces.

The home cook can choose from a variety of ranges.

Organize your utensils and pantry items to make cooking easier.

A well-stocked kitchen includes a variety of pots and pans. You'll want these to make your favorite recipes.

An A-Z guide to countertop appliances that you can't do without.

All bakeware is not the same. You should know the difference between baking pans and dishes.

The art of wok maintenance.

For gorgeous peel- and pith-free citrus sections that add flavor and sparkle to fruit compotes, salads, desserts, a...

Whether sweet and colorful or spicy-hot, all peppers come from the capsicum family and contain seeds and membranes....

Recipes often call for softened butter, which mixes well with the other ingredients. Butter at this stage is also i...

Stir-frying is a great way to bring fresh meals to your table fast. These tips will have you stir-frying up sparkli...

Many of nature's tastiest and most colorful fruits have pits that need a bit of help to remove. Follow these pittin...

Roasting vegetables in a very hot oven gives them a caramelized exterior and flavor while keeping the inside moist...

Sauteed chicken is a cook's convenient standby for any night of the week. This method is weeknight quick but can al...

Sauteing onions concentrates their natural sugars, so as the onions soften, they also take on a glorious sweetness....

Sauteing mushrooms sears the outsides to a lovely and flavorful brown while keeping the insides juicy. Learn the se...

Fruits and vegetables bring lots of great things to the table: fresh flavors, vivid colors, and needed nutrients. M...

Baked chicken legs are the ultimate in effortless, budget-friendly cooking. Simply season and pop them in the oven,...

Take an extra minute to prep fresh garlic for your recipes. The slightly spicy, pungent flavor of fresh garlic, whi...

Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be more challenging than it should be. Follow these tips to make it easy every time.

The large, hard oval seed in the center of a mango can make it a challenge to peel and harvest the juicy flesh. Her...

Shake up a quick salad dressing and love the homemade difference. The recipe for vinaigrette can be as simple as oi...

Making your own sausage patties allows you to flavor them as you like and make them more healthful than purchased s...

Tiramisu means "pick me up" in Italian, but to most of us it means an amazing dessert that layers espresso, ladyfin...

Butter melts very quickly in a saucepan or in the microwave oven. Follow these tips for melting butter, plus learn...

Exotic-looking pomegranates are just as interesting on the inside. The nutrient-rich, crimson-color seeds offer ple...

When your bread machine does the mixing, kneading, and baking, it's a breeze to make homemade breads. Follow these...

Simmering a pot of homemade chicken broth takes minimal hands-on time and rewards you with its rich, cooked-from-sc...

Start with your largest skillet for this much-adored Italian braise. Chicken, mushrooms, and onions slow-simmer in...

Two ingredients and a skillet are all you need for caramelized onions. Sauteing onion slices slowly in butter until...

Fennel adds a fascinating anise flavor and pleasing crunch to many dishes. Here’s how to slice it to use in soups,...

Green onions add color, crunch, and a mild onion flavor to an endless variety of dishes, including salsas, salads,...

Whether it's a spoonful or a sprinkle, herbs add personality to all sorts of dishes, from appetizers to main dishes...

A relative of both garlic and onion, leeks have a milder flavor that's distinctive in all sorts of dishes. Leeks lo...

Learn how to bake a potato and you'll always have an inexpensive, filling, and nutritious solution for a piping-hot...

Cooking fish can be as simple as turning on your oven and baking it for a few minutes until tender. Learn how to pr...

Baking salmon is an easy way to prepare it that requires little hands-on effort. Simply season the salmon and pop i...

Regal crab legs, with their rich, sweet meat, are ideal for entertaining and special occasions. Since they are almo...

Cooking potatoes in boiling water is a first step for making mashed potatoes, potato salad, or a simple side dish....

There’s nothing more appetizing than coming home to the aroma of meat braising until ultra-tender. Chefs love this...

Need dinner on the double? Quick-cook vegetables, meat, or fish until golden by sauteeing in a small amount of fat....

Whether you have memories of eating roasted chestnuts from a street vendor or just dream of sampling them, you'll b...

Brining is the simple secret to a moist, tender turkey. Plus, it enhances the bird's flavor. Start with a stir-toge...

Browning ground beef is an essential bridge to mastering many recipes, including tacos, chili, sloppy joes, and las...

Butterflying a lobster tail means to cut open the hard top shell through the meat. This is easy to do and helps the...

At first appearance, a globe artichoke looks tough and inedible, but the real goodness is buried beneath the rugged...

Keep skinless, boneless chicken breasts on hand, and you'll always have something quick and satisfying to eat for d...

Pork ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they are also conveniently versatile. Roast ribs in the oven, braise...

Beef brisket is a relatively inexpensive cut of meat, but yields delicious results. It requires a long cooking time...

Harvest the seeds from your jack-o'-lantern or pie pumpkin to make a tasty toasted pumpkin seed snack.

Make a perfect batch of light, fluffy white rice every time with a few basic tips.

Tri-tip steak is a versatile beef cut for grilling, broiling, and skillet-cooking. It is lean, tender, full of flav...

Take advantage of fresh sweet corn when it's at season's peak by cutting it off the cob. Once cut, there are endle...

Fresh tuna steaks are versatile and easy to cook. Follow these tips and directions for grilling, skillet-cooking, a...

From simple pan-fried fish to Southern fried catfish, check out our best recipes, tips, and techniques for flavorfu...

Need a quick and delicious way to cook that package of pork chops in the refrigerator or freezer? Fry them -- in a...

