Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Why You Should Prune Flowers on Your Potato Plants Potato plant flowers pop up towards the end of the plant's life cycle to attract pollinators that help with reproduction. This is super important for the plant's survival. Sometimes, flowers can show up early if the plant has too much fertilizer or if the weather is really extreme. Why pruning is important Reason 1: Safety First It's a good idea to snip off those flowers for a couple of reasons. First, it can prevent curious kids or pets from eating parts of the plant that could make them sick. Reason 2: Better Potatoes Cutting off the flowers can actually help you get more potatoes in the end. When a plant gets energy into making flowers and seeds, it takes away from making those yummy tubers underground. By snipping off the flowers, you're telling the plant to focus on growing those potatoes instead. How to Prune To prune the flowers, grab some scissors or gardening shears and snip them off at the base of the stem. Th...

Step-By-Step Growing Potatoes Planting and growing potatoes can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for gardeners of all levels. Whether you have a backyard garden or are exploring container gardening options, the step-by-step process of growing potatoes offers a hands-on opportunity to witness the marvels of nature unfold. From selecting the right potato varieties to harvesting and storing your crop, this guide will take you through each stage of the potato growing journey, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate a bountiful harvest. Selecting Potato Varieties Considerations for Choosing Potato Varieties When selecting potato varieties, consider factors like your climate, desired taste, and cooking use. Some varieties are better for baking, while others excel in making crispy fries. It's like choosing the perfect potato wingman for your culinary adventures. Popular Potato Varieties for Different Purposes From the buttery Yukon Gold to the classic Russe...

Helpful Baking Tips Welcome, fellow bakers, to a world of delicious possibilities and handy tips to elevate your baking game! Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned baker looking for new tricks, this article is here to guide you through the wonderful realm of baking. From essential equipment and ingredient know-how to troubleshooting common issues and catering to special dietary needs, I've got you covered. So, preheat your ovens, dust off your aprons, and let's dive into the delightful world of baking with these invaluable tips and techniques! 1. Essential Baking Equipment Must-Have Tools for Every Baker To start your baking journey on the right foot, make sure you have basic tools like measuring cups, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a spatula. These essential items will make your baking adventures a piece of cake (pun intended). Specialty Equipment for Advanced Baking For those looking to level up their baking game, consider investing in specialty equipment like ...

The Benefits of Eating Apples and Peanut Butter together Apples and peanut butter have long been a classic snack combination enjoyed by many for its delicious taste and convenience. Beyond just being a tasty treat, this dynamic duo offers a plethora of health benefits that make it a smart choice for snacking. In this article, we will dive into the nutritional value of apples and peanut butter, explore how combining these two foods can enhance their health benefits, and discuss the positive impact they can have on weight management, heart health, energy levels, and focus. Join us as we uncover the many reasons why pairing apples and peanut butter is not only a delightful snack but also a nutritious choice for overall well-being. 1. Introduction to the Health Benefits of Apples and Peanut Butter Apples and peanut butter are like the dynamic duo of snack time - crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. But beyond just being a tasty combo, they also pack a punch when it comes to h...

Purple Shiso Purple Shiso, also known as Perilla frutescens var. Crispa, is a unique herb from Eastern Asia, particularly China, Korea, Japan, India, and Thailand, that belongs to the mint family. The vibrant purple or green color and elegant ruffled edges of this herb set it apart, making it a striking addition to any garden or dish. Shiso's unique characteristics set it apart. The leaves come in a range of colors, from green to purple, particularly when grown in shaded areas, and emit a refreshing minty scent when crushed. Additionally, shiso plants produce slender, hairy spikes known as racemes, which bear pairs of purple or white flowers. The stems of shiso plants are square in shape and covered in short hairs. In terms of flavor, purple shiso offers a distinctive taste that combines the refreshing qualities of mint with the spiciness of ginger. Some even detect hints of herbs, licorice, or citrus notes in its profile, adding to its complexity. This makes it the perfect additio...

Buttered Top Biscuits In the world of comfort food, few things can rival the simple pleasure of a warm, flaky biscuit topped with butter. Buttered-top biscuits are a classic favorite that evoke feelings of home and hearth. This article will guide you through the process of creating these delectable treats, from gathering the necessary ingredients to mastering the baking technique. Whether you're a seasoned baker looking to expand your repertoire or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe for buttered top biscuits is sure to become a staple in your culinary arsenal. Introduction to Buttered Top Biscuits Picture this: flaky, buttery biscuits fresh out of the oven, topped with a generous slather of even more butter. Buttered-top biscuits are the ultimate comfort food that will transport you to biscuit heaven with every bite. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a midnight snack, these biscuits are sure to be a hit with your taste buds. Ingre...

Pullman cheese and pepperoni bread This loaf of bread is filled with chunks of pepperoni and gooey shredded cheese. It's wonderful served with various pasta dishes or for a snack just by itself and when it's dipped in pizza sauce, it's even better! My husband enjoys eating a slice just as soon as it's cool enough to serve. Are you guys ready to put some mouthwatering yum into your tums? Ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour 1-¼ teaspoon of yeast 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, or kosher salt 1 cup of shredded cheese, your preferred (I used shredded cheddar.) 1 cup of chopped pepperoni ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (optional) ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional) 1-½ cups of lukewarm water, plus a little more if needed 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter, to be brushed over the top of the dough Instructions: First, chop the pepperoni and shred one cup of your favorite cheese. (Chop your pepperoni into the size you prefer.) In a bowl, add the list of ingredients. (Slowly...

Chicken Cheese Ball This delectable recipe is perfect for serving as a Mother's Day hors d'oeuvre appetizer or at any family, church, or holiday dinner gathering. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups finely diced, well-seasoned, skinless, boneless cooked chicken 1 cup softened Velveeta cheese 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 cup crushed, roasted nuts and seeds (optional) 1/4 cup chopped chives (optional) Instructions: For this recipe, cold leftover chicken works wonderfully. I used two chicken thighs and two chicken legs that had been cooked the previous evening. Begin by finely dicing the skinless, boneless, cooked chicken and setting it aside. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of softened Velveeta cheese and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Mash the mixture with a fork until it is creamy and well combined. Add the diced chicken to the cheese mixture and stir well. Then, using clean hands, roll the mixture into a ball. For added texture and flavor, you can roll the cheeseball in 1 cup of crushed, roasted nuts and seeds ...