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Kitchen Intelligence

You Don’t Actually Have to Soak Beans Overnight

Armed with several pounds of pintos, we set out to debunk some of the most common bean myths, including the oft-asked question: do you actually have to soak beans?

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar—And the Absolute Best Ways to Use It

This magic pixie dust brings sweet-spiced flavor to everything it touches.

How to Soften Brown Sugar: A Head-to-Head Test

In the mood for cookies but faced with a hardened lump of gold? Here’s the best way to bring it back to life.

5 Baking Powder Substitutes for Fluffy Cakes and Flaky Biscuits

No, you can’t just swap in baking soda—here’s why.

How to Poach an Egg in 5 Easy Steps

You’ve mastered the scramble. The over-easy egg is practically second nature. Now it’s time to take on poaching.

Is It Okay to Stick My Fingers in the Salt Cellar While I’m Cooking?

Safety experts weigh in on a move you might do without even thinking about it.

How to Carve a Turkey Without Mangling It

Our best tips for a beautifully presented bird.

Why Does Spinach Make My Teeth Feel Weird?

You’re not alone if eating spinach gives you that fuzzy feeling.

Garlic Paste Is a Quick Shortcut to Big Flavor

Give those cloves a quick whiz in the blender with some olive oil, and keep it handy to transform stews, pots of rice, and more.

For Serious Crunch, Store Your Snacks With Silica Packets

When you’re trying to keep a bag of chips or a batch of meringues from getting stale, these little packets are your best friend.

Does Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?

Pastry experts share their best advice for wrapping, refrigerating, and freezing those cakes so that every slice is as fresh as the first.

Please Stop Refrigerating Your Eggplant

Wondering how to store eggplant so it stays fresh and spot-free?

Why Do Potatoes Turn Green? And Can You Still Eat Them?

Steer clear of potatoes with eyes, shoots, and a greenish tint. Learn the best way to store potatoes and when you probably shouldn’t eat them.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Buttermilk

Recipe calls for buttermilk and you don't have any? No need to get sour—here are a few good ways to get around it.

How to Make Crackly, Crispy Chicharrones at Home

We've got the deets on the meaty kind, too.

Do You Need to Refrigerate Peanut Butter?

Should you refrigerate peanut butter? Experts weigh in on the virtues of keeping it cold versus the convenience of keeping it spreadable.

7 Great Heavy Cream Substitutes

No matter what’s cooking, there’s a heavy cream substitute you can swap into your recipe.

How to Cook Asparagus

Headed to the grill? The oven? The stovetop? Take our favorite methods for cooking asparagus with you.

The Optimal Chicken Temperature for Every Part of the Bird

It’s not as simple as 160°F and done.

Should You Make Your Own Oat Milk?

Homemade oat milk is cheaper and creamier. But that doesn’t mean that it’s for you.