All the tips and tricks needed to shape up for 2010. Each day brings new, expert advice on how to look your best and live life to the fullest, while having a little fun doing it.
Get Real in the Kitchen
Cooking comes down to one simple truth: You're only as good as your ingredients. And that means buying the good stuff. No, it doesn't have to be organic, artisanal or even expensive. It just has to be real. Here's an essential pantry checklist of genuine staples for your kitchen.
It melts, mixes and tastes better than margarine. And butter won't leave that oily film on your tongue.
The real cheese, not the powdered stuff in a can, has a salty, nutty almost spicy quality.
Fresh stalks have infinitely more essential oils and thus flavor than the dried stuff. Like analog TV vs. HD.
Garlic peaks right after its been crushed or pressed, making dried or jarred varieties less flavorful.
"Light olive oil" is a marketing term. It simply tastes milder. Extra-virgin olive oil comes from the first pressing and has the lowest acidity along with a slightly fruity taste.
Table salt is bleached and filled with chemicals. Kosher salt is chemical free and sea salt has a rich, smooth flavor.
