cream

French fries, tater tots, and even the humble baked potato all like to get dressed up with a special dip to match the occasion. Ketchup, mayo, or sour cream are common condiments, but they can get a little humdrum. Instead of playing it…

Brining is an excellent way to season poultry. It imparts flavor and can safeguard against moisture loss in a protein that’s often at-risk for dryness. Instead of relying solely on good ol’ salt (which doesn’t provide much flavor besides,…

The Super Bowl is fast approaching, and I’ve got one thing on my mind: small hot dogs. Not isolated, of course, but tucked into salty carbs. Pigs ‘n blankets, or sausage rolls if you please, deserve to be in the starting lineup that is your…

I haven’t done one of those genetic history tests, but I know the results would reveal my ancestors to be very pale and mostly Irish (or some combination of Irish and Welsh). But honestly, I feel about as Irish as a plate of Irish nachos,…

In the world of food deals, it’s a bit of a secret that Valentine’s Day is actually among the best days for food deals. That is, at least in part, because you don’t need a significant other to score some good food (for two) at a good…

Taco Bell is offering their “new” Crispy Melt Taco for “free” until Feb. 15. I write that with some skepticism, as it’s questionable whether the CMT is actually new, and you can only get it for free if you are willing to buy a bunch of…

The first time I made frangipane was in culinary school, and I remember thinking “Oh, this should go in everything.” It was so magical in flavor and texture that I immediately appreciated its potential, but expressing my awe was the…

Eggs are expensive right now. I know it. You know it. Allie knows it. But they still cost less than a lot of other things. For what it’s worth, I can still find conventional eggs at Fred Meyer, a Kroger chain, for under $3 a dozen. (There’s…

Cinnamon and chocolate are not inherently sweet. In fact, they’re both pretty bitter (one’s tree bark for goodness sake), but add some sugar, and you’ve got two of the most popular dessert flavors. If ground up bark can get a pass, other…

There’s something for everyone this week in the world of young people culture, whether you like post-apocalyptic drama, shaming creepy dudes at the gym, or pretending to be a wizard in one of them damn vidja games.Read more...