Preparing absinthe the right way is part of the ritual and it makes for a great way to entertain your party guests. 📕 What is Absinthe? Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage. It's also known as The Green Fairy or La Fee Verte. It can be described as anise-flavored, licorice-flavored, or minty. This is because true absinthe is prepared by … [Read more...]
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Boston Roll Sushi Recipe
The Boston roll is a brightly colored fancy sushi roll. Our homemade version uses tobiko fish roe as a topping and as a filling cooked shrimp, avocado, and cucumber. This recipe is in collaboration with Momoko, our Japanese food expert. Other sushi rolls in this series include the Salmon roll, Philadelphia roll, and dragon roll to just name a few. What is a Boston … [Read more...]
How to make Black Food Coloring
Your guide on how to make black food coloring at home within minutes! 🏴 Types of Food Colorings In a nutshell, food-grade colors can be made from natural or processed ingredients. These dyes are safe for consumption, hence why food grade. Natural Food Shades Common natural food grade colorings are black charcoal and squid ink. Black charcoal is great … [Read more...]
Tobiko
Everything you need to know about Tobiko, how to color them, ideas to use tobiko, and the best way to store this precious seafood ingredient What is Tobiko? Ever wonder what the fancy orange pearls on Sushi are? That’s Tobiko. Tobiko is a Japanese word that essentially means Fish roe/eggs that are particularly harvested from flying fish. Fun fact? Flying fish … [Read more...]
Homemade Lobster Shell Stock
Lobster stock can be prepared at home from scratch, and it's, in fact, a good zero waste practice if you are boiling a lobster anyway. This is a basic, plainly flavored seafood stock. What is lobster stock? Lobster stock is prepared from lobster shells. The shells are infused in the boiling water over a slow simmering flame. Once you have boiled a lobster, you get … [Read more...]
How to dehydrate Mushrooms
Dehydrating mushrooms can be useful and it's super easy! I share tips and instructions on how to dry mushrooms at home. I'm using shiitake mushrooms as an example. The flavors of a shiitake mushroom turn out more intense after the mushroom has been dried. It developed more umami. Also drying mushrooms is more commonly done in the East, hence why I picked … [Read more...]
Things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a fun city, the place has so much more to offer! I share all the points of interest with you in this quick guide. 📍 Where is Amsterdam located? Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, a country located in North-West Europe. The region is also called holland, which by the way is sometimes confused with the country name. The city is known for … [Read more...]
Dehydrated Apricots in the Dehydrator
This is a DIY guide on how to dehydrate apricots at home from scratch. TL;DR Dehydrated apricots are fresh-cut apricots that are left to dry slowly until they lose all their water. That way, the dried apricots can be stored for months without them turning bad! This is an age-old technique that was used to trade with dried fruits and nuts coming over the Silk Road … [Read more...]
How to Make Mayonnaise in 5 Minutes
Homemade easy classic mayonnaise prepared within 5 minutes from scratch with pantry ingredients! TL;DR This is a homemade mayo recipe that you can prepare from scratch within 5 minutes at home. You will need an immersion blender and a tall jar to do that. It's a quick and easy basic mayonnaise recipe that you can use instead of the store-bought condiment. So, it's a … [Read more...]
Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini Recipe
A simple but flavorful tortellini dinner meal idea, coated in a skillet with lemon, garlic, basil and olive oil. 🍋 Ingredients Here is an overview of the ingredients and the process. That should give you an idea how it comes together. The full recipe with US and metric measurements is located further below in the recipe card. 🔪 How to make it? The … [Read more...]
French Tomato Coulis + How to can it
Homemade tomato coulis seasoned with fresh herbs. This is a French recipe for a thin tomato sauce. The recipe comes with canning instructions. What's a Tomato Coulis? A tomato coulis is a thin tomato sauce used in French cooking as a sauce base for other dishes. It's basically a tomato sauce, but it's super runny, and it's almost always seasoned with herbs, fresh … [Read more...]
Simple Stewed Tomatoes Recipe
Simple flavored stewed tomatoes, prepared from scratch from whole fresh tomatoes and peeled. I share seasoning, storing options and ways to use them. What are stewed tomatoes? Tomatoes are peeled and then slowly cooked over a medium to low-heat setting. The tomatoes can be diced or cooked as a whole. Stewed tomatoes and variations exist all over the … [Read more...]
Spicy Pickled Garlic (Tiktok Copycat)
The spicy pickled garlic was a TikTok viral. I tried it out, and we also got hooked on it! I share everything we learned and you need to know to make this quick spicy and healthy snack. This was inspired by the original from @lalaleluu over at tiktok. TikTok recipe fans will also like these TikTok Candied Grapes (Jolly Rancher Candy Grapes). Ingredient … [Read more...]
