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.

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    9 Spices and Seasonings You Never Knew You Needed Until Now

    Adding spices to your cooking is the best way to add your personal touch to a dish. We've rounded up...


    9 Nifty Ways to Use Parchment Paper Sheets

    Parchment paper should already be a kitchen staple, but when you buy it in pre-cut sheets, you can take your...


    A Guide to the Most Common Mushroom Varieties

    Grocery stores are starting to carry more and more types of mushrooms; here's your guide.


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    13 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Cast-Iron Skillet

    Cast iron can be fickle. Here are some habits to avoid when you're cooking.


    10 Tricks to Cooking Without a Recipe

    Go ahead, break the rules!


    How to Pick the Best Green Beans

    Here's what to look for when choosing the perfect green beans for a fresh summer potluck.


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    How to Pick the Best Sweet Corn

    Picking the freshest corn at a grocery store or farmer's stand might be even easier than you'd think.


    9 Surprising Soup Toppers

    Ready to bring your bowl to the next level? Forget the oyster crackers! Top your soup with something unexpected.

    10 Secrets to the Best Guacamole of Your Life

    These expert tips will really take your guac game to the next level! We talk about how to prevent browning...


    9 Pro Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Salads at Home

    Have you noticed that homemade salads are never as good as restaurant salads? A former restaurant chef shares her secrets...


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    Sugar Cookie Tips for the Best-Ever Treats

    Looking to make your best batch yet? These sugar cookie tips ensure you get soft, chewy cookies with every bake.


    12 Genius Ways to Use Rubber Bands in the Kitchen

    We all love gear that makes our lives just a little bit easier. Rubber bands are the ultimate low-key tool...


    10 Things You Should Do with Mushrooms

    Packed with vitamins and minerals, it's plain to see why mushrooms should be a part of your diet. Here's how...


    The 11 Best Pancake Toppings You’ve Never Tried

    Move over maple syrup, there are some new morning mainstays in town!


    What Is Mirepoix and How Do You Use It?

    What is mirepoix? Simply put, it's an aromatic shortcut every chef should know how to use for the best savory...


    7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Canning

    Canning mistakes not only waste your time, but they can be dangerous, too! Luckily, each one of these mistakes is...


    7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Chicken

    Hate it when chicken breasts are dry and tough? Tweak your technique to make sure your chicken stays juicy and...

    12 Cheesecake Mistakes We’re All Probably Making

    Is there anything better than homemade cheesecake? If you avoid these common cheesecake mistakes, you can make sure yours is...


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    Here’s What Those Buttons on Your Instant Pot Actually Mean

    The practical guide you've always wanted for those confusing Instant Pot buttons and settings.


    10 Baked Potato Toppings That Aren’t Plain Ol’ Sour Cream

    Freshen up your baked potatoes with something new! These baked potato toppings take this humble side dish to a whole...


    15 Common Cooking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

    Whether it's your flavors that seem a bit off track, or your texture, temperature, or color, you don't have to...


    Why You Should Add Butter to Your Pasta Sauce

    This pasta sauce recipe comes together with just three ingredients!


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    7 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pickles

    Who doesn't love pickles? Here's how to avoid the most common mistakes when you're making pickles at home.

    11 Tricks to Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade

    Don't have time to make a cake from scratch? We'll show you how to make cake mix taste homemade.


    10 Unexpected Things to Put on Your Angel Food Cake

    Angel food cake is the perfect blank canvas for your next dessert creation!


    Can You Eat Sprouted Garlic?

    Your garlic started to grow and now you're wondering, can you eat sprouted garlic? You can—but there's a catch.


    Why You (Truly) Need an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

    Want to make sure your meats are always perfectly done?


    7 Mistakes Everybody Makes When Deep Frying

    When you're cooking up onion rings or breaded chicken, it helps to have some deep frying secrets!


    7 Sauces You Need to Master Right Now

    Master the five French mother sauces (plus a few extras) and you'll be well on your way to fixing up...