Tools & Techniques

Making homemade bread for the first time can be a bit tricky. But don't let that prevent you from trying. Our step-by-step will show you exactly how you can make it a success, on your first try.

By the Editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Seasonings can be the most important part of a recipe. Herbs are the leaves of plants, while spices are the seeds, buds, fruits, flowers, bark, and roots of plants. Learn about herbs and spices.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Salt has more jobs in cooking than being an ingredient in recipes. It can perform miraculous tricks for improving flavor, preserving food, and salvaging a cooking disaster. Learn salt's diverse roles in the cooking process.

By Christine Halvorson

Vinegar has many jobs to do in the kitchen. It can improve flavor, preserve food, fill in for missing ingredients, and even make food look better. Learn about vinegar's uses in the kitchen.

By Christine Halvorson

Self-cleaning ovens use a temperature cycle to burn off spills leftover from baking, without the use of any chemicals. Learn more about self-cleaning ovens and what to use it for.

Most any packaged food that involves boiling (like boxed macaroni-and-cheese dinners) will have "high altitude" cooking instructions. Find out what this means and why it matters in cooking.

Is flour inflammable? I heard that if you were to burn flour it would explode. If so, what is in flour that makes this happen?

How do I make clear ice like they have in restaurants?

Baking and broiling are completely different ways to cook food. When do you use which setting? We'll tell you.

There are a number of appliances, like rice cookers, that "know" when they should turn off. Learn how this technology works to help your appliances running smoothly.