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4 Common Baking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

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pastries in the oven common baking mistakes and how to fix them
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It smells great, but it looks awful. You followed the recipe, but your cookies burned anyway. If you experience baking disasters with disturbing frequency, maybe you are committing a common error that’s easily remedied.

Consider these common baking mistakes and how to fix them.

Trusting Your Oven

The dial sets the temperature, right? Not always. Different ovens cook differently, and you should treat the oven’s own temperature indicator as an approximation. If you are serious about baking, an oven thermometer is a must.

Several things affect the oven temperature, including opening the door too often to check the progress of your bread, cake, or cookies. But even the color of the baking pan can make a difference. A darker pan absorbs heat faster than a lighter-colored pan. If your bakeware is dark, lower the temperature of your oven by 25 degrees.

Using the Wrong Eggs, or Using the Eggs Wrong

Eggs come in different sizes. If you never stopped to notice the difference between a medium, large, and extra-large egg, pay attention to it next time. Many recipes specify “large” eggs, and they won’t turn out right without the right amount of egg.

Many bakers have had the chilling experience of discovering they are an egg short of a recipe. Never fear—there are several other common ingredients that serve as egg alternatives if you’re in a bind. If you do have enough eggs of the right size, be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before you use them in your batter. Eggs at room temperature whip more easily than cold eggs. The same is true of butter.

Thinking Baking Soda Lasts Forever

Baking soda has an expiration date, and it just won’t work properly as leavening if it is past its prime. If you can’t find the date or you have doubts, it’s back to middle school science class: put 3 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar into a bowl, and add half a teaspoon (right, not very much). If you get that bubbly reaction (and the rush of school memories related to model volcanoes) your baking soda still has its stuff. If not, you’ll have to make a trip to the grocery store.

Baking soda and baking powder are not the same and not equivalent to each other. Recopies call for one, the other, or both, depending on the amount of acidic ingredients in the mix. Baking soda has baking powder in it, but it also has cream of tartar and sometimes cornstarch. It should bubble when you stir half a teaspoon into three tablespoons of warm water. No bubbles, no baking. Off to the store with you again.

Misreading the Recipe

This really seems like a secret society sort of thing, but the order in which the recipe lists ingredients and how they are to be measured matters. “Sifted flour” means sift, then measure, while “flour, sifted” means measure it and then sift it. The same goes for chopping nuts. “One-half cup of chopped nuts” is different than “one-half cup of nuts, chopped.”

Baking is more a science than an art, and in science, measurements must be precise. Baking mistakes are common, but the more you learn about your oven and your ingredients, the more successful you will be.

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3 Major Ways You Can Use Raw Honey in the Kitchen

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raw honey in bowl honeycomb
Taken by Pass the Honey via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

There are some things you have in a kitchen because they’re staples. Salt and pepper, flour, lemons, oil and vinegar—the list goes on. Depending on the sort of foods you like to eat and the snacks that get you through the day, your kitchen staples may look different than your neighbors’.

There is one staple that you should definitely have in your cupboards—honey. Not the pasteurized honey you can get from any grocery store, but the lovely raw honey that comes straight from the bees.

Learn the different ways you can use raw honey in the kitchen, below!

As a Substitute for Sugar

Raw honey is a wonderful thing in the baking world that not many people feel courageous enough to try. Since honey is twice as sweet as sugar, if you’re using raw honey as a substitute in a recipe, then you’ll need to use about half the amount of the honey. Here are some rules you’ll want to follow when substituting raw honey. You’ll have to experiment with recipes a bit, as honey will probably affect the texture—that said, those points should not deter you from using honey. It can add a wonderful depth to cookie recipes and can make that banana bread recipe explode in your mouth.

If you’re worried about experimenting on your own, there are a variety of recipes you can start out with. Look up recipes with raw honey, and you’ll be on your way to some tasty treats!

As a Flavor Enhancer While Cooking

You can also use raw honey in the kitchen while you’re cooking. Those sloppy joes that you got in the restaurant in NOLO? They probably got that sweet hint from raw honey. In fact, a lot of your favorite dishes could be enhanced or taste brand new simply with a bit of honey. You could also base your dish around the honey—honey-baked ham and honey-glazed chicken are just two of the multitude. Just keep in mind that, with raw honey, a little goes a long way—put too much in, and your dish will be overwhelmingly sweet. Aim for a gentle note of sweetness in your dishes, instead.

For Teas and Tonics

You can also take that jar of raw honey and use it for teas and tonics. In the simplest sense, you can add a dollop of honey to your tea or coffee for some additional sweetness. Better yet, put some cinnamon in your coffee along with the honey, and your sore throat will feel better in an instant. Or try honey and lemon in your tea when you’re not feeling the best. You can also make a honey-garlic lemonade—it doesn’t sound all that appetizing, but the tonic is a dream during cold and flu season. There are a ton of different tonic recipes to try—you just need to find the best fit for you.

