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Easy to Make Decadent Creme Brulee Recipe

Sweet Treats

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May 22, 2019

Easy to Make Decadent Creme Brulee Recipe

This is deceptive. It sounds so fancy, so difficult, so French! But really, it's simple. You whisk some things, you bake, you chill it and then you top it with some sugar. Easy peasy. Then comes the fun part: you get to break out the kitchen torch. Or you get to have a really great reason to buy one. You just sprinkle it with some sugar in an even layer, and run that little flame over the top until the sugar melts and turns into a nice little amber pool that will cool into a glass-like top of sugar deliciousness. Then you get to take your spoon and stab it until it breaks. Is there a better way to end a dinner party? We think not.

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Things You\’ll Need

3 cups heavy cream
1 vanilla bean pod
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup sugar for the topping
4 large egg yolks
Boiling water
4 to 6 ramekins
High-sided baking dish

Step 1: Split the Bean

Split the vanilla bean pod lengthwise with a sharp knife, and scrape the filling out with the back of the knife.

Step 2: Simmer

Add the cream, vanilla pod, and inside scrapings to a pot over medium heat. Once the cream starts to bubble around the edges, remove from heat. Cool for ten minutes.

Step 3: Whisk

Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a medium bowl until light in color. Slowly add the cream while whisking continuously until well combined.

Step 4: Bake

Add the custard to ramekins (4 to 6 total) until 3/4 of the way full, add to a baking dish with high sides. Pour boiling water around the ramekins until halfway up the sides. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is still slightly wobbly in the center but not sloshy.

Step 5: Chill

Gently remove from the baking dish, add to a platter and place in the fridge until chilled, about 3 hours.

Step 6: Top with Sugar

Add a thin layer of the remaining sugar to the top of the chilled custards.

Step 7: Brûlée

Using a kitchen torch, slowly pass the flame over the sugar until it's melted into an amber pool. Allow to cool. Serve within an hour.

How to Pare an Apple?

Veggie Faves

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May 21, 2019

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Stop scratching your head when you encounter a recipe requiring you to "pare apples." Paring takes minutes and it keeps the peel from getting in your recipe and altering its texture. For those unfamiliar with the term, paring and peeling mean the same thing when referring to apples. Wait until just before preparing the apples to pare them, as they will brown when exposed to air. A small knife with a ring-shaped blade, an apple corer makes getting the center core out easier. Look for these in kitchen stores or cut the core out with a paring knife.

Paring apples means removing the peel.

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Things You\’ll Need

Paring Knife
Apple Corer
Swivel-Blade Peeler

Step 1

Wash and pat dry the apples before paring.

Step 2

Hold the apple in one hand and the peeler in your writing (dominant) hand. Place the peeler at the top of the apple, inserted just under the skin.

Step 3

Turn the apple in your hand as you hold the peeler against the skin to remove the skin of the apple in a long strip.

Step 4

An apple corer gets the center out in a single cut.

Push an apple corer through the center of the apple from the stem to the blossom end.

Step 5

Cut the apple in half, and slice for use in your recipes.

Does Caviar Go Bad?

Food Hacks

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May 20, 2019

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Caviar tastes better and lasts longer when chilled. Image Credit: Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images

All eggs go bad eventually, and caviar is no different. These specialty fish eggs have a limited shelf life that is influenced by many factors, such as packaging and temperature. Caviar is a delicacy — and relatively pricey, too — so it should never go to waste because of poor storage. Know how to keep it from going bad too quickly so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

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How to Buy

The type of caviar that you buy influences its longevity. Like deli meats, caviar is sold fresh or pre-packaged. Buying fresh comes at a cost — and not just a higher price tag. Fresh caviar won't last as long as pre-packaged caviar, so shop according to when you plan to serve it. Fresh caviar stays fresh for only a few days, so don't buy it now for a party next week.

