Dry Lettuce Without a Spinner -- The Country That Produces The Most Wine
Plus: Why you should always air-dry steak, the reason why the pretzel is shaped like that, affordable alternatives to saffron, and more!
Ina Garten's Hack For Drying Lettuce Without A Salad Spinner
Hate the fiddly process of washing and drying lettuce? Celebrity chef Ina Garten has a neat trick: pop the damp leaves into a kitchen towel, capture the ends to create a bag, twirl it in the air to use centrifugal force to extract the water, and voila, perfectly dry greens ready for dressing.
The Country That Produces The Most Wine
France took the crown as top wine-producing nation in 2023, according to figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. But it’s not all good news… wine lovers may face a dry 2024 due to 2023's disastrously low grape harvest - the worst since 1961 - blamed on adverse weather conditions related to climate change. Thisa is the reason France was able to overtake Italy and Spain this time around.
The Twisted Origin Behind The Pretzel's Iconic Shape
Thought pretzels were a German invention? Think again! They might actually hail from as far back as 610 A.D in Italy. Legend says they were created by a monk as a reward for his students or by early Catholics as a simple sustenance during Lent, with the three holes representing the Holy Trinity.
The Best Money-Saving Substitute For Saffron
Saffron, often known as red gold due to its hefty price tag, can sometimes be replaced with cheaper alternatives like ground turmeric, especially in recipes requiring the spice mainly for its rich golden hue. For a closer match to saffron's flavor, you can mix turmeric with paprika, or use substitutes like safflower or annatto, which add both flavor and vibrant color to your dishes.
Why You Should Be Air Drying Your Steak Every Time
Air-drying your steak, like a dry-aged steak at a steakhouse, can result in a tender, juicier steak with an incredible caramelized crust. It means planning ahead and dedicating fridge space, but it’s obviously worth the effort!
Tips For Properly Storing And Cleaning Mussels, According To A Chef
Chef Aris Tuazon reveals his insider knowledge on how to keep mussels fresh and how to prepare them just right. Aside from transporting them on ice and storing them in the fridge under a damp towel, he dishes out on his favorite cooking method — simmering them in a unique mix of butter, garlic, and panang curry and serving with buttered sourdough bread.
Why Restaurants Need To Charge A No-Show Reservation Fee
The issue of no-show diners is pushing restaurants towards introducing no-show reservation fees. We take a look at the industry data, the rise of reservation scalping and even bot activity, and why this all means that no-show fees will likely become more common.