Kitchen Tips

Mezcal and tequila are celebrated Mexican spirits, each with a unique history, production process, and cultural significance. While they are often confused due to their common agave origin, both are types of agave distillate, yet the two beverages have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of mezcal and …

Scallions, also known as green onions, are a popular ingredient in many dishes, adding a mild onion flavor and a fresh, green crunch. However, there are times when you may not have scallions on hand or need a substitute due to availability or dietary preferences. Luckily, there are several great alternatives that can offer similar …

Grits are a staple of Southern cuisine, loved for their versatility and comforting texture. When it comes to cooking grits, the preparation methods play a crucial role in understanding the differences between yellow and white grits. But when it comes to choosing between yellow grits and white grits, many people wonder—what’s the difference? While both …

Out of eggs but craving that perfectly crispy fried chicken? Don’t worry—there’s more than one way to achieve that golden crunch without cracking a single egg! Fried chicken is a classic dish known for its crispy, golden coating and tender meat. Many traditional recipes call for eggs as a binder to help the flour or …

This post is all about how to make ceviche. It’s a breakdown of the basics as well as a roundup of recipes that highlight the versatility and regional differences of a great dish whether it's served as an appetizer or light and delicious meal. What is ceviche? Ceviche (pronounced "seh-VEE-chay") is a raw seafood recipe …

Cotija cheese, a staple in Mexican cuisine, is known for its salty flavor and crumbly texture. It's a versatile cheese that enhances a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads. However, when Cotija cheese is not available, there are several excellent substitutes that can mimic its unique characteristics. This article explores the best Cotija cheese …

Plantains are a versatile and beloved ingredient in many cuisines around the world, but knowing how to ripen them properly can be a challenge. This post offers a comprehensive guide on how to ripen plantains using various methods, and how to prepare them once they've reached the perfect level of ripeness. Whether you're aiming for …

Do you love the subtle, herby flavor of bay leaves? But have never been able to find any when it comes time to cook? You're not alone! Whether because of limited availability, or just desire for something different, many foodies are on a quest to find alternatives to using bay leaves in their recipes. Luckily, …

Do you love quinoa but struggle to find it in the supermarket? From aisle 4 to 6, this unique grain can be hidden away like a well-kept secret! But don't worry - I'm here to answer all your questions and reveal the deliciousness that is quinoa. A powerhouse food, quinoa has been my go-to side …

Cooking the perfect reverse seared ribeye steak is an art like no other; it's a culinary experience that can turn even the most novice cook into a master chef. With its mouth-watering taste and tender texture, this cut of meat never fails to leave its diners satisfied. If you're trying your hand at cooking up …

It may not be familiar to some, but Caribbean green seasoning is one of the most essential ingredients in Caribbean cooking. Bursting with flavour and zest, this concoction of herbs, spices, onions and peppers will add a unique twist to your dishes! From marinades and sauces to salads and sides, greens seasoning is a Caribbean …

Cornmeal is a staple ingredient in many classic dishes, especially in Southern and soul food cuisine. However, traditional cornmeal has its shortcomings for some people with particular diets. Fortunately, there are many cornmeal substitutes available that can provide similar flavor and texture to the original dish. By using these substitutes you have added flexibility to …

Yo! my fellow soul food and sweet potato lovers! You ever been in a predicament wondering if that sweet potato sitting around the kitchen for weeks is still good to eat? Has it gone bad or will it make an awesome addition to your next soulful meal? If you’ve ever had this dilemma, look no …

Are you looking for the best way to reheat your favorite fried chicken wings? Look no further! Reheating chicken can be tricky and if not done properly can result in a rubbery texture or worse, food poisoning. That’s why it is important to follow certain steps when reheating your delicious wings. Let’s explore the best …

Related Posts: When it comes to fresh fish, there's no compromise. Finding the freshest seafood around and knowing how to prepare it so that it still tastes delicious is key to a successful and enjoyable dining experience. With this comprehensive guide for how to pick fresh fish, you'll find out how to buy fish at …

Welcome to my kitchen, where soul food recipes collide with fresh veggies from the garden! This week I'm focusing on one of my favorite vegetables-- okra. It's a Southern soul food staple. Consuming okra in big amounts is a must!!! From adding texture and flavor to dishes like gumbo or steaming them alongside a juicy …

Bratwurst, often served with a tall glass of beer and whole grain mustard, is an iconic dish that has been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it continues to remain a popular meal choice as it's incredibly versatile and can be cooked in various ways to make an enjoyable meal. The important thing when cooking …

For the ultimate indulgence, sweetened condensed milk is like liquid gold. With its thick and creamy texture, it adds a unique flavor to any dessert or treat that you could imagine. Whether you’re baking up something special or adding a splash of sweetness to your morning coffee, there’s no denying the power of this delicious …

Related Posts If you're a foodie looking for some delicious culinary experiences, then crawfish season is the perfect time to dive in! From boiled mudbugs and étouffée to po'boys and gumbo, there's no denying that this uniquely Southern delicacy packs a flavor punch. Whether you already love them or would like to try something new, …