Keeping It Fresh

If you buy pre-packaged caviar, it may come in one of two types of packaging. The first is a glass jar, which is vacuum-sealed to lock in freshness. If unopened, this caviar will remain fresh for as long as six weeks. The second type of container is a tin, which will keep your caviar fresh for only about two weeks. Whether you buy fresh or pre-packaged, store your caviar in the coldest part of the fridge — usually near the back, away from the door — to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Saving the Leftovers

You may not eat all of your caviar in one sitting, and opening the package drastically shortens the caviar's longevity. Once your caviar has been opened, it retains its quality for only about two or three days — and only if you refrigerate it properly. It's not a good idea to freeze certain types of caviar, because it can become soft and mushy, ruining its signature texture. You may keep it extra cold by storing it in a bowl of ice inside your refrigerator.

A Dish Best Served Cold

The two worst things for caviar are oxygen and heat, so serve them properly to enjoy their quality. Keep the eggs as cold as possible until you eat them by serving them in a dish on ice. This ensures that your caviar stays cold until you're ready to package it back up and put it back in the refrigerator. Cold caviar doesn't just last longer — the temperature accentuates flavors that could be lost if the eggs heat up. Chilled is the best way to eat it even if you don't plan to save some for leftovers.

Unlocking Jennifer Lopez\’s Diet: 6 Salmon Recipes to Try If You\’re Over 40

Veggie Faves

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May 20, 2019

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$Unlocking Jennifer Lopez\’s Diet: 6 Salmon Recipes to Try If You\’re Over 40$

$Nickelodeon\'s 28th Annual Kids\' Choice Awards - Show$ 1 of 7

When it comes to staying in shape, Jennifer Lopez's dieting secrets aren't quite as strict as you may think. The 48-year-old actor, singer and dancer actually keeps things pretty simple when it comes to meals. In addition to staying away from caffeine and alcohol, she claims that protein-packed meals of salmon and veggies are a must. Here are six deliciously healthy salmon recipes to incorporate into your diet and get you one step closer to that youthful J.Lo glow!

Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Entertainment/GettyImages 2 of 7

Sheet Pan Dinner: Salmon with Dill, Butternut Squash & Sugar Snap Peas

If you're pressed for time and would love to have all parts of your meal ready at once, this simple sheet pan salmon dinner recipe will be a serious lifesaver. Plus, fewer dishes to clean!

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews 3 of 7

Stuffed Salmon

This recipe for oven-baked stuffed salmon is an excellent way to get a meal loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein and tons of flavor.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 4 of 7

BBQ Salmon Fillets

Mouthwatering BBQ salmon fillets done in just 15 minutes? Yes, please!

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 5 of 7

Baked Salmon

Achieve salmon that's a perfect combination of crispy on the outside and moist on the inside with this 30-minute max. baked salmon recipe.

Image Credit: Julia Mueller 6 of 7

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon & Salmon Wraps

Convenient salmon wraps are a wonderful way to get the most out of your leftovers. Simply mix your extra salmon, salad and veggies, spoon them into a wrap and enjoy!

Image Credit: Shaina Olmanson 7 of 7

Stovetop Salmon

There are many ways to prepare salmon, and cooking it on the stove is both simple and time saving. Check out this easy-to-follow recipe and find out how to get that perfect piece of fish!

Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier

How To Cook Snap Beans

Veggie Faves

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May 19, 2019

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Things You\’ll Need

1 lb. snap beans
Shallow pot
Water
2 slices bacon
Skillet
Pepper
Salt
Strainer
Microwave safe bowl
1 cup water
2 tbsp. butter
Plastic wrap

Also known as green beans or string beans, snap beans are grown in gardens across the world. Their name derives from the sound they make when broken or snapped. Fresh snap beans are cooked in a variety of methods (they are eaten pod and all), but boiling and steaming the beans are the most popular. Selecting the right snap beans for cooking will result in the best flavor. Beans picked too late in the growing season will have a tough texture when cooked. These beans have bulging pods or a discolored skin, and should be avoided when choosing the best snap beans to cook.

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Step 1

Break off the ends of the green snap beans and discard these stringy ends. Remove any bad spots.