Canned Pinto Beans and Rice with Sausage
Pinto Beans and rice prepared with canned beans and stewed over the stove top with sausages. This is a quick and easy dinner meal. It's comforting and effortless to put together after a long day at work. Ingredients You will need a few pantry ingredients to make this from scratch with canned beans, AND you can enhance it further with a seasoning of your choice. … [Read more...]
Things to see in Slovenia (Europe)
This post is there to inspire you to add Slovenia, a small European country, to your travel bucket list for the future. 💭 FAQs in a nutshell Slovenia is located in Europe. It's bordering Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, Croatia to the South, and Italy to the West. It's part of the European Union so, Schengen visa applies here and they have the Euro. … [Read more...]
How to blanch Tomatoes to peel
Here is how you can easily blanch your tomatoes to peel them. Blanching helps you peel your tomatoes effortlessly within minutes, and you don't need any special equipment to do this at home. What is blanching? Blanching is a short cooking method that is used for vegetables, fruits, nuts, and even meats to achieve a certain purpose. In the case of tomatoes, … [Read more...]
How to cook warm water Lobster
I show you how to cook a warm water lobster with common kitchen equipment. It's super easy and leaves an impression with your guests. The guide includes how to cut open a cooked lobster. 🦐 What is warm water lobster? Warm water lobsters are also called spiny lobsters, rock lobsters, or langustas. They are the lobsters that come without claws. The … [Read more...]
Peeled Tomato Basil Salad Recipe
A basic tomato basil salad prepared with peeled tomatoes, to serve as a side dish with your main course meal. Peeled tomatoes are useful if you have picky eaters at home. Ingredients You will need a few handfuls of ingredients to make my peeled tomato salad. Process Overview Step 1 Rinse your tomatoes well. Blanch your tomatoes in boiling water for about … [Read more...]
Tomato Sauce Types in a Nut Shell
So you like tomato sauces as much as I do? Well, it turns out there are countless varieties out there! Italian tomato sauces rule the world. This is certain and it definitely shows in this list of tomato sauces. I thought it would be nice to see and compare between the variations of tomato sauces. This should clear some doubts and … [Read more...]
Brazil Nut - What is it and How to use it?
The Brazil Nut is a little known nut from Central America. It has been gaining popularity. Here you will learn everything you need to know about this exotic nut. 📕 What is the Brazil Nut? Brazil nuts come from tropical trees that grow in South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The trees reach a majestic height of … [Read more...]
Cheeseburger Soup without Potatoes
An easy cheeseburger soup, with ground beef and without potatoes, prepared in one pot over the stove top. This soup was inspired by the infamous MCds double cheeseburger (of course) and the German beer cheese soup. 🧀 Ingredients This cheeseburger soup came about when I was out of potatoes and vegetables. I was also super lazy that day. Here is a list of … [Read more...]
Potato Egg Casserole Recipe
Simple Potato Egg Casserole, flavorful and super delicious. Serve it up as a side dish or make it for dinner or breakfast. I have added some ideas to the recipe. You may also enjoy my broccoli egg casserole, my baked zucchini casserole or a Sausage Egg And Cheese Casserole. 🥔 Ingredients You will need the following ingredients to make this dish: 🔪 How … [Read more...]
Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe
This simple savory mashed sweet potato makes a lovely vibrant side dish. I show you how to make it from scratch with or without a blender. 🍴 Tools to mash potatoes You can mash your sweet potatoes with various kitchen tools. 🔪 How to make mashed sweet potatoes? Here is how you can prepare mashed sweet potatoes, the fastest and most straightforward … [Read more...]
How to make Sauerkraut in a crock pot
This is a traditional Austrian, German (Bavarian) Sauerkraut recipe prepared and fermented in a crock pot. I show you how to make it from scratch from whole fresh cabbage. What is Sauerkraut? Sauerkraut is fermented shredded cabbage. The name is German and means sour cabbage translated. Cabbage is harvested in September and October and fermented traditionally … [Read more...]
How to can Mushrooms
Your guide on how to can mushrooms of all kinds at home from scratch. Learn how to stock up your modern homestead with home canned mushrooms. 📕 What are canned mushrooms? Mushrooms that are preserved in a can or jar are called canned mushrooms. It's the stuff that you can buy in cans in your local grocery store. But before commercially canned mushrooms … [Read more...]
How to cook Spaghetti Squash in the oven
Your guide on how to cook spaghetti squash easily from scratch in the oven. That's the simplest and most effortless option! 📕 What's Spaghetti Squash? Spaghetti Squash is a winter squash variety and is just one of many squash varieties out there. They come in yellow, orange and white variations and can grow to different sizes. Spaghetti squash are … [Read more...]
