Find answers to common questions about our recipes
To ensure food safety and maintain the quality of your leftovers, store them in airtight, shallow containers in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. Label the containers with the date and contents, and use them within 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing your leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags. When reheating, make sure the food reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While eggs can be substituted in some recipes, flaxseed and applesauce are not direct 1:1 replacements. Flaxseed can be used as an egg substitute in baked goods, but you'll need to mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. Applesauce can replace eggs in some recipes, but use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg called for. However, this substitution may affect the texture and flavor of your final product. Always test the substitution in a small batch before making a large batch.
The best herbs to use in your recipes depend on the type of dish you're making. For savory dishes, consider using fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary. For sweet dishes, try using herbs like mint, lemongrass, or lavender. Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and chop or bruise them to release their oils before adding them to your recipe. You can also use dried herbs, but use them in moderation as they can be potent.
To ensure food safety, cook your meat to the recommended internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your meat. The recommended internal temperatures are: 145°F (63°C) for beef, pork, lamb, and veal; 160°F (71°C) for ground meats; and 165°F (74°C) for poultry. Let the meat rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the temperature to even out.
Many of our recipes can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-containing ingredients with gluten-free alternatives. For example, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always read labels to ensure that the ingredients you're using are gluten-free. However, some recipes may not be suitable for gluten-free diets due to the presence of gluten-containing ingredients.
Depending on the type of dairy product called for in the recipe, you can substitute it with a non-dairy alternative. For example, use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk, and coconut yogurt or soy yogurt instead of regular yogurt. You can also use vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast to give your dishes a cheesy flavor. Always choose a substitution that complements the flavor of the dish.
Cooking times can vary depending on the complexity of the recipe, the size of the dish, and the cooking method. Generally, our recipes take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to prepare and cook. Always check the specific cooking time for each recipe, and adjust it according to your needs. You can also use the cooking time as a guideline to plan your meal prep and cooking schedule.
Measuring ingredients accurately is crucial to ensure that your dishes turn out as expected. Use a digital kitchen scale to measure dry ingredients, and a liquid measuring cup to measure liquids. For dry ingredients, spoon the ingredients into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. For liquids, place the measuring cup on a flat surface and read the measurement at eye level. Always use the correct measuring tools and techniques to ensure accurate measurements.
To prevent overcooking or undercooking your dishes, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food. For meat, poultry, and fish, cook to the recommended internal temperature. For vegetables, cook until they're tender but still crisp. For grains, cook until they're tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Always check the texture and flavor of your food to ensure it's cooked to your liking.
Many of our recipes can be made in advance and frozen for later use. However, always check the recipe instructions to see if freezing is recommended. For best results, freeze the dish in airtight containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date and contents. When reheating, make sure the food reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Many of our recipes can be adapted for special diets by substituting ingredients and modifying cooking methods. For vegan diets, replace animal products with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free diets, replace gluten-containing ingredients with gluten-free alternatives. For low-carb diets, reduce or eliminate high-carb ingredients. Always check the recipe instructions and ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
To convert our recipes to metric units, use the following conversion factors: 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 tablespoon = 15 ml, and 1 teaspoon = 5 ml. For dry ingredients, use the following conversion factors: 1 cup all-purpose flour = 120g, 1 cup granulated sugar = 200g, and 1 cup brown sugar = 220g. Always use a digital kitchen scale to measure ingredients accurately, and adjust the recipe accordingly.