Step 2

Wash the snap beans thoroughly. Run the beans under warm water to ensure that they are dirt- and debris-free.

Step 3

Snap the beans into pieces. Break each bean into two or three pieces. Leave beans whole if you prefer longer green beans.

Step 4

Place snap beans in a shallow pot. Cover beans with water and bring to a boil.

Step 5

Cook bacon slices on a skillet. Add bacon to the pot of snap beans. Season the beans with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Cover snap beans. Bring beans to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until beans are tender enough to eat.

Step 7

Clean snap beans under warm water. Remove bad spots from the beans.

Step 8

Break off the firm ends. Snap the beans into pieces.

Step 9

Add beans to a microwave-safe bowl. Combine two tablespoons of softened butter with beans.

Step 10

Cover beans with one cup of water. Ensure that all of the beans are covered. Season the beans with salt and pepper.

Step 11

Place plastic wrap around the top of the bowl. Poke a hole in the plastic wrap to allow ventilation.Cook beans in the microwave on the high setting. Allow beans to cook for 10 minutes. Check the tenderness of the beans. Cook in the microwave for another two to three minutes if they have not reached the desired tenderness.

Tip

Shock the green beans to keep their color bright. After boiling the beans for five minutes, place them in ice water. After a few minutes in the ice water, resume simmering the beans until tender.

Using steam bags to microwave the snap beans is also a convenient option.

Simmer snap beans for an hour or more for a soft, mushy texture if you do not enjoy the firm bean texture.

All the Best Deals from Sur La Table’s Warehouse Sale

Food Hacks

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May 18, 2019

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All the Best Deals from Sur La Table’s Warehouse Sale

After a summer spent avoiding the oven, we're ready to jump back into hearty fall cooking. Sur La Table's Warehouse Sale, which runs from September 23rd to the 28th, offers hundreds of ways to save on cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, small appliances, entertaining essentials and more. Prepare for the upcoming holidays by snagging a ceramic pie dish, durable wine glasses or a multifunctional Dutch oven.

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With savings of up to 60 percent, now is the time to invest in pieces that will last you for years to come from brands like Le Creuset, All-Clad, Staub and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Plus, if you spend more than $75, you'll unlock free shipping. Below we've rounded up all the best deals on chef-worthy products from Sur La Table's Warehouse Sale.

1. Le Creuset Signature Oval Dutch Oven, 8 Qt.

$299.96 (save $139.99) at Sur La Table

A showhorse and a workhorse, Le Creuset's eight-quart Dutch oven can be used to cook stews, braise meat, bake bread and so much more. This size typically sells for over $400, and even the brand's newest color, "Azure," is included in the sale. Made of porcelain-enameled cast iron, these French-made Dutch ovens are of heirloom quality and designed to prevent staining or the absorption of flavors. They're intended for induction, electric, gas or halogen heat sources, and feature weighty lids that help to lock in moisture. The eight-quart version is sold in nine vibrant colorways and comes with a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. Weighing 15 pounds, each oven measures 16.9 inches long, 11 inches wide and 7.3 inches high, including the lid and handles.

2. Pizza Stone Set Of 3

$17.99 (save $7.96) at Sur La Table

If you're still making sheet pan pizza, it's time to upgrade to a ceramic pizza stone that guarantees crispy crust with every pie. This affordable set includes a 12.5-inch round pizza stone, a stainless steel rack for serving, and a pizza cutter with an elegant wood handle. The pizza stone works by evenly distributing the heat and absorbing excess moisture that otherwise leads to a soggy bottom. It's safe to use in a regular oven, convection oven, microwave, or on the grill and is designed to withstand temperatures of up to 932 degrees Farenheight. Beyond pizza night, it's great for baking cookies, toasting bread, roasting vegetables or re-heating leftovers.

