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Apple Pie

Rather Be CookingMay 19, 2022

00:00
08:30
Apple Pie

Apple Pie

This recipe involves a perfect classic apple pie with a lattice top crust. The filling is made up of apples, sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This tempting recipe is one of the most popular pies of all time.



However, it can sometimes be challenging to make the lattice top crust. But don’t worry, this recipe will guide you through every step of the way so that you can create a delicious and beautiful apple pie that is perfect for any occasion.



Getting Your Homemade Apple Pie Perfect Every Time



With several classic apple pie recipes to choose from, you may be wondering how to get yours just right. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect apple pie:



Use a combination of different types of apples. This will give your pie a unique flavor and ensure that it is not too sweet or too tart.Be sure to preheat your oven before baking. This will ensure that your crust is crispy and flaky.Allow your pie to cool completely before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and create a truly delicious dessert.



Starting Off



A homemade pie crust would be a perfect start-off. Prior preparation of the pie crust is important to ensure a flaky and delicious crust.



Tips For A Perfect Pie Crust



Always use cold butter. This will help to create a flakier crust.Use a food processor to make the dough. This will help to create a smoother dough and prevent the formation of clumps.Be sure to chill the dough before use. This will allow the butter to solidify and create a more tender crust.



Choosing The Apples For The Filling



The type of apples you use is entirely up to you. However, for the best flavor, it is recommended that you use a combination of sweet and tart apples.



Some of the most popular types of apples for pie include,



Granny SmithHoneycrispGolden Delicious, andBraeburn.



Why Should You Not Pre-cook The Apple Filling?



When it comes to making the perfect apple pie, pre-cooking the filling is a big no-no. This is because cooked apples will release water, which will make your pie soggy. Moreover, pre-cooking the filling will cause the apples to lose their shape and turn mushy. So, for the best results, you mustn’t pre-cook the apple filling.



But Why Is The Apple Filling Too Runny Mostly?



One of the main reasons why the apple filling is too runny is because of the type of apples used. As mentioned earlier, it is important to use a combination of different types of apples to get the perfect flavor and consistency.



Another reason why the filling might be too runny is that you have not let it sit long enough. Once the filling is made, it is important to let it sit for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the pie crust. This will allow the filling to thicken and will prevent it from being too runny.



Lastly, if you find that your filling is still too runny after baking, you can always add a thickener such as tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. Simply mix the thickener with the filling and bake according to the directions. Alternatively, you can extend your bake time.



And there you have it! This is everything you need to know to make the perfect apple pie. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!



Wrap Up



Now that you know how to make the perfect apple pie, it’s time to get baking! This classic dessert is sure to please family and friends alike. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your next masterpiece today.
May 19, 202208:30
Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

I have tried many mashed potato recipes and this is the best one. It is so easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. The recipe is straightforward and the results are delicious! The creamy potatoes are full of flavor and go great with any meal.



Making The Finest Homemade Mashed Potatoes



Getting the Proportions Right



There are a few things to keep in mind when making mashed potatoes. The most important thing is to get the proportions right. For every pound of potatoes, you will need one cup of milk and half a cup of butter. This will ensure that your mashed potatoes are creamy and delicious. You can always add more milk or butter if you want, but it is best to start with these proportions and then adjust to your liking.



The Best Potatoes for Mashing



There are many different types of potatoes that you can use for mashed potatoes. However, not all of them will yield the same results. For the best-mashed potatoes, you should use Yukon Gold potatoes. These potatoes are a perfect size and have a creamy texture that makes them ideal for mashing. They also have a slightly sweet flavor that goes well with butter and milk.



Other potatoes that you can use for mashed potatoes include Russet potatoes and Red potatoes. These potatoes are also good for mashing, but they will not yield the same results as Yukon Gold potatoes.



What Can You Serve With Mashed Potatoes?



Mashed potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served with many different meals. One of my favorite things to serve them with is roasted chicken. The creamy mashed potatoes go well with the crispy skin and juicy meat of the chicken. You can also serve them with steak, fish, or any other protein of your choice.



Vegetables are also a great side dish for mashed potatoes. I like to add some sauteed spinach or green beans to my plate. This adds some color and nutrients to the meal.



If you want a heartier meal, you can add some chopped bacon or sausage to your mashed potatoes. This will make them even more filling and satisfying.



No matter what you serve them with, mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit!



