Questions and Answers – Peppermint Oil vs. Peppermint Extract   Question: I have a recipe that calls for peppermint oil.  Can the peppermint extract be substituted and where can you … Continued

 How To Deep-Fry Turkey – Cajun Fried Turkey Cajun Fried Turkey and Chow Chow were cooked for our annual Grape Harvest Festival by our friend John Brennan of Portland, Oregon. … Continued

How to Cook Corn on the Cob – Please, never over cook your fresh corn! Boiling is the quickest, easiest, and tastiest way to prepare perfect corn on the cob.  Too many … Continued

Mastering Meringue Making Perfect Egg White Meringue is much like blowing air into a balloon while whipping.  Beating or whisking causes the protein in the egg whites to unfold, forming … Continued

  As the name implies, quick breads can be made quickly and easily.  Quick breads are called “quick” because they have to be baked or cooked immediately after being mixed. … Continued

Perfect turkey gravy, made using the turkey giblet stock, pan drippings, and meat juices from the Roasted Turkey, is an essential part of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving, dinner would … Continued

Questions and Answers – What is Pickling Salt Question: Many pickle recipes I have call for “coarse” salt.  Is coarse salt and canning/pickling salt the same or can be interchangeable? … Continued

Questions and Answers – Pique Seasoning   Question: I have a copy of The Gold Cook Book by Louis P. DeGouy and am reading it through.  It has a lot … Continued

What is the difference between poaching, simmering and boiling? Is just a matter of temperature degrees, do you know the difference? Be sure and use a good Cooking or Meat Thermometer. This question … Continued

  Questions and Answers – Nutritional Data on Portabella Mushrooms   Question: I hope you can answer this for me.  What is the nutritional value of Portabella mushrooms ? I’ve … Continued

Purchasing and Storing Potatoes   Purchasing Potatoes: When shopping for potatoes, look for potatoes that are firm and smooth.  Avoid potatoes with wrinkled or wilted skins, soft dark areas, cut … Continued

What are powdered egg whites? Powdered Egg Whites are dried egg white (pure albumen).  It can be reconstituted by mixing the powder with water.  The reconstituted powder whips like fresh … Continued

Techniques for Restoring an old Cast Iron Skillet Question: I just purchased a cast iron skillet which was not seasoned. I scrubbed and scrubbed to get the protective coating off … Continued

Questions and Answers – Preserving Carved Pumpkins     Question: Can you tell me what to use to preserve a craved pumpkin so it will last longer like a week … Continued

Prime Rib Roast – Tips From The Butcher’s Block By Eric Turner   From my years as a retail butcher, I can report that the beef bone-in rib roast is … Continued