3. Staub Ceramic 3-Piece Stoneware Set

$119.96 (save $123.04) at Sur La Table

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is the time to stock up on cookware essentials. This three-piece set from Staub, another French manufacturer of high-quality enameled cast iron cookware, includes a 9-inch pie pan, a 13-by-9-inch rectangular baking dish, and an 11-inch oval baking dish. The exterior of each dish showcases a dark blue ceramic finish, while the interior is a creamy white, which makes it easy to clean as you can spot any lingering residue. Each piece features hefty side handles and a smoothly-finished underside that won't scratch your countertops. Clumsy cooks might be hesitant to invest in ceramic (who among us hasn't dropped a fresh-out-of-the-oven casserole at some point?), but Staub's products are impact, scratch and thermal-shock resistant.

4. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Prédicat Burgundy White Wine Glasses, 13.6 Oz., Set Of 6

$59.96 (save $54.04) at Sur La Table

"Durable" and "wine glass" aren't words that are typically used in the same sentence, but this German-made set from Zwilling J.A. Henckels is made of heavy-duty crystal. The six 13.6-ounce glasses are intended for white Burgundies (a very expensive wine made from Chardonnay grapes and grown in limestone-rich soil) but will elevate almost any white wine tasting experience. While some white Burgandy glasses have a wide 'bowl,' this one is fairly narrow, although its capacity is ideal for generous pours. The glasses are dishwasher safe and resistant to chipping, scratching and breaking.

5. Instant Pot Air Fry Lid, 6 Qt.

$62.96 (save $26.99) at Sur La Table

When you live in a small space, purchasing a new kitchen appliance often results in limited counter space. This air fry lid fits onto an existing, six-quart Instant Pot and touts air frying, broiling, baking, roasting and dehydrating capabilities. The basket size is a little smaller than what'd you get from a dedicated air fryer (roasting a whole chicken might be tricky), but it's a great tool for crisping veggies, wings, fries, tofu, donuts and more — all while using little to no oil. The LED-lit control panel is intuitive and has six pre-set functions for easy cooking.

6. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Four Star 8-Piece Knife Block Set

$249.96 (save $484.54) at Sur La Table

There's a reason every soon-to-be-married couple puts this eight-piece knife block set on their registry. The Four Star series has been a kitchen staple since 1976 thanks to its durability, corrosion resistance and edge retention. Made of high-carbon stainless steel, the set includes a paring knife, prep knife, bread knife, chef's knife, sharpening steel, kitchen shears, as well as a beechwood storage block. The knives are handwash only, but with proper care can last for decades. Some repeat customers have mentioned that their previous sets lasted 30-plus years.

7. All-Clad HA1 Nonstick Skillets, 10" & 12" Set

$99.96 (save $49.99) at Sur La Table

All-Clad is known for its durability, not affordability, but thankfully it's on sale! These versatile skillets measure 10 and 12 inches, made of hard-anodized aluminum with three layers of PFOA-free nonstick coating. They're suitable for all heat sources (even induction) and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the nonstick coating makes clean-up a breeze, the skillets are dishwasher-safe. Use them to fry up eggs, fish, bacon, pancakes or an extra-gooey grilled cheese.

16 Easy Side Dish Recipes to Make for Your Holiday Dinner

Main Dishes

Lauren McQuade

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May 18, 2019

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16 Easy Side Dish Recipes to Make for Your Holiday Dinner

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No holiday dinner is complete without delicious side dishes, the more the merrier. Some might even go as far to say that side dishes are a highlight often far surpassing whatever main dish will be served in terms of flavor and favorability among guests. So, in turn we encourage you to peruse through our piping hot list of decadent, festive side dish recipes, from golden brown potato soufflé to delectably sweet caramelized leeks that are sure to elevate your meal from boring to full-blown holiday bonanza.

Image Credit: Gina Matsoukas – Runningtothekitchen.com 2 of 17

Potato Soufflé

Soufflés are not just for dessert, people. These lovely, fluffy treats make for a perfectly decadent side dish. We admit they can be intimidating at first, but knowing how to make a soufflé is a wonderful skill to have and our version is sure to impress holiday guests.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 3 of 17

Green Bean Casserole

Forget the condensed soup for this recipe — this is the new, from scratch version of a classic you should bring to every holiday dinner for years to come. We smell a new tradition!