Tips To Pay Attention To



When mashing your potatoes, be sure to use a potato masher or ricer. Do not use a food processor or blender, as this will make your potatoes gluey.Be sure to add the milk and butter slowly. You want to add just enough to make the potatoes creamy. If you add too much, your mashed potatoes will be runny.Do not overmix your potatoes. Once the milk and butter are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing will make your mashed potatoes tough.Mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply place them in a covered dish and reheat in the oven or microwave when you are ready to serve.



Flavors To Add To Your Mashed Potatoes Recipe



When it comes to mashed potatoes, there are endless possibilities for flavors. You can keep them simple with just butter and milk, or you can add in other ingredients to change things up.



Some of my favorite flavors to add to mashed potatoes include,



GarlicCheeseSour creamChives, andBacon.



These ingredients can be added at the beginning or used as a topping.



Experiment and find what you like best!



Wrap Up



Mashed potatoes are a classic dish that can be served with any meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious side dish that everyone will love. Thanks for reading!
May 19, 202206:02
Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad

Amongst the most popular salads, chicken salad is a dish that can be found on the menu of almost every restaurant. It is simple to make and can be enjoyed as a light snack or a main meal. This recipe is for a basic chicken salad that can be easily customized to your taste.



Cooking The Chicken For The Salad



The first step is to cook the chicken. You can do this by either grilling, baking, or boiling the chicken breasts. If you are short on time, you can also use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool before chopping it into small pieces.



Poaching Chicken For The Salad



This is an important tip if you want to make the best chicken salad possible. Poaching the chicken in a flavorful broth will infuse it with additional flavor that will take your salad to the next level.



How To Poach Chicken



Simply add the chicken breasts to a pot of simmering water or broth. Make sure that the liquid covers the chicken completely. Let the chicken cook until it is cooked through and then remove it from the pot. Let it cool before chopping it into small pieces.



This step is completely optional, but if you have the time, it is worth doing!



The Mayo Dressing



What and how you put in the ingredients for the dressing is completely up to you. A simple mayonnaise and vinegar dressing is used in this recipe, but you can add other ingredients such as garlic, onion, or herbs to create a more flavorful dressing.



Optional Add-Ins



There are many different ways that you can customize this chicken salad recipe. Some common additions include,



GrapesCeleryNuts, andDried fruit.



You can also add in some chopped-up vegetables such as carrots or tomatoes. Get creative and add in whatever you think would taste good!



Wrap Up



This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The chicken salad can be easily customized to your taste and it is a great way to use up any leftover chicken that you may have. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can be served in a variety of ways.
May 19, 202206:43
Coleslaw Salad

Coleslaw Salad

With an abundance of fresh vegetables, this coleslaw salad is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. The creamy dressing adds a touch of richness, while the celery seed provides a lovely crunch. Be sure to give this salad plenty of time to chill before serving, as it tastes best when the flavors have had a chance to meld together.



Selecting The Finest Ingredients For The Salad



Depending on where you live, you may be able to find all of the ingredients for this salad at your local farmers’ market. If not, look for them at a well-stocked grocery store. For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade mayonnaise.



The vegetables: Look for crisp, fresh cabbage, carrots, and red onion.The dressing: A mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and celery seed.



More Tips For a Perfect Homemade Coleslaw Salad



To shred the cabbage, you can use a large-holed cheese grater or a food processor fitted with the shredding attachment.If you don’t have time to make your mayonnaise, you can use store-bought, but it won’t be quite as flavorful.This salad is best if it’s made a day in advance, as the flavors have a chance to marry and the cabbage has a chance to soften slightly.If you’re feeding a crowd, this salad can easily be doubled or tripled.



Ways To Cut Cabbage For Coleslaw



Shredding cabbage is easy, and there are a couple of different ways that you can do it.



The first is to use a large-holed cheese grater. Simply place a quarter of cabbage at a time on the grater and grate away.The second way is to use a food processor fitted with the shredding attachment. Again, work with one-quarter of cabbage at a time and pulse until it’s the desired consistency. This method is probably the quickest and easiest, as you don’t have to worry about your fingers getting shredded along with the cabbage.



Achieving The Restaurant-Style Dressing



The key to getting a creamy, thick dressing is to use good quality mayonnaise. If you have the time, making your own is always best, as it will be more flavorful than store-bought.Another important tip is to make sure that all of the ingredients are well combined before adding them to the salad. This means whisking the dressing ingredients together until they’re emulsified, or using a blender or food processor to get the desired consistency.The last step is to taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary. You may want to add a bit more lemon juice for brightness or some additional celery seed for crunch. Once you’ve got the dressing just the way you like it, simply toss it with the shredded cabbage and carrots.



