Pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, and during the fall it seems like every single one of them is on display at the grocery store. There are large pumpkins for carving, oddly shaped and colored pumpkins for decorating and smaller pumpkins for cooking. Canned pumpkin is what most of us rely on for baking, since it is so convenient, but you can use fresh ... Read More »
It’s not unusual to see heirloom produce these days at both farmers markets and mainstream grocery stores. Tomatoes, carrots and potatoes – just to name a few – come in all shapes and sizes, and are available in a rainbow of colors. Fruit is a little bit different, however, because even when we buy specialty apples or plums (to pick just two) for their flavor, ... Read More »
Produce tends to be less expensive, more flavorful and more nutrient-dense when it is in season. Off season, fruits and veggies are picked at less-than-optimal ripeness levels in an effort to extend their shelf life – often because they are picked far away from where they will be sold and have a long journey to get there. It is easy to tell when fruits and ... Read More »
You will often see peaches labeled as “freestone” or “clingstone” when shopping for fruit. These terms refer to different types of peaches, not specifically to different strains of the fruit. Many varieties of peaches exist, just like apples and other fruits, but most varieties of peaches are similar in terms of looks and flavor and you’ll rarely see a specific name (other than white or ... Read More »
When you are working with fresh cherries, it is necessary to remove their pits before you can safely put them into a recipe. There are traditionalists who say that you get more flavor when you cook the cherries with the pits still inside (“traditional” cherry clafouti are notorious for this), but anyone who has unexpectedly chomped down on a cherry pit in a pie or ... Read More »
There are two main types of cherries out there: sweet cherries and tart cherries. Sweet cherries, or dark cherries, have a much sweeter flavor and are the type of cherries that you’ll see sold in bulk for eating out of hand. Bing, rainier and sweetheart are just of the more common varieties of sweet cherries out there. Tart cherries have a sharp, tart flavor and ... Read More »
In most desserts, strawberries are used fresh. They’re not known for being a great baking berry, since they tend to lose their texture more than raspberries and blueberries do when they spend some time in the oven. But there are some benefits to letting your strawberries spend some time in the oven, which is why there are some delicious desserts that feature baked strawberries even ... Read More »
Whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for many desserts. Light and creamy, it can provide a good contrast for intensely flavored desserts, such as rich chocolate cakes, and it can also bring all the elements of a summery shortcake together. All you need is heavy cream and a mixer – or a strong arm, if you want to burn a few calories before you ... Read More »
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