Featured Cooking TipSeasoningsBreaking the Myth about MSGWhat is monosodium glutamate, and should you be worried about eating it?
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a naturally occurring salt that packs a savory punch. It is present in many umami-rich foods, such as Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. It was first produced as a seasoning salt and flavor enhancer in 1908 by Japanese researcher Kikunae Ikeda. Ikeda isolated glutamate in kombu and realized that it gave foods a pleasurable savoriness; he named that flavor “umami.” He then synthesized and packaged MSG as a shelf-stable salt. It has since become a widely used flavor enh…
From the Latest Issue
Got a cooking question? We have answers.
Browse our best cooking tips
Can You Use an Immersion Blender in Place of a Jar Blender?
We answer the question if they are interchangeable.
Published: April 2021
Why You Should Use Bottled Lemon Juice in Jellies and Jams
Why do jam and jelly recipes often call for using bottled lemon juice as opposed to fresh? Wouldn't they taste better with fresh?
Published: February 2021
Choosing Eggplants
Some believe they should choose male eggplants at the store because they are less bitter than female eggplants. Is this true?
Published: February 2021
Feel the Fire: Decoding Chili Sauces
What are the differences between sriracha, sambal oelek, and chili-garlic sauce?
Published: February 2021
Is Mayonnaise Better Than Butter on Grilled Cheese?
We’ve heard of using mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of grilled cheese sandwiches. Does it really work, and is there any benefit?
Published: December 2020
Why You Should Salt Onions Before Caramelizing
When caramelizing onions, is it better to add salt before or after they’re caramelized?
Published: December 2020
The Easiest Way to Mash Butternut Squash
If you hate having to peel and chop squash before mashing, there is an easier way.
Published: December 2020
Does Rinsing Your Chicken Help Prevent Contamination?
Should you rinse raw chicken before cooking it?
Published: December 2020
How to Rim a Glass with Salt (or Sugar)
Add a little something extra to your cocktail.
Published: October 2020
The Differences Between Types of Oats
Why do steel-cut oats take so much longer to cook than old-fashioned oats?
Published: October 2020
Carve Turkey Like a Pro
Follow these simple steps for easy turkey carving. And remember—carve in the kitchen, not at the dinner table.
Published: October 2009
How to Tell When Your Turkey is Done
It's important to keep an eye on your bird.
Published: August 2020
The Different Types of Cured and Smoked Salmon
How do smoked salmon, lox, nova lox, and gravlax differ?
Published: June 2020
Habaneros and Scotch Bonnets: What's the Difference?
Are habanero and Scotch bonnet chiles the same?
Published: June 2020
How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter
Here are some tips on how to use your charcoal chimney starter.
Published: June 2020
How to Make Homemade Seasoned Rice Vinegar
Can you use unseasoned rice vinegar in a recipe that calls for seasoned rice vinegar?
Published: May 2020
Is Double Concentrated Tomato Paste Different from Regular Tomato Paste?
If a tube of tomato pasta says that it is “double concentrated” should you only use half the amount called for in recipes?
Published: May 2020
Slicing on the Bias: What It Is and How to Do It
Some of recipes call for slicing foods such as carrots and scallions on the bias. What does that mean?
Published: May 2020
What Are Oysters in Roast Chicken?
They're the tastiest bits of meat in a roast chicken. Here's why.
Published: February 2020
The Difference Between Spearmint and Peppermint
It's in the looks and the flavor.
Published: February 2020
Tips for Getting the Best Sear on Scallops
Is there a preferred method for cooking sea scallops?
Published: January 2020
How to Clean Mushrooms
What's the best way to clean mushrooms? Is it OK to wash them, or will the water make them soggy?
Published: January 2020
What Is Canadian Bacon?
What's the difference between regular bacon and Canadian bacon?
Published: January 2020
How to Mail Cookies with Minimal Damage
Want to mail cookies as gifts this year? These packing tips will ensure their safe arrival.
Published: October 2019
How to Whip and Fold Egg Whites For the Perfect Cake
Whip correctly, fold gently.
Published: July 2019
Does Vent Placement on Charcoal Grills Really Matter?
The configuration of the top and bottom vents matters more than you think.
Published: July 2019
How to Remove Meat from a Cooked Lobster
Removing lobster meat from the shell is messy work—but it's worth the effort.
Published: July 2019