Letting The Salad Rest



This salad tastes best when it’s had a chance to sit for a bit and absorb all of the flavors from the dressing. So, once you’ve mixed everything, pop it in the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour, or preferably overnight.



When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir, taste it one last time, and add any additional seasonings that you think it might need. Then, dig in and enjoy!



Wrap Up



That’s all there is to it! Now you know how to make the perfect coleslaw salad. So, the next time you’re looking for a summer side dish, give this recipe a try. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we do.
May 19, 202206:02
Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie

This scrumptious chicken pot pie is the perfect winter comfort food. The creamy filling is made with chunks of chicken, carrots, celery, and peas in a savory gravy, all encased in a flaky puff pastry crust. It’s sure to warm you up from the inside out!



Store-Bought Vs Homemade Pie Crust



This is absolutely a personal preference. Some say that the store-bought crusts are just as good as homemade, if not better. Others (like myself) prefer the taste and texture of a homemade crust. If you’re short on time, go ahead and use a store-bought crust. But if you want to give homemade a try, keep scrolling for my pie crust recipe.



Tips To Avoid a Sloggy Soggy Bottom Crust



1. Pre-bake the crust: This is probably the most important tip. By pre-baking the crust, you ensure that it will be nice and crispy. No one wants a soggy bottom!



2. Blind bake the crust: Another helpful tip is to blind bake the crust. This means that you pre-bake the crust without the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper or foil, fill it with pie weights (or dried beans), and bake it for 10 minutes. Then, remove the weights and parchment paper/foil and continue with the recipe.



3. Don’t overfill the pie: This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important not to overfill the pie. Otherwise, the filling will spill out and make a mess of your crust.



4. Avoid adding too much liquid: Another common mistake is to add too much liquid to the filling. This will also result in a soggy bottom crust. So be sure to measure your liquids carefully!



5. Bake the pie until the filling is bubbly: Finally, make sure to bake the pie until the filling is nice and bubbly. This will help to evaporate any excess liquid and prevent a soggy bottom crust.



Adding Different Sauce Flavors



This is definitely a personal preference, but I like to add a little bit of hot sauce to my chicken pot pies. It gives them a nice little kick! If you don’t like spicy food, you can leave the hot sauce out. Or, you could try adding some different flavors, such as barbecue sauce or ketchup.



Sauce Options



Barbecue sauceKetchupHot sauceSoy sauceWorcestershire sauceTeriyaki sauceHoney mustardSweet and sour sauceDuck saucePlum sauce



The best chicken pot pies are made with delicious gravy. This can be made from scratch, or you can use a store-bought mix.



Now let’s get to the recipe!



Wrap Up



Try out this amazing chicken pot pie recipe and it is a great recipe for any day of the week. It is also perfect for when you have leftover chicken that you need to use up. This Chicken Pot Pie will quickly become a family favorite! So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
May 19, 202206:21
Pancake Recipe

Pancake Recipe

Nothing says breakfast like a stack of pancakes. Pancakes are one of the oldest and most popular breakfast foods around and for good reason. They’re easy to make, they can be customized to suit any taste, and they’re just plain delicious.



There are all sorts of ways to make pancakes, but this recipe is for the classic version.



Classic Vs. Customized Pancakes



There are two main types of pancakes: classic and customized. Classic pancakes are the kind that most people think of when they hear the word “pancake.” They’re made with a simple batter of flour, milk, eggs, and baking powder, and they’re usually served with butter and syrup. Customized pancakes are those that have additional ingredients added to the batter, such as fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts.



Which Type Of Pancake Is Better?



That’s up to you! If you’re in the mood for something classic and simple, go for the classic pancakes. But if you’re feeling adventurous, give the customized pancakes a try.



Tips For a Fluffier Pancake



There are a few things you can do to ensure that your pancakes are nice and fluffy.



First, be careful not to overmix the batter.Second, let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking the pancakes. This will allow the baking powder to work its magic and make the pancakes extra fluffy.Finally, make sure to cook the pancakes on medium-high heat. If the heat is too low, the pancakes will be dense and doughy. If the heat is too high, the pancakes will be dry and tough.



All-Purpose Flour Vs. Bread Flour



Pancakes can be made with either all-purpose flour or bread flour. All-purpose flour is the most common type of flour used for pancakes, and it will work just fine. However, if you want your pancakes to be extra fluffy, use bread flour.



Moreover, if you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to add an extra teaspoon or two of baking powder to the batter.



Milk Options



You can use any type of milk you like in pancakes, including cow’s milk, almond milk, and soy milk. If you want your pancakes to be extra rich and decadent, use whole milk.



Buttermilk is another option, and it will give the pancakes a slightly tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.