Fried potatoes are the classic comfort food. Whether you're making a special weekend breakfast or you need a hearty...

Salmon fillets and steaks are naturals for both charcoal and gas grilling. The key is to get the timing right so th...

This Italian chicken dish is special enough for company but quick enough for a weeknight one-dish meal. Spoon a mus...

Breakfast on the fly can include a freshly cooked egg. You can poach or scramble an egg in less than a minute in yo...

It's no wonder why meatballs are so beloved served as an appetizer, sauced over pasta, or simmered in soup. They ar...

Whisk together a four-ingredient egg batter for weekday-simple French toast that cooks to a luscious golden brown i...

Dish up versatile polenta right from the saucepan when it's soft and creamy, or spread it in a pan, chill it, and s...

Blanching means to plunge a fruit or vegetable into boiling water for a short amount of time before transferring it...

There's more to cabbage than coleslaw. This versatile veggie makes a quick-cooking side dish that's inexpensive, he...

Braising, which is actually slow simmering, brings irresistibly tender and boldly flavored results to this meaty cu...

Discover how this classic oven method can be used to quick-cook meats, poultry, seafood, and, even more surprising,...

If you are planning to make muffins, pancakes, waffles, or quick breads, pay close attention. The order and manner...

A tender, meaty beef pot roast has a top spot on the list of America's favorite comfort foods. The good news is tha...

After sauteing or roasting meat, make a simple gravy or pan sauce by incorporating the browned bits that stick to t...

Give your food a crispy coating with a technique called dredging. Also referred to as breading, it means to dip foo...

When it's your turn to host, there's nothing as easy and impressive as a delicious baked ham. Even better, give it...

A popular drink, the mojito is a combination of citrus and mint flavors that complement the smooth, potent kick of...

The Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen has tested thousands of chili recipes and knows what it takes to make an...

Whether you're pleasing a crowd at a potluck or looking for a simple side dish to go with a sandwich at home, baked...

Chunky chowder provides a satisfying base to showcase fish, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. Here are master recip...

A breakfast casserole is one of the easiest and most satisfying dishes to serve to friends and family. Here's how t...

Coffee cake is a broad term for a moist, tender-crumbed sweet that pairs with a cup of coffee in a most satisfying...

One of the most versatile recipes around is chicken salad, and it's no wonder: It makes a delicious lunch sandwich,...

Learn what chefs already know: Crab cakes are a user-friendly way to savor just about any kind of crabmeat. Serve t...

Eggs Benedict, a showy restaurant favorite, is also a luscious brunch entree to make at home. We'll show you how to...

One of the most comforting foods around, Chicken-Noodle Soup hits the spot for an easygoing one-pot supper -- or wh...

Bring this Florida favorite recipe home! Sweet-tart Key lime pie is quite easy to make and can be completed 24 hour...

Pancakes are more than a meal -- they're an interactive experience that turns breakfast into fun. Fortunately, the...

When you need to feed a crowd, pulled pork makes plenty. Or plan to make a big batch and freeze the leftovers. Eith...

Tart or sweet, cold or hot, punch is the ideal solution for relaxed entertaining. No need to take drink orders -- j...

From a spring brunch to an elegant holiday gathering, quiche is always a welcome guest. Learn the basics, then chec...

When you want an especially dramatic cake, go for this three-layer red velvet beauty. The tender cake layers are de...

Oven-roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and browns them in the most appealing way, with little...

Find out how the simple technique of searing can give meats, poultry, fish, and seafood that golden restaurant look...

A kitchen that's well stocked with dry goods, canned goods, and condiments can often make the difference between co...

Add aroma, color, and flavor to your food by using herbs and spices. Herbs come in fresh and dried forms and can be...

Keep these refrigerator and freezer staples in constant supply to prevent last-minute trips to the grocery store. T...

These yummy cookies require only three ingredients to make. Enjoy the classic version or one of the variations for...

Mushrooms brighten so many dishes with their earthy freshness. Before cooking mushrooms or adding them to favorite...

A little food coloring can transform icing into an artist's medium for decking out cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and mo...

Add a global vibe to your cooking using these popular and healthful Asian beans.

Thanks to its divine tenderness, filet mignon is one of the most sought-after cuts of meat. We'll show you how to c...

Leafy greens brim with nutrients and great flavor. Here's how to cook them up.

Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients that can be prepared in a variety of inspired ways, from simply boiling to making...

The little but mighty lentil is a nutrient powerhouse that stars in soups, salads, side dishes, and more. Learn how...

A hot bowl of oatmeal can come in many forms, from quick-cooking oats to steel-cut oats cooked in a slow cooker. Ch...

Okra lovers, look no further! We'll show you how to braise or fry this favorite Southern veggie to perfection.

You've heard about the health benefits of quinoa. Now find out how to bring this superfood to your table in fresh,...

With a little know-how, you can cook restaurant-quality scallops at home. We'll show you four different ways to fix...

Why wait for the holidays to bring yams to your table? You can serve this tasty, nutritious, and super-versatile ve...

Homemade croutons take just a few minutes and are a tasty way to use day-old bread. Make them in the oven or a skil...

Great for gift-giving, homemade marshmallows are a fun do-it-yourself project. Our step-by-step directions take the...

Homemade noodles are much easier to make than you think -- and you don't even need a pasta machine (though you can...

No need to head to a restaurant to order fried onion rings! You can make them at home -- all you need is a little k...

These light and crisp waffles mix together quickly and offer plenty of opportunity for tasty stir-ins and toppers.