Featured Blogs - Now Ya Cookin'

15 Non-Food Ways to Use Food Items

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/16/2021

woman with curlers in her hair looking into a mirror and applying coffee ground exfoliant to face

You might be surprised at how food can be used in non-food ways. Check out this list and find out how else you could be using common food items around the house!

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/11/2021

You don't need to go out to make Valentine's Day special. Learn how to make this decadent chocolate cherry cake and celebrate Valentine's Day with as many slices as you want!

Can Spices Go Bad?

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/9/2021

market stall with piles of various spices

Could your spices be bad? Find out how long spices last and the proper way to store them and never use bland spices again!

Classic Grape Jelly Meatballs

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/4/2021

meatballs with toothpicks on wooden board

You'll be surprised at the "secret" ingredient in these meatballs. Find out what sets these classic meatballs apart from the crowd!

Broccoli Cheese Soup with Potato

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/21/2021

You'll want to take your broccoli cheese soup to the next level with this recipe! Find out how to make your broccoli cheese soup even better!

Everything You Need to Know About Pizza Stone Care

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/19/2021

You'd be surprised at how easy a pizza stone is to take care of! Learn how to take care of your pizza stone and never order pizza again!

Tips and Tricks to Get Perfect Eggs Every Time

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/7/2021

four cracked eggs in green bowl with bowl of cracked eggshells and whisk in background

Eggs are one of the most versatile foods in the kitchen but can also be one of the hardest things to get right. Use these tips and tricks to make your eggs turn out perfectly every time!

Frosted Gingerbread Cookies

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/22/2020

gingerbread cookie dough rolled out with cookie cutter shapes in dough

Everyone loves fresh baked cookies around the holidays. Find out how to make these festive gingerbread cookies and watch as they disappear in minutes!

Holiday Treats for Man's Best Friend

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/17/2020

dog licking nose lying on back on pile of dog treats

Don't forget your dog this holiday season! These pumpkin and peanut butter dog treats are easy to make and sure to be a hit!

How to Make a Graham Cracker Gingerbread House

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/10/2020

decorated gingerbread house on table with Christmas tree in background

Using graham crackers to create the gingerbread house is an easy alternative to baking gingerbread pieces from scratch or buying a pre-made kit.

Spice Up your Gift Giving This Year

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/8/2020

collage of piles of various dried spices

Not sure what to get someone for the holidays? Check out these common seasonings and add flavor and a personal touch to your holiday gifts this year!

2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/3/2020

This holiday season gift loved ones in your life with some new kitchen gadgets they'll love.

Thanksgiving Wild Rice

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/24/2020

white place setting with serving of wild rice with cranberries

Looking to try something new for Thanksgiving this year? Check out this Thanksgiving-inspired take on wild rice and add a new side dish to your Thanksgiving recipe rotation!

How to Season Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/19/2020

The turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving meals. Check out this recipe to get perfectly seasoned turkey at your next Thanksgiving gathering!

5 Ways to Still Celebrate the Holidays in 2020

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/17/2020

artificial fall leaves with give thanks written below in marker

While the holidays this year may look very different from previous years, it's still possible to celebrate regardless of where you and your loved ones are.

Jack-o-Lantern Bundt Cake

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/22/2020

two bundt cakes stacked on top of each other with orange frosting dripping down from top of cake

This jack-o-lantern Bundt cake is cute, tasty, and perfect for Halloween.

17 Useful Cooking Substitutions to Know

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/15/2020

rows of various herbs and vegetables laid out on wooden surface

You'll be surprised how useful it can be to know what ingredients can stand in for others when cooking. Read our list and find out what to do the next time you run out of something!

Red Hot Salmon

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/8/2020

piece of cooked salmon on white plate next to sprig of rosemary

Love spicy food? Check out this recipe and take your salmon from ordinary to red hot!

4 Ingredient Homemade Pasta

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 9/15/2020

close up of hands feeding sheet of dough through a manual pasta machine

Homemade pasta never tasted so good--or was so easy! Learn how to make pasta at home with just 4 ingredients!

Pumpkin Spice Pound Cake

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 9/1/2020

slice of iced pound cake on white plate with rest of pound cake and wine glasses in background

This pumpkin spice pound cake is perfect for the start of autumn.