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 4 of 17

Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots

These maple glazed carrots are a simple side dish with dependably delicious results every. Single. Time.

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com 5 of 17

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

There is something so comforting about mashed potatoes that feels almost like a hug in a bowl–this recipe will come out just the way Grandma used to make them, using slightly less butter.

Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier 6 of 17

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have a long-standing bad reputation, signaling they might need to hire a better PR team. These hearty fall treats can be prepared simply roasted in the oven with olive oil, salt and pepper, or a bit of sliced fresh garlic.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 7 of 17

Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables

Root veggies are ideal for eating during the colder months when they are in season and there's simply no better way to enjoy them than roasting in a super hot oven.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 8 of 17

Scalloped Potatoes

This simple recipe for homemade scalloped potatoes takes the basic technique and turns this comfort food that everyone loves into an instant holiday side dish hit.

Image Credit: Charity Curley Mathews, founder of Foodlets.com 9 of 17

Caramelized Leeks

A close relative of onions and garlic, leeks have a mild flavor that makes for a wonderful addition to a variety of savory dishes and caramelizing them is an easy, healthy way to head straight to Flavortown.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 10 of 17

Blue Cheese and Bacon Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

No holiday dinner table is complete without a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes to pass around, but this year, keep the stock pot in the cabinet and pull out the slow cooker instead. Grab the bacon and blue cheese while you're at it for this spin on a classic.

Image Credit: April Anderson 11 of 17

Pomegranate Champagne Jelly

This recipe for homemade pomegranate champagne jelly is not really a side dish, but still nice to have on hand if you love to entertain (or simply love cheese).

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 12 of 17

Gluten-Free Stuffing

This version of cornbread stuffing is so good even your bread eaters will ask for the recipe. And what you choose to do from there is none of our business.

Image Credit: Jackie Dodd 13 of 17

Sweet Potatoes

This tutorial will cover three basic sweet potato preparation methods: boiling, roasting and pan frying. We let you choose which one makes the most sense based on time and convenience purposes because freedom.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 14 of 17

Cranberry Orange Relish with Pecans

This cranberry orange relish with pecans might just be the quintessential side dish to serve at holiday meals you've not yet heard of… Until now. Plus, practically speaking, it can be made several days in advance and freezes exceptionally well.

Image Credit: Jennifer Farley – SavorySimple.net 15 of 17

Cheese Potato Pie

This hearty Irish comfort food is the perfect cheap, easy, and highly adaptable holiday dinner party side dish. It's kind of like mashed potatoes and baked scalloped potatoes had a beautiful, cheesy baby.

Image Credit: Ashley Manila 16 of 17

Stuffing with Sausage

Turkey stuffing that was never "stuffed" inside any turkey, alive or dead, is better for a couple of reasons: it is proven to be safer to cook in it's own dish and it also creates a delicious crust on top. We always aim for delicious crust, you should know this about us.

Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier 17 of 17

Olive Garden’s Breadsticks

The dough for these breadsticks is very easy to work with, making this a great recipe for beginners–but your dinner guests will never know (or care) what your bread-making skill level is once they see you've recreated this modern culinary masterpiece at home.

Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Tutorial on How to Make BJ\’s Pizookie at Home

Sweet Treats

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May 17, 2019

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$Tutorial on How to Make BJ\’s Pizookie at Home$

When I was in college I worked a stint as a waitress at BJ's Brewhouse. Of all the items on the menu, none stayed with me like the Pizzokie. It's a pizza-cookie hybrid! It's so overly indulgent in the best way, perfect to share with a group of friends, and absolutely divine with a cold beer. As a somewhat expert in Pizzokies, I can tell you that —without question—this version is even better. Just as gooey and soft as ever, but with a nice slight crisp of caramelized edges that are oh-so-addictive. Sure, you're supposed to share one of these, but you don't have to.