Are your countertop appliances gathering dust because you're too busy to read the manual? Well, dust them off and take a look at some of my easy step-by-step instructions for making some of the most basic and classic dishes.
Basic and Special Techniques in the Bread Machines
Making homemade bread with a bread machine is a snap once you know the basics of your machine. Read through your manual to understand the basics of how your machine works, then get creative with some of my techniques.- Learn the basics of how to make bread in a bread machine
- Want to get fancy? Learn how to create that pretty swirl in sweet breads
- You can use your bread machine to do all the work of kneading and proofing, and then bake the dough in a conventional oven
Making Stew in a Pressure Cooker
Learning how to use a pressure cooker can seem daunting. But, once you master it, you'll be able to make stews and other foods in a fraction of the time they normally take. Get started with step-by-step instructions to make a classic beef and Guinness stew in the pressure cooker.Making Homemade Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream can be far superior to the store-bought versions, and it doesn't take much time and effort to make, even with the most basic ice cream makers. Learn how to make basic vanilla ice cream in a freezer-canister ice cream maker.Using a Pasta Machine
If your pasta maker has not seen the light of day because you think that using it will be a complicated, time-consuming task, now is the time to try your hand at making homemade pasta. Sure, it takes longer than boiling a box of storebought linguini, but the flavor and texture are well worth the effort. Plus, it's a fun activity for a lazy weekend afternoon. Here's how to make homemade pasta.Making Pesto in a Food Processor
Many Italian grandmothers hand-grind their pesto with a mortar and pestle. But why go through the trouble when you have a food processor? Follow these easy instructions for making pesto from scratch in your food processor.Expanding the Use of Your Rice Cooker
Your rice cooker can do much more than just make plain white rice to go with your curries and stir-fries. Use it to make creamy, rich risotto, without all of the stirring and hands-on effort.Making Pulled Chicken in a Slow Cooker
With its steady, low heat and its enclosed cooking environment, a slow cooker is the perfect tool to make melt-in-your mouth pulled chicken. No need to constantly add coals to a grill or fire pit; here's how to make pulled chicken right on your counter in the slow cooker with minimal effort.Make a vegetable side dish with an immersion blender
An immersion blender is great for pureeing soups, making smoothies and chopping small bits of herbs and nuts. But it can also be used to make a creamy vegetable side dish that the kids will love.