How to Fix These 14 Common Cooking Mistakes

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 8/20/2020

man holding hands to face in distress while looking into open oven where smoke is billowing out

The next time you find yourself making one of these cooking mistakes, try one of these solutions to fix it.

How to Sous Vide the Perfect Steak

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 8/18/2020

pieces of meat, fish, and chicken vacuum sealed in bags next to pieces of garlic, peppercorn, and half a lime

Want to cook the perfect steak every time? Learn how to sous vide your steak and get perfection every time!

Tomato Basil Pie

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 8/13/2020

rectangular cooked dough with cooked red, yellow, and purple tomato slices on top

Love tomatoes? Then check out this pie! You'll be surprised at how easy this recipe is to make!

Watermelon Salad

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 7/16/2020

bowl of pieces of watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese crumbles, and mint sprig

If you like watermelon, you'll want to try this summer salad! Learn how to make this watermelon salad and discover your new go-to summer staple!

Making Cooking Easier

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 7/14/2020

man in wheelchair opening upper cabinet door in kitchen

For those with physical disabilities, cooking can be more challenging than enjoyable, but it doesn't need to be. Find out how making a few adjustments can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.

21 Interesting Food Facts

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 7/10/2020

Do you know how the tea bag came to be? Check out these 21 facts about food and win the next trivia night out!

Caring for Wooden Kitchen Tools

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 7/8/2020

close up of rows of wooden cutting boards of different grains and stains

Did you know your wooden kitchen tools could outlast your plastic ones? Find out how to properly care for your wooden cutting boards and utensils and watch them last for years to come!

Red, White, Blue Berry Lasagna

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 7/1/2020

decorated American flag cake using blueberries, sliced strawberries, and white icing; bowls of sliced strawberries and blueberries in top left corner

Celebrate Independence Day with a twist! Find out why this "lasagna" is perfect for summer celebrations!

When was the Last Time you Deep Cleaned your Kitchen?

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 6/10/2020

We use the kitchen several times a day and wash dirty dishes or clean up spills, but when did you last deep clean your kitchen?

How to Season your Cast Iron Cookware Like a Pro

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 5/29/2020

To ensure your cast iron lasts for decades, make sure your cookware is seasoned properly.

Classic Banana Bread

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 5/22/2020

Banana bread is an easy way to use the bananas your family refuses to eat rather than throwing them away.

Basic Baker's Tools

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 5/20/2020

You don't need to be an expert baker to make chocolate chip cookies or banana bread, but it does help if you have a few of the right tools.

Popular Recipes to Make While you Shelter in Place

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 5/1/2020

Despite the endless possibilities of possible dishes, some meals seem to be more popular to make and share during this time than others.

Back to Basics: Cooking for Absolute Beginners

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/24/2020

If you don't know the first thing about being in the kitchen, now is a great time to learn.

Brownie Cookies

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/22/2020

Who couldn't use a little chocolate right now?

What's in Season This Spring

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/17/2020

Spring is the season of new beginnings.

Get the Most Out of your Food

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/15/2020

Improperly storing your food could shorten its shelf life and raise the risk of bacteria or mold.

Expand your Cooking Skills While Stuck at Home

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/10/2020

Kill two birds with one stone: make your meals and improve your culinary skills at the same time.

Create an Easter Feast at Home

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/8/2020

Easter this year will most likely be very different but that doesn't mean you have to skimp on celebrating with a nice meal.

Cooking Made Easy

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 4/3/2020

There are several kitchen appliances that can help expedite the cooking process and keep it from feeling like a chore.

5 Cooking Tips for Those who Don't Cook

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 3/31/2020

Now is the perfect time to start mastering the basics.

Same Ingredients, Multiple Meal Options

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 3/27/2020

If you've stocked up on a lot of staple ingredients but are now wondering what you can make so you're not eating the same meal over and over, we've come up with a few suggestions.

Turn Your Beer (and other drinks) Green this St Patrick's Day

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 3/13/2020

If you want to get in on the St Patrick's Day fun without breaking the bank, turn your drinks green at home.

Guinness Cheese Dip

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 3/6/2020

This beer-infused cheese dip strikes the perfect balance for those who want to still have a Guinness on St Patrick's Day but can't have a few beers.

