June 12, 2020

Spices

What is Cinnamon? Cinnamon is a spice widely produced in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.  It comes from the inner bark of certain trees, which are cut in special ways and left to dry.  Cinnamon is a reddish-brown color and often comes in sticks that are coiled pieces of bark.  Cinnamon also comes in

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June 12, 2020

Cooking Agents

What Is Baking Powder?  Baking powder is a fine, white powder that is used in cooking and baking, as its name suggests.  It is a combination of baking soda, an acid, and cornstarch. How Is Baking Powder Used? Baking powder, like baking soda, is used as a leavening agent to give rise to cakes, cookies,

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June 12, 2020

Dairy, Cheeses

What is Jack cheese? Jack or Monterey Jack cheese is a firm and creamy cheese that originated in California in the early 1700s, back when California was still a Mexican territory. Jack cheese is pale yellow and comes in other varieties, just as Dry Jack and Pepper Jack. Dry jack is aged jack cheese, and

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June 12, 2020

Fruits

What is Star Fruit? Also known as carambola, star fruit is a tree-grown fruit native to southeast Asia.  Star fruits begin as green and transition to a bright yellow when they are ripe.  They have distinct ridges on their sides.  When they are sliced into, star fruit slices resemble a five-pointed star, giving star fruit

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June 12, 2020

Kitchen Tools

What are Baking Sheets? A baking sheet is a flat, oven-safe, rectangular sheet of metal used in baking.  A baking sheet is sometimes called a sheet pan.  Baking sheets are typically made of aluminum and come in several different sizes.  The standard baking sheet for use at home is 9 x 13in and is called

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