Collard greens have been a staple food for generations. From the home cooked sides of the South, to salads served from upscale restaurants, these leafy greens bring more deliciousness than many people realize. In this post, we will explore some of the delightful variations available when choosing your collards - whether that means taking advantage …

If you think that kale and collard greens are just different names for the same thing, think again! While they may be similar in color and texture, when it comes to flavor profiles these two greens staples have a few key differences. Whether you're looking to delve deeper into options for your weekly meal planning …

Do you want to make a delicious fresh collard greens dish but don't know how to get started? Sourcing the freshest and best quality collard greens is one important element in creating your desired meal, but you also need to know how to properly clean it before cooking. Cleaning your collards does not have to …

Have you ever bought a pork steak and thought it looked suspiciously like a pork chop? Or has the butcher's lingo for cuts of meat left you wondering if there is any difference between steaks, chops, and roasts of the same type of meat? If so, then you're in luck! In this blog post we …

Cabbage is a leafy green vegetable that is often used in Southern and soul food cooking. It has a slightly bitter taste, so is often cooked with bacon or ham to balance out the flavor. Cabbage is also used in slaws and salads, and can be pickled for a tangy treat. So whether you're looking …

No doubt the legacy of American slavery has had a huge impact on black folks culinary history and traditions. This is acutely obvious when you consider some of the meat cuts that have been very popular in soul food cooking when it comes to meat cuts. Historically enslaved people in colonial times got the leftover …

Related Posts Ham hocks are a staple in soul food cooking, adding rich and smoky flavors to a variety of recipes especially stewed dishes. These flavorful cuts of meat come from the pork leg, and are a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stews, greens, and more. What Is A Ham Hock Ham …

Sweet potatoes are a type of root vegetable that is native to South America. They were first cultivated by the Incas, and later spread to the Caribbean and Africa via the Transatlantic slave trade. Yams, which most people mistake for the more common sweet potatoes, were essential part of African culture and diet. During colonization …

Have you ever cooked collard greens? If not, you're missing out! They are easy to cook and they taste great too! If you know what I'm about, then this blog post won't be a surprise to you. I'll tell you how to cook collard greens in different ways so you can experience their delicious flavor …

Have you ever made delicious jerk chicken? It's so good! And it's really easy to make. But what do you serve with it? I've got some ideas for you. Check out my blog post for some banging delicious ideas. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Jerk Chicken along with brown stew chicken is like Jamaican …

Craving delicious juicy fried chicken for your main course, but not sure what to serve with it, look no further! I'm your guy and have some of the best sides you can pair with your crispy chicken. For me collard greens and green beans come to mind as easy pairings. These are all easy side …

If trying to find the best wood for smoking ribs you have some quality choices with each offering distinct flavor characteristics that will elevate your ribs. Consideration will need to be given to the flavor profile you're going for and its fit with a particular type of food, which in this case is pork. Today …

When it comes to BBQ side dishes, I like a variety of options. I want the classics like potato salad and baked beans but also like to mix in twists and newer dishes whether it be slaws or salads. You can’t forget the sweet stuff either and for you sauce lovers you gotta have a …

This is the one-stop post to get  4-1-1 hun on all things collard greens. If you were ever interested in learning how to cook collard greens, you’re in the right place. I grew up in a house where we ate collard greens at least once a week. So in my mind, everyone else did also. …

I love black-eyed peas and not just on New Year’s. Though it’s probably the #1 soul food side dish for New Year’s dinner, at least in the South for sure, we eat them all the time. WHAT are black-eyed peas? Black-eyed peas are a gift to the world courtesy of Africa. They are actually a …

I’m not Jamaican but I jerk a lot. And if you’ve had good jerk, and was curious to know what was in it, you’ve come to the right place. This is a breakdown of that aromatic, fiery and addictive flavor that we know as Jamaica jerk seasoning. What is jerk? So what is jerk exactly? …

We go through a lot of oatmeal in my house so we tend to buy oats in bulk or get those large tubs of oats. We enjoy all types of oats and in different ways. I’ll share below how to make oatmeal and provide different real recipe examples for you to develop your own routines …

Looking for a sure-fire way to reheat fried chicken? Well this is your place. I always have leftovers on hand when I make fried chicken. Don’t trip, cause it ain’t because the chicken wasn’t good. I’m usually cutting up an entire chicken for testing and compounding things is the fact that only 2 people in …

Fonio is a super grain native to Africa. We’ll explain what it is further including where to find it as well as detail ways to use it. What exactly is Fonio? Fonio is an ancient grain indigenous to West Africa particularly in countries like Senegal, Nigeria, and Chad.  It’s somewhat similar in appearance to quinoa, …

My campaign to put okra on the map. I love okra. Okra is good for you. Okra tastes good. Eat more okra. If you don't know how, then read this post for recipes and cooking tips. Plus I'm sure you'll learn a bunch of cool facts about okra that I bet you never knew.

My Instant Pot has become my do it all cooking appliance. It's great for stews, soups, braised vegetables and meats, and sides. To take your Instant Pot skills to the next level, you gotta know how to brown meat. If you’ve used the saute mode to brown meat in your Instant Pot then you’ve likely …