Raw honey is a staple you should have in your kitchen. Grab a jar, keep it in your cabinet, and it’ll be your saving grace when you need something sweet, when your throat’s a little achy, or when you need more flavor. Its health benefits, its flavor, and its simplicity are just a few of the reasons you should have honey in the kitchen!

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Best Road Trips for Foodies on the East Coast of the United States

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True food fans know that exploring new flavors and tastes often goes hand-in-hand with experiencing new places and traveling.

One of the best ways to pack tons of new foods into a single trip is by taking a road trip with multiple stops.

Set out on a journey to new flavors with an East Coast road trip.

Check out the best road trips for foodies on the East Coast and discover destinations—and cuisines—you wouldn’t want to miss.

Portland, Maine

Portland Maine seafood shop is a great stop for foodies on an East Coast road trip
Seafood in Portland, Maine is top-notch. Taken by T. Jarrand via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

You may have heard tales about Maine lobster, but you haven’t truly experienced it until you’ve had a Maine lobster tail at a Portland clambake. A clambake involves steaming different types of shellfish, Maine potatoes, and an egg over many tiers of seaweed. The egg was originally added to see if the dish was ready—if the egg cooked over hard, the dish was ready to be eaten.

Take a trip up to Portland, Maine, to discover the bold, traditional seafood flavors for yourself. On your road trip, make sure to fill up your gas tank every chance you get—gas stations may be few and far between at some points along the road to Maine.

Related Read: How Your Diet Affects Different Parts of Your Body

Raleigh, North Carolina

A bit off the beaten path food-wise, Raleigh has a ton of rich cuisines to try out. It still boasts an East Coast vibe, but Raleigh adds in a flare of Southern tastes. Home to many comfort foods, Raleigh offers some of the best twists on the American staples.

Try the homecooked classic mac and cheese, check out some small BBQ stands around the city, and enjoy the unique flavor of the South meets East Coast. Raleigh is known for its rough roads, so be sure to brush up on the best tire shops in Raleigh in case you get a flat in one of North Carolina’s infamous potholes.

Related Read: Six of the Best Vacations for Foodies in the World

Boston, Massachusetts

Head on over to Boston, Massachusetts, for a big bowl of “chowdah,” as the locals pronounce it. Boston is known for its unique New England-style clam chowder brimming with milk, potatoes, and clams and thickened with oyster crackers. This thick soup is sure to warm your stomach—and your heart. Accentuate the truly unique flavor of a bowl of Boston clam chowder with an accompanying lobster roll.

Whether you side with those who believe the lobster should be soaked in butter or soaked in mayonnaise, try both out and decide for yourself. On your road trip to Boston, be careful to pay close attention to your navigation system—Boston is known for its excessive traffic and difficult-to-navigate roadways.

Related Read: The Best Women-Owned Restaurants in New York City

Brookfield, Connecticut

Along the road less traveled, head on out to Brookfield, Connecticut, a charming little suburb of New York City. It’s filled with delicious, traditional Connecticut foods.

Try out the famous clam pie while you’re in town. A delicious pizza with crispy thin crust and traditional Italian seasonings, this pie has an East Coast twist. Topped with plenty of cheese and clams, this pizza is sure to impress your taste buds.

While you’re in Brookfield, watch out for those aggressive city drivers and bumper-to-bumper rush hours. Try to plan your driving times around peak commute hours to save yourself a headache on your adventure.

Related Read: 5 Best Vacation Destinations for Vegans From Toronto to Tel Aviv

5 Best Vacation Destinations for Vegans From Toronto to Tel Aviv

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Finding great places to eat while on the road is challenging no matter what your diet is, but for vegans, it often turns into an ordeal.

Does your destination have vegan-friendly shops or restaurants, or will you have to pack your own food for the trip? Fortunately, there are some excellent vacation spots that offer a warm and delicious welcome for vegan travelers.

vegan toast sandwiches found in the best vacation destinations for vegans
Taken by E. Olsson via unsplash.com. [Public Domain].

Here are five of the best vacation destinations for vegans:

1. Toronto

This gorgeous Canadian city sparkles with life, culture, and experiences. Home to Veg Food Fest—North America’s largest vegetarian food festival—Toronto has plenty to offer when it comes to vegan eateries. Take your pick of any of the excellent all-vegan cafés and restaurants that dot the city. Make sure you stop by Vegandale, a block in the Parkdale neighborhood that’s filled to the brim with vegan establishments, including popular brewery Doomie’s, which boasts classic comfort food and delicious craft beers.

