Cooking Basics

No kitchen is complete without a stockpile of herbs.  Cooking without herbs is like swimming without a suit - you can do it, but why?  From fresh to dried they're not only jam packed full of flavor, but indispensable for adding that extra oomph to all your dishes....

Cooking is definitely an art.  No matter how much time you spend in the kitchen, there’s always more to learn, more to try, more to experience and more to appreciate.  Seasoning and flavoring is one area in particular that takes patience, time and dedication.  You...

Bourbon glazed salmon, crab Louis, deep-fried cod filets, mahi-mahi steaks, low country boils . . . is your mouth watering yet?  There’s nothing like seafood to give your dinner that extra “wow” factor.  It'll make your guests feel extra special and is a great way to...

Let's not beat around the bush.  A lot of cooking advice floating around the web is either a regurgitated mess of similar information or chock-full of common sense tactics from days of old.  Our updated list for modern cooks can help you today! Here are 12 tips to...

Recently, a few new culinary buzz words have hit the scene: zoodles, spiralizing and cauliflower cuisine.  We’re literally seeing these terms everywhere, from our favorite bloggers to celebrities like Oprah Winfrey. So what’s all the hullabaloo about?  Are zoodles and...

Oil is a household staple and an essential ingredient in every kitchen.  For years, home cooks have reached for a bottle of handy-dandy ubiquitous olive oil to satiate their needs.  Well, we're about to turn that trend on its head.  This day and age, there are much...

When you hear words like blanching and shocking, you might think they are cooking methods reserved for professionals.  Or possibly, some sort of medieval torture techniques.  Either way, both words do sound pretty intimidating.  Fear not, let's take a closer look at...

One of the newest trends in food production and cooking is “gluten free” although many people are not sure what exactly gluten is and why some are avoiding it.  Even so, the trend has expanded to the point that nearly every food retailer currently provides one section...

In the UpGood Testing Kitchen, ghee has a special place.  Not only in our hearts, but also on our counter.  If you've never cooked with ghee then we have some unfortunate news - You're Missing Out!  This wonderful concoction can not only transform your cooking, but...

Learning about spices can be overwhelming, and for the uninitiated, you can find yourself face to face with an endless variety of bland dishes, flavorless sauces and ruined meals.  It doesn't have to be this way!  After reading this article, you will be armed with a...