Guide to Rouen France
Your complete guide to Rouen in France. I share info on how to get there, the main must-see attractions, and why you ought to add this inspiring french city to your itinerary. Where is Rouen situated? Rouen is situated in North France, some 2 hours distance from Paris. The city is the capital of the Normandy region, a region famous for food and its … [Read more...]
Guide to Water Bath Canning
This guide covers everything you need to know to do water bath canning at home. 📕 What's water bath canning? Water bath canning is a technique to preserve foods in jars. That way your food will preserve for a long time without turning bad. The jars packed with foods are vacuum sealed and heated to a certain degree for a particular period, so to kill all … [Read more...]
Guide to Styria Austria
Styria is known for its vineyard landscapes, hot water wellness spas, and its food and wine culture. Plan your trip to this beautiful region with our tips! Where is Styria? Styria is a region located in South Austria, bordering Slovenia. The region has the alps in the west and hills with the vineyard in the more temperate east. You will take about 1-2 hours … [Read more...]
How to can Peaches
Your to-the-point guide on how to can peaches at home. This guide is suitable for beginners and comes with tips and tricks on how to get it right every time. We have been canning fruits at home since ever! I have always seen my family do that, my mother, my aunties in France, and even my grandmother back in the day. We prepare not only canned peaches but also … [Read more...]
Guide to Salzburg City (Austria)
Your complete Salzburg guide to enjoying the best that the city has to offer. Written by a local. Video Walk in 4K Where is Salzburg located? Salzburg city is the capital of the Salzburg region in Austria. It's one of 9 regions in Austria. The Austrian city is bordering Germany and the small German corner (Kleine Deutsche Eck), which is a major connection to … [Read more...]
Dehydrated Mangoes in the Dehydrator
Dehydrated Mango is a delicious, healthy snack! Turns out, you can make them at home with ease. I highlight three methods and share a step-by-step guide on how to dehydrate mangoes with a dehydrator device. TL;DR Dehydrated mangoes are slices or strips of mangoes that were left to dry over a period of time. The process sucks out all the juices of the fresh fruit … [Read more...]
Guide to Italian Food in Italy
So, you are planning a trip to Italy and Italian food is your passion? This guide covers dishes and drinks that you will come across in Italy and that you will need to try if you love food! You will also learn everything you need to know to get around with your taste buds. No matter where you are in Italy, the food is always awesome! Yet, sometimes it can get … [Read more...]
How to Dry Herbs
Your ultimate guide on how to dry herbs at home! I cover 3 drying options, various culinary herb types, share some ideas to use them, and explain how to store your homemade dried herbs the right way. 🆚 Fresh vs Dried Herbs Garden fresh culinary herbs grow best during the hotter days in the year. To preserve them, we dry them. That way you can use your … [Read more...]
Guide to Florence Italy
A transparent travel guide to Florence in Italy. Plan your vacation to the great Tuscan city after social distancing times. This guide has a focus on getting there by car at the bottom of the article. What is Florence Italy famous for? Florence (called Firenze by the locals) is located in Tuscany, a region in central Italy, Europe. The city is known for being … [Read more...]
Fava Beans - How to prep, cook and store
Fava beans (aka broad beans) are incredibly nutritious beans! In this post, you will learn how to prep cook and store them. 📕 What are fava beans? Fava beans are also called broad beans in some regions in this world. They are large green beans growing and sitting in a thick, slightly hairy, thick green pod. The pods can get about 6-7 inches long and one … [Read more...]
Ratatouille Stew Recipe
Ratatouille is a French vegetable stew prepared with zucchini, eggplant and tomatoes. This my families french recipe prepared in one pot. 📕 What is ratatouille? Ratatouille is a traditional coarse vegetable stew from the Provence in south France. It's commonly prepared during the zucchini and eggplant harvest season in the summer. The stew is a staple … [Read more...]
How to make Oat Milk
Homemade Oat Milk can be a great way to save some bucks if you love the store-bought stuff. But before you go about your from scratch routine, read up! 📕 What is oat milk? Oat milk is prepared by blending oats and water together. The blended milk is then strained and that's called oat milk. It's a vegan, non-dairy, plant-based (and usually gluten-free) … [Read more...]
How to make Matcha Tea (hot or iced)
Learn to make matcha green tea, hot or iced from scratch at home without special equipment. We share instructions, tips in video and text below. This is part of our Japanese food series, which includes authentic healthy recipes such as Miso soup. We welcomed most recently Japanese food specialized from Tokyo to the masalaherb.com cultural food experts … [Read more...]
Oven Roasted Potatoes and Carrots Recipe
Sheet pan oven roasted potatoes and carrots is a quick and easy side dish. I show you how to make this tasty vegan dish asap below! This side dish is healthier, low-carb (without sugar), gluten-free and plant-based vegan. You will love your roasted carrots and potatoes served with other main course meals. It's almost effortless to make it from scratch! 🔪 … [Read more...]