2. New York City

There’s something for everyone in a city as diverse as New York. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you won’t have to look far for a vegan place with that exact dish. Eating raw, gluten-free, or farm-to-table? There are various restaurant options to satisfy every dietary need. From doughnuts to hearty breakfast platters, atmospheric restaurants to cupcake stands, there’s no end to the unique and delicious vegan establishments you can find in the Big Apple.

Related Read: The Best Women-Owned Restaurants in New York City

3. London

The United Kingdom’s vegan community has blossomed over the last couple of years. As a city overflowing with diversity and culture, London is home to countless different eateries. Try vegan takes on Mexican dishes and curry houses. You can also stop by Ms. Cupcake, London’s 100 percent vegan bakery. Of course, it’s not a trip to England without fish and chips—get your fix at the Coach & Horses, the first vegan pub in the city.

Related Read: 6 of the Best Places to Find Street Food Around the World

4. Denver

Colorado prides itself on providing excellent food and drink, including its top-tier vegan restaurants—and its capital city is no exception. Denver delivers with fresh and delicious meals made through sustainable, eco-friendly practices.

From comfort food at Watercourse—Denver’s original vegan restaurant—to the delicious, fresh ingredients you can find at Nooch Vegan Market, you’ll feel right at home in Colorado’s Mile High City. While you’re there, check out the slew of craft breweries and—of course—the stunning mountain view.

5. Tel Aviv

If you’re looking at the best vacation destinations for vegans, Tel Aviv needs to be at the top of your list. This gorgeous city, located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, is known as the world’s vegan capital. Israel is home to a massive vegan population, and it shows in Tel Aviv.

No matter where you are in the city, you’re never far from traditional Middle Eastern meals, such as falafels and shawarma. However, Tel Aviv’s vegan scene goes beyond the food. From Israel’s massive vegan population to the city’s culture of sustainability and green living, Tel Aviv is a fantastic bucket-list destination for every vegan enthusiast.

Related Read: Six of the Best Vacations for Foodies in the World

9 Different Types of Kitchen Knives to Know for Every Cooking Occasion

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To the average person, all knives may seem pretty much the same.

However, a true chef usually has a whole collection of knives for different purposes. If you’re an aspiring chef or just interested in cooking more, this list of the different types of kitchen knives will help you decide what to add to your arsenal.

different types of kitchen knives to use for different types of cooking and cutting
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Chef’s Knife

A multipurpose knife good for cutting meat and chopping vegetables, the chef’s knife is an essential for anyone who prepares food. Its blade curves at the tip, allowing you to use it in a rocking motion. You can also find chef’s knives in various lengths to fit your grip and preference.

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Santoku Knife

The santoku knife is a Japanese version of a general-use knife. It doesn’t have a curved edge, and it’s also thinner, making it sharper than a chef’s knife. You can cut meat, vegetables, and fish in thinner slices with this knife, and some people prefer its precision enough to replace their chef’s knives with it.

Utility Knife

Another knife you can use in a variety of situations, the utility knife is usually smaller than a chef’s knife (four to seven inches long as opposed to six to twelve). It’s often used to cut vegetables and fruit as well as to slice tough ingredients such as bagels. Unlike a chef’s knife, a utility knife can have a straight or serrated edge.

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Paring Knife

Distinguished by their pointy ends, a paring knife is even shorter than a utility knife. You can use it for precise, delicate work such as peeling, mincing, and deseeding. However, this type of knife isn’t ideal for cutting large pieces of meat.

Cleaver

A wide, rectangular blade and thick, heavy design make cleavers instantly recognizable. They can chop cooked and raw meat; bones; and thick vegetables, including squash and pumpkins. The cleaver is probably the knife you associate with butchers.

Related Read: 8 Weird Facts About Food You Might Not Know

Boning Knife

Boning knives separate raw meat from bones. They’re also useful for butterflying meat. Typically, they have narrow, pointy blades, which can be stiffer for meat or more flexible for fish and poultry. Chefs often use the stiffer versions because they generally offer greater precision.

Slicing Knife

The end of a slicing knife can be rounded or pointy, but its purpose remains the same: to slice cooked meat. You can also use one to slice fruit and vegetables. The neatness that the slicing knife offers is great for good presentation.

Related Read: 4 Tips for How to Grow Your Own Food for Fresh, Sustainable Produce

Bread Knife

The bread knife has a rounded end and a serrated edge. It can cut through bread, cake, and other soft foods without squishing them down and deforming their shape. The serration also allows them to break through the initial hardness of bread crusts.

Kitchen Shears

Sometimes, one blade just isn’t enough. That’s where kitchen shears come in. These scissors are made for the kitchen, and they make it easy for you to cut vegetables, poultry, and small herbs. They also free you from the annoyance of the untearable plastic packages that some ingredients come in.

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Well, that’s all on our list of important types of kitchen knives to know. Got any questions, comments, or other kitchen knife types we should add to our list? Let us know in the comment section below, and thanks for reading!