White Chicken Chili

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/26/2020

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili in the winter.

How to Choose Food and Drink Pairings

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/21/2020

Did you know there's a method to choosing food and drink pairings that compliment each other?

Chocolate Dipped Heart Cookies

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/14/2020

Who doesn't love melted chocolate and homemade cookies?

Express your Love in the Kitchen

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/7/2020

Instead of buying a cute teddy bear or a heart-shaped box of chocolates this Valentine's Day, consider doing something for your partner that they will really appreciate.

Raspberry Nutella Puff Pastry

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 2/5/2020

This heart-shaped dessert is easy, quick, and full of chocolatey Nutella goodness.

Pull Apart Cheese Bread with Pepperoni

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/31/2020

This football-inspired side dish is a crowd pleaser and may inspire some red-flag worthy plays when you're down to the last piece.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/29/2020

Who doesn't love a quick, easy, all-in-one dinner?

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/24/2020

Winter is the perfect time of year for chicken pot pie.

Tea 101: Tea Around the World

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/22/2020

Drinking tea is part of almost every country's culture in the world.

Easy Breakfast Casserole

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/17/2020

Many start off a new year by vowing to make better decisions and cultivate healthier habits.

10 Easy Ways to Step Up your Cooking Game in 2020

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/10/2020

Everybody can improve their skills in the kitchen--and it doesn't have to be hard or require purchasing expensive equipment.

What's in Season This Winter

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 1/8/2020

Knowing what is season can help lower grocery bills and can inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Black-Eyed Pea Jambalaya

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/27/2019

The new year is right around the corner which means it's time to start preparing the traditional New Year's Day meal.

Potato Latkes

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/20/2019

Regardless of whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, or nothing at all, latkes are a tasty and easy recipe to add to your repertoire.

Oreo Peppermint Bark

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/18/2019

Oreo Peppermint Bark is both easy and fun to make--not to mention festive!

Homemade Eggnog

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/12/2019

Rather than panic because your local grocery store is sold out (again), consider making your own eggnog this year.

Ice Machines for Christmas?

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/11/2019

Have you or a loved one asked Santa for a home ice machine yet?

12 Holiday Gift Ideas

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/6/2019

If you have any cooks in your life, a new kitchen gadget makes for the perfect gift!

Tea 101: History of Tea

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 12/4/2019

Its official origin can't easily be traced but for thousands of years now, tea has quietly spread across the world.

Cranberry Sauce

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/27/2019

Having cranberry sauce on the menu at Thanksgiving is about as mandatory as the turkey itself.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/22/2019

Instead of serving mashed potatoes and gravy at Thanksgiving this year, switch things up by trying a Southern favorite--sweet potato casserole.

Loaded Green Bean Casserole

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/20/2019

Green bean casserole strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy thanks to the cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

Thanksgiving Essentials

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/13/2019

The Thanksgiving meal is the most important part of Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Pie

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/8/2019

Turkey may be the main event on Thanksgiving, but pumpkin pie is often the star of the holiday.

Five Ways to Cook Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 11/6/2019

Like with most meats, there are several ways to cook a turkey.

Tea 101: Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/31/2019

How to prepare tea can spark debates between die-hard tea drinkers over which method is best—tea bags or loose-leaf tea.

Monster Eye Cupcakes

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/29/2019

These monster eye cupcakes are not only tasty but are also spookily cute.

Halloween Cookies

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/24/2019

These dark chocolate cookies strike the perfect between deliciously chocolately and mildly spooky.

Halloween Swirl Brownies

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/15/2019

Make these scarily good brownies and be the hit of your home or Halloween party.

Tea 101: Tea Flavors

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/11/2019

Within each category of tea are endless flavor combinations.

Guide to Apples

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/9/2019

While an apple may just be an apple to some, they can actually have different suggested uses based on their variety.

Canning 101: A Beginner's Guide to Canning

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 10/4/2019

While there are two methods of canning--pressurized and water bath--water bath canning is more popular.

Make Your Own Hot Chocolate Mix

Posted by Rachel Schwartz on 9/27/2019

Hot chocolate is one of the coziest drinks out there. It's warm, chocolatey, and perfect for fall and winter as the days get shorter and the air gets chillier.