What Is Carne Asada—and How Do You Make It At Home?

Learn about this Mexican dish thats tasty in tacos or on fries. Getty Images Mexican street tacos are the epitome of comfort food. Theyre bursting with flavor, and they can be an affordable dinner for families. Photo:Getty Images Plus, taco meat is high inproteinand other nutrients. Its meaty, savory, and packed with spices, but theres much more to it than that. Keep reading for a tell-all on this Mexican cuisine classic....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Melissa Wilson

What Is Caster Sugar? Here’s What You Need to Know

The go-to sugar for baking in the U.K., explained. What Is Caster Sugar? So, what is caster sugar? Photo:Zoff Photo/Getty Images Caster sugar is finely groundgranulated sugar. If its not at your local shops, you’re able to purchase it from online retailers. Keep in mind that its typically called superfine sugar instead of caster sugar in America. If you find both white caster sugar and golden caster sugar, know that they are pretty much interchangeable....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 110 words · Jessica Willis

What Is Chorizo? Experts Explain How It's Made and How to Use It

Here’s everything you gotta know about the meaty Mexican mainstay, plus recipes to try. As it turns out, the answer isnt so simple. Of course, there are recipes, too. Photo:Larisa Blinova/Getty Images Chorizo-maker Jaime Fernandez is the owner ofThree Sisters Meatsin Boise, Idaho. What Is Chorizo? The links are then hung and naturally air-dried for 35 to 38 days. Victor Protasio At that point, the links are typically stored in a wine cellar....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 256 words · Jeremy Wallace Jr.

What Is Cocktail Attire? Stylists on How to Dress for Your Next Party

We asked stylists to crack the cocktail dress code. Naturally, this calls for a cocktail dress. But what are cocktail dresses, and how are they different from every othertype of dressout there? Photo:Phamai Techaphan/Getty Images What Are Cocktail Dresses? Cocktail dresses are shorter, semi-formal dresses that typically range from mini skirt length to just below the knee. Expert Tips for Styling Cocktail Dresses

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 63 words · Curtis Atkinson

What Is Convection Cooking, and When Should You Use It Over Regular Roasting or Baking?

Try it a few times. You just might become a fan. Understandably so:Convection cookingis rarely mentioned in recipes or cookbooks. Photo: Getty Images What is convection? In addition to saving time, this makes convection cooking slightly more energy-efficient. The exterior of a roast will have perfectly even browning while the interior will remain tender." Fun fact:Air fryersare actually just mini convection ovens. When shouldn’t you use convection? Sometimes cookies or cakes will show a “sand drift” pattern from the moving air....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 105 words · Lauren Thompson

What Is Costco Next and Is It Worth It? Here's What You Should Know

Costco members have another way to score big deals available exclusively online. Costco If youre a Costco member, you may have heard about the warehouses online shopping experience calledCostco Next. Heres everything to know about Costco Next to help you get the most out of yourshopping experience. Photo:Costco What Is Costco Next? Costco Next allows members to shop for exclusive deals online on a variety of different supplier websites. How Do You Get Costco Next?...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 123 words · Andrew Gould

What Is Couscous—and How Do You Know Which Type to Buy?

A dish so nice, they named it twice. Is it part of the grain family? Is it rice or pasta? Photo:Larissa Veronesi/Getty Images Heres everything you gotta know about the delicate, pearl-shaped food. What Is Couscous? Couscous is a starch that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Greg DuPree Contrary to popular belief, it is not a grain ora punch in of rice. Instead, couscous is atype of pastathats made from semolina flour thats been sprinkled with water....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 273 words · Catherine Barnes

What Is Cream of Tartar—and What Is It Used For?

That little jar of powder can definitely come in handy. And you’ve probably wondered exactly what’s in there? What Is Cream of Tartar? Photo:Victoria Popova / Getty Images Don’t let the name fool youthere’s no cream involved in creating this white powder. How Do You Use Cream of Tartar? It helps them whip up higher, faster, and hold their shape better. Greg DuPree It can also be used to add a touch of tartness to cookies and cakes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 295 words · Joshua Burns

What Is Crème Fraîche—and How Do You Make It At Home?

It sounds fancier than it actually is. Enrique DAaz/Getty Images Its smooth, thick, and tricky to pronounceits creme fraiche. But what is this mysterious cream, actually? Photo:Enrique Díaz/Getty Images Creme fraiche is a cultureddairy productthat originated in France, but is commonly used across Europe. Heres everything you gotta know about creme fraiche so you might use it in your own cooking. What Is Creme Fraiche? Creme fraiche is a European-style dairy product made from two simple ingredients:heavy creamandbuttermilk....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 312 words · Trevor Goodman

What Is Espresso, and How Does It Differ From Coffee?

All espresso is coffee, but not all coffee is espresso. And sincenearly two-thirds of Americansreport drinking coffee daily, theres a good chance youre a java fan. With so many types to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Photo:Iryna Veklich/Getty Images Its a popular caffeinated beverage, but its not the same as regular coffee. Even if youve never ordered it before, your go-to coffee order may very well be an espresso-based drink....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 384 words · Kimberly Parks

What Is Farro—and How Do You Cook With It?

Learn all about the healthy grain. But what is farro, exactly? What Is Farro? Photo:bhofack2 / Getty Images Farro has a very pleasant, slightly nutty, grain flavor. Farro can be produced from three wheat relatives: spelt, emmer, and einkorn, House notes. Semi-pearled is an all-purpose farro and works well in all dishes. Victor Protasio Is Farro Gluten-Free? No, farro is not gluten-free. Farro is an ancient grain related to wheat, which contains gluten....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 264 words · David Young

What Is Feng Shui? The Basic Principles and How It Works

What Is Feng Shui? Everything has energy, even inanimate objects. Feng shui helps guide that energy and lets it flow freely through your home. Photo:Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali Principles of Feng Shui Feng shui has four major principles that guide its implementation. The four principles of feng shui design include the following. Here’s what each means. William Abranowicz Furniture placement and decorations can encourage or hinder the flow of energy in your space....

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 713 words · Kristen Williams

What Is Fennel—and How Do You Cook With It?

Learn all about this flavorful veggie. Barmalini/Getty Images Fennel is currently in season and its a fantastic way to add brightness tocold weather dishes. Dont know what to do with fennel after that? Photo:Barmalini/Getty Images And know that the veggie can be useful in a plethora of recipes.Fennel is very versatile, Ojales says. And the fronds can be used for garnish. What Is Fennel? Victor Protasio Fennel is a flowering plant in thecarrotfamily....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 190 words · Robert Guerrero