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Cooking Techniques

Helpful cooking techniques for the home cook.

Seed a Hot Pepper

Removing seeds and ribs from a hot pepper is difficult with a knife. Try this:

  •  Cut the pepper in half lengthwise with a knife.
  •  Using a small melonballer and beginning opposite the stem end, scoop down the inside of the pepper, scraping up seeds and ribs.
  •  Cut off the core with the scoop.

Clarify Butter

Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Do not boil. Remove the the frothy skin that comes to the top with a grease skimmer or small mesh strainer. Then carefully pour off the clear butter, leaving the milky water.

Toast Nuts

Give nuts a richer flavor by toasting them. Over low heat, put nuts, single layer, in an ungreased skillet. Stir almost continually for 2 to 5 minutes until light brown. Remove from heat. The nuts will continue to toast a little.

Grill Steak

How to grill steak - many tips and techniques on cooking the perfect steak, grill preparation, cleaning, and a temperature chart.