Cooking Exceptionally With Gin Lee

Homemade Piquette   Living life with zero waste and sustainability has become a new normal for a lot of people. For example, I try to upcycle as much as possible. Recently, I made concord grape jam, jelly, and concord grape juice from the grapes that I harvested. Today I will be explaining more about how I made Piquette from upcycling all the grape leftovers.  The grape leftovers (skins, seeds, stems) are known as pomace. It's been utilized to make a diluted wine called Piquette for years. Piquette is a low-alcohol drink made by mixing grape leftovers and water then going through the fermentation process. The wine becomes a nice fizzy drink. With an alcohol content of 4 to sometimes over 10 ABV depending on how long the wine is left to ferment. I make Piquette and have gotten the alcohol content of 10 ABV and sometimes over that. Technically, Piquette is not wine, but it closely resembles it once it's a finished product. So how did I make Piquette?  I went through the pro...

Homemade Concord Grape Juice Although you see me using concord grapes today for this grape juice recipe, any type of grapes can be used. Concord's are the variety I have on hand from this year's harvest. I'm using a mixture of fully ripe concord grapes, and the ones that were starting to turn ripe. The green grapes will be turned into verjuice. I will be using the grape leftovers to make Piquette. I will be telling you a little more about Piquette towards the bottom of this article. I don't add any type of sweetener to my juice recipe. I only use the grapes, water, and a bit of time. First, I picked the grapes a few weeks ago. Then I brought them to the kitchen, where I proceeded to take the stems off, and washed them in the sink. Since I harvested so many grapes this year; I ended up freezing some of them just to get them off my hands, until I get the time to process the grapes. Yes, you can freeze the grapes whole and then later proceed with making juices, jams, jelli...

Discover the Art of Making Delicious Homemade Strawberry Sorbet If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy treat, homemade strawberry sorbet is the perfect choice. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also allows you to enjoy the pure, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries without any artificial additives. Whether you're an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Table of Contents Ingredients Needed Step-by-Step Instructions Helpful Tips for Perfect Sorbet Final Thoughts Ingredients Needed 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced ½ cup granulated Splenda, or sugar (adjust to taste) ½ cup water 1 tablespoon lemon juice Step-by-Step Instructions Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and Splenda or sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the Splenda or sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool. Puree the strawberries: In a blender or food processor, blend the ...

Discover the Charm of Yummy Country-Style Mulberry Cobbler: A Classic Dessert Recipe There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, homemade dessert that celebrates the flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients. If you're a fan of fruity, rustic treats, then this country-style mulberry cobbler is just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bursting with the tart sweetness of fresh mulberries and topped with a soft, buttery crust, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, weekend indulgences, or simply elevating your everyday dessert game. Let's dive into how you can create this delightful treat from scratch! Table of Contents Preparing the Mulberry Filling Making the Cobbler Batter Assembling and Baking Serving and Enjoying Tips and Tricks for Perfection Preparing the Mulberry Filling The heart of this cobbler is the luscious mulberry filling. Using fresh mulberries enhances the fruit's natural sweetness and tartness, creating a vibra...

Discover the Comfort of Homemade Country Peach Cobbler: A Classic Southern Delight Nothing beats the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked peach cobbler wafting through the kitchen. This timeless Southern dessert combines juicy peaches with a tender biscuit crust, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade desserts for the first time, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to crafting a delicious peach cobbler that will impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into the details and step-by-step process to bring this classic to life. Table of Contents Ingredients Overview Preparing the Peach Filling Making the Biscuit Crust Assembling and Baking Tips and Variations Final Thoughts Ingredients Overview The foundation of a delicious peach cobbler lies in the quality of its ingredients. Here's what you'll need: Peach Filling: 2 cups of sliced peaches (fresh or canned...

Delight in a Homemade Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: A Simple & Delicious Recipe If you're craving a sweet treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas, then this homemade chocolate banana ice cream is perfect for you. Not only is it easy to make, but it also uses wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought desserts. Whether you're looking for a cool summer snack or a satisfying dessert after dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Table of Contents Ingredients Needed Step-by-Step Preparation Tips for Perfect Results Variations & Serving Suggestions Conclusion Ingredients Needed 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture Step-by-Step Preparation Freeze the bananas: Peel and slice ripe bananas, then freeze them overnight or until solid. Blend the ingredients:...

Growing basil in containers Growing your own herbs doesn't require much space. In fact, even though I do have several types of gardens with various vegetables, fruits, and herbs growing, I still grow some of my herbs in containers inside my indoor greenhouses and even before I splurged to purchase my greenhouses, I grew herbs in indoor containers. The cost of seed packets is relatively a lot cheaper than purchasing seasonings from the grocery store. So for today's article I will be sharing how I grow basil in containers inside.  Growing basil in containers Basil loves natural sunlight, and needs plenty of light to grow, however if you live in a shady area where you don't receive much sunlight, then LED grow lights can be used for basil plants. In which case, it happens to be what I specifically use. I have written an article about greenhouse lighting, which explains more about what grow lights I prefer using. I keep the grow lights on my basil plants for at least ten hours ...