Test Kitchen Tips

Our Test Kitchen is full of culinary experts who have picked up plenty of handy tricks and techniques over the years. Check out our favorite cooking tips that’ll make cooking and baking at home easier than ever.

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    Does Vinegar Go Bad? The Answer Can Be Complicated

    This pantry staple leaves many consumers scratching their heads because its shelf-life is so unusual. So, does vinegar ever go...


    Does Flour Go Bad and Can You Use Expired Flour?

    Does flour expire? The short answer is yes. Learn how long different types of flour last and how to store...


    How to Tell If an Onion Is Bad

    Do you know how to tell if an onion is bad? Better yet, do you know how to read the...


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    How to Turn Just About Any Cake Recipe into a Bundt Cake

    Want to give a beloved layer cake some fluted tube-pan flair? You can bake most regular cakes in a Bundt...


    What Is This White Stuff on My Mango—and Is It Safe to Eat?

    It's not dangerous, but it does affect the flavor of your mango.


    How to Make Buttercream White

    Skip the slightly yellow frosting and learn how to make buttercream white—and we mean a vibrant, bright white!


    Here’s Why You Should Soak Pineapple in Salt Water

    Salty and sweet were made for each other.


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    When to Use Parchment Paper vs. Aluminum Foil

    Both parchment paper and aluminum foil are helpful to have in the kitchen. Here's when to use each one.

    Can You Put Aluminum Foil in the Microwave?

    Is it safe to put aluminum foil in the microwave? The answer might surprise you.


    How to Use Chopsticks

    I'll explain how to use chopsticks—and share some quirky lore on what the way you hold your chopsticks says about...


    What Is a Kumquat (and How Do You Eat One)?

    What is a kumquat? It's an adorable citrus fruit that's great for snacking and cooking—and it shouldn't be overlooked.


    The Most Popular Types of Peaches for Eating and Baking

    Your recipe calls for peaches, but does it matter what kind of peach you use? Not all types of peaches...


    14 Mistakes You’re Making with Summer Berries

    Whether you're making the rounds at the farmers market or heading out to the strawberry field, make the most of...


    This Chart Shows You How to Convert Cooking Measurements

    Who knew cooking would involve so much math? Don't worry—this chart makes it easy to tackle cooking measurement conversions without...


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    How to Cut a Whole Chicken

    If you don't know how to cut a whole chicken, now is the perfect time to learn. You'll save a...


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    How to Tell if an Egg Is Bad

    Want to know how to tell if an egg is bad? The float test is a quick way to see...


    How to Store Potatoes and Onions the Right Way

    You might be surprised to know that storing these veggies together is bad news. Find out how to store potatoes...

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    This Is How to Keep Guacamole from Turning Brown

    Make party-ready guacamole days in advance—or keep leftovers fresh for later. Here's how to keep guacamole from turning brown.


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    How to Tell If Salmon Is Bad

    Do you know how to tell if salmon is bad? Here's a closer look at the telltale signs for both...


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    How to Choose the Best Ham to Buy

    When it comes to picking the best ham to buy for your next gathering, the choice is bone-deep.


    Can You Put Plastic in the Microwave?

    You're ready to heat up your leftovers—but is it safe to microwave plastic containers? Here's everything you need to know...


    How to Make Boxed Brownies Taste Better

    A splash of vanilla and a dash of espresso powder are just two ways to make a box of brownie...


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    Your Guide to Types of Woks (and Which Is Right for You)

    Looking to add a wok to your kitchen? Discover the type of wok that's best for your stir-fry needs.

    What Is Panko?

    Does your recipe call for panko? We have the low-down on Japanese-style bread crumbs, including when you can substitute classic...


    Can You Microwave Glass? 3 Tips for Microwaving Glass

    You're ready to chow down on delicious leftovers. But wait! Is it safe to microwave glass?


    How to Make Amish Friendship Bread

    Learning how to make Amish friendship bread is easy. And sharing this unique treat with others is delightful!


    Is Freezer-Burned Food Safe to Eat?

    When you take chicken out of the freezer and it's covered in ice crystals, you might wonder, is freezer burn...


    How Many Bananas Are in a Cup? Here’s How to Measure Bananas

    From the perfect loaf of banana bread to banana pudding, having the right amount of bananas matters. Here's how to...


    Why Do My Potatoes Turn Pink When I Cut Them?

    Is it OK to eat a pink potato? Here's what we know.