Test Kitchen Tips

Our Test Kitchen is full of culinary experts who have picked up plenty of handy tricks and techniques over the years. Check out our favorite cooking tips that’ll make cooking and baking at home easier than ever.

Add Filter

    What Is the Difference Between Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

    When do you use olive oil vs. extra virgin olive oil? We'll share the differences in taste and various uses in cooking.

    How to Peel Butternut Squash Using the Microwave Trick

    The secret: You have to microwave your squash.


    Can You Tenderize Steak with Baking Soda?

    This pantry staple could be the secret to tender steak.


    Do Pickles Need to Be Refrigerated or Can They Be Left Out?

    Do pickles need to be refrigerated? It's a fair question, and you might be surprised by the answer.


    Do You Have to Peel Zucchini? Our Pros Settle the Debate

    Do you have to peel zucchini before you make bread—or kabobs or zoodles? Find out how to prep summer's most...

    What Is Sweet Cream Butter?

    In the dairy aisle and wondering what makes sweet cream butter different from basic butter? We've got the answers you...


    Fresh to Dried Herb Conversion: How Much to Use in Recipes

    If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, use this fresh to dried herb conversion to maintain your favorite recipe's...

    What Is Pickling Salt and How Is It Different Than Kosher Salt?

    What is pickling salt? It sounds specialized, but it's really the simplest form of salt and keeps pickles bright and...


    What Does ‘Room Temperature’ Mean?

    So, your recipe calls for room-temp eggs or dairy. What is room temperature, anyway? We'll give you the facts and...


    What Is the Right Internal Temperature for Pork Chops?

    It's time to brush up on proper pork cooking temperature. Hit the right number on your meat thermometer to make...


    What’s the Difference Between Crispy and Crunchy?

    It might seem finicky, but there is a real difference between crispy and crunchy. Here's our quick guide to crispy...

    What Are Ramps and How Do They Taste?

    What are ramps? Well, they look like scallions but taste like garlic, and their soft leaves are as tender as...


    How to Thaw Pork Chops Safely

    Does your freezer hold the contents for tonight's dinner? No worries, just follow these methods for thawing pork chops.


    The Two Best Methods for How to Wash Rice

    Once you learn how to wash rice correctly, apply it to your recipes for a huge upgrade in taste, texture...


    What Is the Best Oil to Fry Fish?

    Whether it's cod, catfish or walleye, we'll point you to the best oil to fry any kind of fish.


    How to Wash Grapes the Right Way

    Don't just faucet-rinse your grapes! Here's how to wash grapes (with baking soda) and store them the right way.

    Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: What’s the Difference?

    Which should you choose at the grocery store: coconut cream or coconut milk? The full-fat or "lite" can? Here's a...


    This Brilliant No-Peel Hack Makes Cooking Mashed Potatoes So Easy

    Tired of peeling potatoes? Us too! Next time, we're making these no peel mashed potatoes.


    What Is Coconut Flour, and How Do I Use It?

    Perfect for sweet and savory recipes, coconut flour is a fun substitution when experimenting with gluten-free baking.


    How to Make Slow-Cooker Chicken Legs Like a Pro

    Craving drumsticks? Our recipe for slow-cooked chicken legs is easy, saucy and sure to impress.


    4 Substitutes for Burrata Cheese

    It's rich, decadent and almost impossible to resist. If you don't have this type of fresh mozzarella on hand, what's...


    How to Store Cake in Your Fridge Quickly and Easily

    This genius hack for how to store cake will have your dessert ready to serve whenever you want it!


    How to Use a Pizza Stone

    Love a homemade pie or even a frozen pizza? Anyway you slice it, learning how to use a pizza stone...


    Here’s the Correct Way to Flip a Pancake Without Splattering Everywhere

    Make a picture-perfect stack of flapjacks ever time.


    31 Turkey Tips Everyone Should Know This Thanksgiving

    We’re sharing Thanksgiving advice directly from Taste of Home readers and our Test Kitchen. Use our timeless turkey tips to...

    Magazine Cover

    Subscribe & SAVE

    Save Up To 80%!

    Tout icon

    Want to Cook Turkey Stuffing? Read This First.

    Turkey stuffing can be delicious and a great essential to have for Thanksgiving—if done properly. We'll show you how to...


    How to Prep Your Entire Thanksgiving Meal in Advance

    Cooking a Thanksgiving feast is stressful, but it doesn't have to be! We asked a professional chef how to prep...


    The Most Common Reasons Why Your Pie Crust Isn’t Working

    Running into these pie crust problems? We can help!


    Everything You Need to Know About Cooking a Small Turkey This Thanksgiving

    Here's a handy guide to buying a small turkey: how much turkey to buy, where to shop and how long...


    Tout icon

    Why It’s Better to Use Canned Pumpkin for Fall Baking

    You might think that fresh is always best, but for fall baking, canned pumpkin is king. Find out why our...


    Tout icon

    How Much Turkey Do You Need Per Person?

    Sick of being unsure of how much turkey you need per person? This handy rule will make your Thanksgiving planning...