Pancake Batter Ratio



The ratio of ingredients in pancake batter is important. If you add too much flour, the pancakes will be dry and dense. If you add too much milk, the pancakes will be thin and runny. The perfect pancake batter should be thick but pourable. This recipe will never fail you.



Wrap Up



This easy pancake recipe will give you the perfect classic pancakes every time. Serve these pancakes during weekend brunch or for a fun and easy breakfast during the week. Be sure to try some of our favorite toppings, like fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts.
May 19, 202206:36
Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Popular since the 1930s, banana bread is a quick bread made with ripe bananas. It’s perfect for using up overripe bananas, and it’s a delicious way to start the day or enjoy a snack. This recipe yields one loaf of moist, flavorful banana bread.



How Ripe Should The Bananas Be?



For the best flavor, use bananas that are brown and spotty. Bananas that are entirely yellow with no brown spots will work in a pinch, but they won’t be as sweet or flavorful. Avoid using entirely brown bananas, as they’ll be too mushy and make for a dense loaf of bread.



Types Of Bananas To Use In The Bread



Cavendish bananasPlantain bananas



Note:



Plantains are a bit starchier than Cavendish bananas, so they’ll make for a denser loaf of banana bread. If you use plantains, you may want to reduce the amount of flour by 1/4 cup.



Mashing The Bananas



When it comes to banana bread, the riper the bananas, the better. Not only do overripe bananas have more flavor, but they’re also much easier to mash. For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 cups of mashed banana, which is equivalent to 4 or 5 medium-sized bananas.



If your bananas are too ripe, they may be difficult to mash with a fork. In this case, you can place them in a bowl and use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash them until smooth.



Key Tips For The Best Banana Bread



Use overripe bananas for the sweetest, most flavorful bread.Mash the bananas until they’re smooth for the best texture.Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until all of the ingredients are combined.Bake the bread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing and serving.



With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a loaf of delicious banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Just be sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.



Why Is Banana Bread So Moist?



Banana bread is moist because of the high content of moisture in bananas. When ripe, bananas contain up to 74% water. This high moisture content helps to keep the bread moist and prevents it from drying out.



What If The Banana Bread Gets Too Moist And Sticky?



If your banana bread is too moist and sticky, it’s likely because you’ve used too much banana. For this recipe, you’ll need about 4 or 5 medium-sized bananas. If you find that your bread is too moist, try reducing the number of bananas next time.



Wrap Up



Whether you’re using overripe bananas or plantains, this banana bread recipe is sure to please. Just be sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always stir in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an extra bit of flavor.
May 19, 202206:47
French Toast

French Toast

This golden-brown French Toast recipe is a weekend breakfast favorite. It’s easy to make and can be served with your favorite toppings. French toast is a great way to use up leftover bread. You can enjoy it plain, or add some fruit or other toppings for a special treat.



How French is The French Toast?



The origin of French toast is a bit of a mystery. Some say that it was invented by the Romans, who called it “pan Dulcis.” Others say that it was created in France during the Middle Ages. It’s more likely that French toast was invented somewhere in between these two time periods.



Selecting The Ideal Bread For French Toast



The best bread for French toast is slightly stale, denser loaves such as brioche, challah, or sourdough. These types of bread will absorb the egg mixture more evenly and result in a more custardy texture. Avoid using very soft bread-like Wonder Bread, as they will fall apart when soaked in the egg mixture.



Toasting The Bread



Once you’ve chosen your bread, it’s time to toast it. You can do this in a toaster oven or under a broiler, but the best way to get evenly golden-brown toast is to cook it in a skillet on the stove. melt some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the bread slices and cook until they’re golden brown on both sides.



Making The Custard



The key to great French toast is a flavorful custard. To make the custard, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Be sure to whisk the mixture until it’s well combined so that the eggs are fully incorporated.



Soaking The Bread In The Custard



Now, it’s time to soak the bread in the custard. Place the bread slices in the bowl with the custard and let them soak for a few minutes, flipping them once so that both sides are evenly coated.



Simple Tips on Cooking The French Toast For Perfection



Once the bread is nicely coated in custard, it’s time to cook the French toast. Be sure to preheat your oven to 200 degrees °F before you start cooking so that you can keep the cooked toast warm while you finish cooking the rest.Cook the French toast in batches by adding a few slices of bread to the skillet at a time. Cook the toast until it’s golden-brown on both sides and cooked through. Then, transfer it to a baking sheet and place it in the oven to keep warm.Serve your French toast with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.



