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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    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 your meal in advance so you can spend less time cooking on the big day.

    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...


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    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...


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    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...

    12 Things You Should Put in Your Turkey That Aren’t Stuffing

    Wondering what to stuff the turkey with this Thanksgiving? Here are our top picks for ingredients that add flavor and...


    How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey Safely

    How long does it take for a turkey to thaw? Here's how you can thaw a turkey in the refrigerator,...


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    Can You Leave a Turkey Out to Thaw Overnight?

    Here's everything you need to know about how not to thaw your bird before Thanksgiving.


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    30+ Tips Every Baker Needs to Know for the 2023 Holiday Season

    The holiday season is when home bakers kick things into high gear. These holiday baking tips will help you create...


    Can You Freeze Spaghetti Squash?

    You can freeze spaghetti squash to save leftovers or make meal prep even simpler.


    How to Make Instant Mashed Potatoes Taste Better

    Instant mashed potatoes are easy and convenient. You don't need any special tools, and there's no peeling potatoes!...


    Do Tortillas Really Need to Be Refrigerated?

    Most people who've made Mexican food want the answer to the age-old question: "Do tortillas need to be refrigerated?" No,...


    How Long Do Potatoes Last?

    You have five pounds of potatoes in the pantry—or more! How long do potatoes last?

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    Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?

    Is it safe to leave your pie on the counter or does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated? Here's what...


    Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?

    Yams, sweet potatoes; tomato, to-mah-to...right? Turns out, there's a big difference between the two vegetables. Find out which one you...


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    How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last in the Fridge?

    You'll probably devour these protein-packed snacks long before the eggs go bad. Just in case, though, how long do hard-boiled...


    This Is the Right Internal Temperature of Cooked Chicken

    What's the correct temperature of cooked chicken? The answer should be pretty straightforward, but there's a lot of confusion out...


    How Long Does Cooked Chicken Last in the Fridge?

    So you cooked up a whole chicken and have leftovers—but how long does cooked chicken last in the fridge? Most...


    What Is Citric Acid and Why Should I Keep It in the Pantry?

    Citric acid is the secret to enhancing citrus flavor when baking and cooking.


    Does Vinegar Go Bad?

    This pantry staple leaves many consumers scratching their heads because its shelf-life is so unusual. So, does vinegar ever go...


    Does Flour Go Bad and Can You Use Expired Flour?

    Does flour expire? The short answer is yes. Learn how long different types of flour last and how to store...


    How to Tell If an Onion Is Bad

    Do you know how to tell if an onion is bad? Better yet, do you know how to read the...

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    How to Turn Just About Any Cake Recipe into a Bundt Cake

    Want to give a beloved layer cake some fluted tube-pan flair? You can bake most regular cakes in a Bundt...


    What Is This White Stuff on My Mango—and Is It Safe to Eat?

    It's not dangerous, but it does affect the flavor of your mango.


    How to Make Buttercream White

    Skip the slightly yellow frosting and learn how to make buttercream white—and we mean a vibrant, bright white!


    Here’s Why You Should Soak Pineapple in Salt Water

    Salty and sweet were made for each other.


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    When to Use Parchment Paper vs. Aluminum Foil

    Both parchment paper and aluminum foil are helpful to have in the kitchen. Here's when to use each one.


    Can You Put Aluminum Foil in the Microwave?

    Is it safe to put aluminum foil in the microwave? The answer might surprise you.