Helping you cook better by focusing on technique

Hi, I’m Sandy.
I’m a mom of two who happened to graduate from The Culinary Institute of America and cook professionally for over 12 years. Now my intention is to empower you with knowledge that gives you confidence in the kitchen. I believe it all starts with fundamentals.

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Latest Posts

Go From Puzzled To Planned

Foods That Freeze

Getting That Perfect Steak

plantainsandchallah

I teach home cooks techniques, not recipes
Trained at the CIA + Cooked Professionally 12+ yrs
Chop It Like It's Hot -Knife Skills Course Waitlist⬇

Blood Orange Cranberry & Cabernet Sauce Inspired

Blood Orange Cranberry & Cabernet Sauce

Inspired several years ago from @alexandracooks

12 ounces whole fresh cranberries
(frozen would also work)
12 ounces water
2/3 cup sugar
4 ounces Cabernet Sauvignon (I
used Zmora which has fruity and
floral notes)
1 cinnamon stick
1 blood orange segments and zest
🍊

1. Combine cranberries and water and
cook over moderate heat until the
berries pop open. Add the sugar and
mix well.

2. Once thickened a bit, add the wine
and allow it to cook out for
approximately 5 minutes or so.

3. Add the zest, blood oranges and cinnamon
stick and cook until you have the consistency you want. Adjust seasoning.

Are you team cranberry or gravy, or both? 😊

#cranberrysauce #sauce #holidaycooking #homecooks #thanksgiving #homemadecranberrysauce #homechefs

I love this question, because it tells me that you

I love this question, because it tells me that you are in the right place here!

You know that I’m not here to give out recipes, instead, I will teach you techniques you need to make anything you want.

The way I format my “recipes” is bolding or highlighting ingredients because I only need to see those separately once when I am shopping or gathering them.

After that, it’s really frustrating to go up to the list then down to the instructions then up to the list and down to the instructions!

So I hope this helps and I hope you make this! It was great!!

#nondairybutterchicken #homecooks #noreciperequired #norecipecooking #homechef #indianflavors

Having your produce last longer has a lot to do wi

Having your produce last longer has a lot to do with how you shop, wash and store.

Ethylene gas is a part of it too! It's a naturally occurring plant hormone that some produce emits and can cause others to ripen faster.

I cover these tips in a short article:

https://plantainsandchallah.com/how-to-make-your-produce-last-longer/

Share this if you find it helpful!

#produce #ethylene #groceryshopping #producelastslonger #homecooks #foodie #homecooked #homecooksofinstagram #fruitsandveggies #foodwaste #frugalmom #chefmom #chefmommy #kitchenhacks

I have been made to feel stupid by asking question

I have been made to feel stupid by asking questions and it’s not a good feeling.

That’s why this topic is so close to my heart.

There are never stupid questions!

The only way you will learn more is by asking questions!

I welcome every single question you have about the kitchen - even if you think it might be silly.

I assure you it’s not.

I applaud you for the willingness to learn and ask as many questions as you need to get the information you desire. 👏🏼

I SUPPORT YOU AND YOUR QUESTIONS!! 🙌🏼

#cookingtechniques #homecooks #homecooksofinstagram #cookinginstructor #kitchentips #ambitiouscook #eagercook #foodiesofinsta #foodiesofinstagram #foodieforlife #chefmom #learn2cook

Convection There are fans that force hot air to

Convection

There are fans that force hot air to circulate around the food which helps to cook it evenly and more quickly. It browns better because of the hot air being pushed around. It also saves energy. Pretty much a win-win!

If you have one, start using it and getting comfortable with it and you will see what an amazing difference it makes in your dry cooking!

For more important details, visit the post on my website:

https://plantainsandchallah.com/3-oven-settings-you-need-to-understand/

PS: An air fryer is just a mini convection oven that sits on your countertop.

#convectionoven #conventionaloven #kitchentalk #dinner #cooking #food #chefmom #airfryer #foodie #ovens #cookingtime #cookinginfo #food #cookingathome #cookinghomemade #maillardreaction #cookingfaster #efficiency #cookingtechniques #cookingfromscratch #cookingtips #cookingtricks #cookinglife #cookingmama

Flavor starts here. The cool thing about cooking

Flavor starts here.

The cool thing about cooking though, is you can take this and add or subtract and make it your own and even crossover cultures through food!

**Not everyone's will look the same!

Share with a foodie friend and keep in mind for your holiday cooking!

#flavorbases #cooking #inthekitchen #aromatics #foodie #recaito #mirepoix #holytrinity #sofrito #soffritto #battuto #gingergarlicscallion #suppengrün #Wloszczyzna #flavorstartshere #homecooking #homecooks #homecooksofinstagram #fundamentals #culinarytechniques #culinaryknowhow #culinaryarts #culinary101 #chefmom #chefdad #homechef #eeeeats #veggiesfordays #buzzfeedfoodies #cookingbasics

I highly recommend cutting your turkey BEFORE you

I highly recommend cutting your turkey BEFORE you roast it.

It cooks faster and you don’t have to worry as much if it’s fully cooked!

Also, no one actually expects you to carve it on the table anyway. 🦃

Cook it on a large sheet pan and get it super crispy and spend the rest of the time doing something else you love.

Let me know if you want me to post the chicken fabrication video? (Same concept)

Share with someone who’s got turkey duty this year and save them time!

#turkey #thanksgiving #poultryfabrication #knifeskills #holidaycooking #homechef #homecooks

I bet you'd never believe me if I told you the pic

I bet you'd never believe me if I told you the picture above is cauliflower that was from a bag.

"steam in a bag" might seem like a great time saver, but when it comes to certain vegetables - steaming just doesn't do them justice. Cauliflower is one of many.

1. Defrost the veggies as you would your meat or poultry. In fact – take them out at the same time and let them hang out in the fridge for the day. Just make sure it's in a receptacle, because as it melts, it will create a pool on your fridge shelf!

2. When you're ready to cook the vegetables, place them in a colander and rinse them under water. This ensures you are removing all the excess ice particles and "reviving" it back to the state after it was blanched, but before it was frozen.

3. Allow them to drain while you prepare the rest of your dinner and when ready to cook them, dry them as best as you can with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. The drier they are, the better the Maillard reaction (which is the golden brown crispy layer that tastes so good!)

4. Heat your pan first for about 3 minutes, add your cooking fat of choice and add your vegetables in a single layer. Do not disturb them until you see the edges start to brown - which will let you know they are ready to flip.

5. Alternatively, if you have a large amount of vegetables, you can preheat your oven to 400 F and preheat your sheet pan. Meanwhile, coat the veggies in your cooking fat of choice and season. Carefully remove the hot sheet pan and add your vegetables in a single layer. Cook until they are all golden brown and delicious!

TADA!! You have made your frozen food fabulous! By the way, now that you know this new method, no need to spend the extra money on the special "steamable" bags, since you won't be needing them anymore! BUH BYE!!

#cauliflower #cookingveggies #maillardreaction #nomoresoggyveg #cooklikeapro #homecooks #homemade #vegetarian

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