Wrap Up



This French toast recipe is so delicious and kids will love it. It’s easy to make and can be served with your favorite toppings. French toast is a great breakfast or snack for the whole family.
May 19, 202205:49
Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf Recipe

The meatloaf recipe is a tender and juicy dish that is perfect for a family meal. It is made with ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and herbs. The result is a delicious and hearty main course that will leave everyone satisfied.



Top Tips For Making The Juiciest Meatloaf



Make sure to use lean ground beef so that your meatloaf is not too greasy.Add some moisture to the mix by adding wet ingredients like milk or tomato sauce.Pack the mixture tightly into a loaf pan so that it holds together well.Bake the meatloaf at a moderate temperature so that it cooks evenly.Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing so that it retains its juices.



Ideal Meat For The Loaf



When it comes to the meat, you have a few options. You can use all beef or a mix of beef and pork. The ratio of lean to fat is important, so make sure to use ground beef that is at least 80% lean.



If you want a more flavorful meatloaf, you can try using ground lamb or turkey. Just keep in mind that these meats can be quite dry, so you may need to add some additional moisture to the mix.



Binding Agents



The next important step is to choose your binding agent. This will help to hold the meatloaf together and make sure that it doesn't fall apart when you slice it.



The most common binding agent is bread crumbs. This will absorb any excess moisture and help to bind the meat together.



If you are avoiding bread crumbs, you can use oatmeal, crackers, or even mashed potatoes. Just make sure that whatever you use is finely ground so that it doesn't make the meatloaf too dense.



Flavorful Additions



Once you have the basics down, it's time to start adding some flavor. This is where you can get creative with your meatloaf recipe.



Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a little bit of oil. Then, add them to the meat mixture along with any other herbs or spices that you like.



Try adding some ketchup, BBQ sauce, or even Worcestershire sauce to the mix for a boost of flavor. You can also add some shredded cheese, diced ham, or cooked bacon to the meatloaf for a delicious twist.



The Best Way To Cook Meatloaf



The best way to cook meatloaf is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. then, form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a lightly greased baking sheet.



Bake the meatloaf for about 60 minutes, or until it is cooked through.



Wrap Up



This scrumptious meatloaf recipe is perfect for a family meal. Made with ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and herbs, this juicy and flavorful dish will leave everyone satisfied.
May 19, 202206:23
Pizza Dough

Pizza Dough

An extremely popular dough recipe all over the world, this pizza dough recipe is easy to follow and make. With just a few ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious pizza at home.



Why Is It So Challenging to Get a Perfect Dough For Most?



Pizza dough is one of those recipes that people tend to have a lot of trouble with. There are so many variables that can affect the outcome of your dough, from the type of flour you use to the amount of water. And then once you think you’ve got it figured out, you have to deal with the whole rising process. It can be a lot to handle, which is why we’ve put together this easy-to-follow pizza dough recipe.



Proofed Vs. Un-Proofed Dough



One of the first things you need to understand when it comes to pizza dough is the difference between the proofed and the unproofed dough. Proofed dough is dough that has been allowed to rise, usually in a warm environment. This process allows the yeast to activate and start growing, which in turn creates carbon dioxide gas. This gas is what gives pizza dough its fluffy texture. Un-proofed dough, on the other hand, has not been allowed to rise and will result in a denser, more bread-like texture.



Which One Should You Use?



For this pizza dough recipe, we recommend using proofed dough. It’s easier to work with and will result in a lighter, airier crust. If you’re short on time, you can always use the unproofed dough, but just be aware that it will be denser and not as light and fluffy.



Be Selective In The Flour You Use



When it comes to flour, you want to be selective in the type that you use. For pizza dough, we recommend using all-purpose flour or bread flour. All-purpose flour is a good all-around choice that will work for most doughs. Bread flour, on the other hand, has a higher protein content, which will result in a chewier crust. If you can’t decide between the two, go with all-purpose flour.



Don’t Overwork The Dough



One of the most common mistakes people make when making pizza dough is overworking it. This will result in a tough, dense crust that is difficult to work with. To avoid this, be sure to knead the dough just until it comes together and then stops. Overworking the dough will also make it more difficult to stretch and will result in a less than perfect crust.



Flavoring The Dough



Another common mistake people make is not flavoring their dough. The dough is bland on its own, so be sure to add some flavor to it. We like to add a bit of garlic and Italian seasoning, but you can add anything you like. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.



Wrap Up



This pizza dough recipe is one to keep in your back pocket. It’s easy to make and can be used for any type of pizza you like. This is indeed the perfect recipe for anyone looking to make delicious pizza at home.
May 19, 202205:45