🍎 Abe Lincoln Apple

An old-fashioned name for the Red Astrachan apple, this early-ripening variety is known for its bright red skin, crisp texture, and tart flavour.

Often used for cooking and baking, it’s a reminder of how local naming traditions and history have shaped the way we talk about food — sometimes as much as the ingredients themselves.

Discover more forgotten names and food stories at Kook’s Secrets.

Ultimately, the choice between bought stock and fresh-made stock depends on your culinary preferences, time constraints, and the specific requirements of your dish. Many chefs and home cooks prefer homemade stock for its superior flavor, nutritional benefits, and flexibility in cooking applications.

Simple Sweet Pastry “Discover how to effortlessly create sweet pastry dough at home with our easy-to-follow recipe and expert tips. […]

Sherry vinegar boasts a rich array of complex, nutty flavours that set it apart from other types of vinegar. With […]

🍈 Abdelavis (or Abdelavi) is a sweet, refreshing variety of muskmelon prized across Egypt and North Africa for its cooling, hydrating qualities ☀️🌴.

Often called the Jerusalem melon, this variety belongs to the Cucumis melo family and is known for its fragrant, juicy flesh — a natural antidote to hot desert climates. Served fresh and simply, it proves that sometimes the greatest luxury is pure refreshment.

🍈 A fruit shaped by heat, history, and hospitality.

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🍽️ À Point

In French cooking, à point means just right.
Cooked with precision — juicy, tender, and perfectly balanced.

🍽️ Not under. Not over. Exactly where it should be.

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🍽️ À Part

In French kitchens, à part means served separately.
Sauce, salad, or sides arrive on the side — not on the main plate.

A small phrase that gives diners control and keeps communication clear.

🍽️ Simple. Precise. Very French.

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The abc of Ingredients Marzipan Magic: A Sweet Tradition from Almond to Art Marzipan’s journey begins with the simple yet […]

🐙 Cooking Octopus in Cauldrons

Cooking octopus in large cauldrons is an old coastal tradition, especially around the Mediterranean and Atlantic fishing regions 🌊. Freshly caught octopus is slowly simmered in wide, heavy pots over open flames, often with nothing more than water, wine corks, bay leaves, or a splash of vinegar. The gentle, steady heat breaks down the tough muscle fibres, transforming the octopus from firm and rubbery into tender and silky 🫕🔥.

This method is as much about community as cooking. Cauldrons allow large quantities to be prepared at once, making them ideal for village feasts, festivals, and harbour-side gatherings. Once tender, the octopus is often finished simply — sliced and dressed with olive oil, paprika, garlic, or charred briefly over coals for extra flavour 🫒🐙.

🐙 Slow heat. Big pots. Ancient knowledge.

The abc of Food Cooking and People A ‘à la’ The abc of Food Cooking and People “à la” is […]

🍪 This gingerbread doesn’t whisper — it speaks in spice.

Aachener Printen are a traditional German gingerbread from the city of Aachen, known for their deep, aromatic flavour and firm, satisfying bite 🇩🇪✨. Made with honey and a warming blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, anise, and ginger, they reflect centuries of spice trading and regional baking pride 🍯🌿.

Often enjoyed during the Christmas season, Printen are just as popular year-round — paired with coffee, tea, or simply enjoyed on their own ☕. Some are left plain, others glazed, chocolate-coated, or finished with nuts, but all carry that unmistakable spiced character.

🍪 Not just gingerbread — a piece of Aachen’s history, baked bold.

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“Dive into the world of chocolate with our blog, featuring everything from the origins of cocoa beans to gourmet chocolate recipes. Discover the secrets behind your favorite dark, milk, and white chocolates, and explore the latest trends in chocolate making and consumption. A sweet journey awaits!”

The abc of Ingredients In popular language, “vanilla” has become synonymous with something plain, basic, or lacking in variety. This […]

Explore the secret world of saffron, the spice more valuable than gold, in “The Red Gold Rush”! 👑 Join the #SaffronSecrets conversation and uncover its true worth. Read now

Experience the comforting and delicious taste of creamy vanilla rice pudding. A sweet journey back to cherished childhood memories.

“Embark on a culinary journey with us as we demystify the art of pasta making in this step-by-step tutorial! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, our easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the process of creating perfect pasta from scratch. From mixing and kneading the dough to shaping and cooking your favorite pasta shapes, you’ll learn the secrets to crafting homemade pasta that rivals your favorite Italian trattoria. Get ready to impress your friends and family with delicious and authentic pasta dishes made right in your own kitchen!

The abc of Ingredients Delving into the storied past of Iceberg Lettuce takes us on a captivating journey back to […]

The abc of Ingredients Unlocking the Wonders of the Indian Almond Fruit The Indian almond fruit is a versatile and […]

The abc of Ingredients Halibut, the majestic Fish Halibut stands as a revered fish renowned for its delicate flavor and […]

The abc of Ingredients Sticky Facts: Delving into Honey’s Sweet Secrets Honey, a natural sweetener with a golden hue, has […]

What you’ll find here Step by Step Masterclass for Fresh Pasta Step-by-Step Guide to making and cooking Fresh Pasta Join […]

The abc of Ingredients Scientifically named Alpinia galanga, galangal is a celebrated rhizomatous herb with a distinctive and pungent flavour […]

The abc of Ingredients “Garlic Galore: Unveiling Its Endless Uses and Health Magic!” Garlic and its uses dates back thousands […]

The abc of Ingredients Embrace Fennel’s Versatility and Flavour in Your Recipes! Fennel is an underrated vegetable, herb, and seed […]

The abc of Ingredients What is this controversial and luxurious delicacy? Foie gras, translated from French as “fatty liver,” is […]

The abc of Ingredients Enoki mushrooms, also known as Enokitake or Enokidake, are a type of mushroom with long, slender […]

Epazote: Flavourful Insights and Mexican Cuisine’s Secret Herb” Epazote, scientifically known as Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides), is an herb […]

Shepherd’s pie is a classic dish originating from the United Kingdom, traditionally made with minced or ground lamb or mutton, hence the name “shepherd’s” pie.

Vibrant Allure of Dragon Fruit: A Journey into Taste and Nutrition” Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, has a mild, […]

The abc of Ingredients “Unlocking the Culinary and Health Secrets of Dill: A Versatile Herb Guide” Dill, scientifically known as […]

Caviar is a delicacy consisting of salt-cured fish eggs, known as roe, harvested from certain species of sturgeon fish. The most prized and traditional caviar typically comes from the Caspian and Black Sea regions, where sturgeon fish, such as beluga, osetra, and sevruga, are found.

Cherries have a fascinating history that traces back thousands of years. The wild ancestor of cultivated cherries is believed to have originated in the regions around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea in Asia Minor. These areas encompass modern-day Turkey, Armenia, and northern Iran.

“Experience the Classic French Cherry Clafoutis: Sweet cherries nestled in a golden, tender custard batter—a delightful harmony of fruit and richness!”

The Aromatic World and Marvels of Basil Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum, has a rich history deeply intertwined with […]

“Banana Bonanza: Exploring the World of this Remarkable Fruit” In this blog, we’ll peel back the layers of one of […]

Exploring the World of Abalone” Abalone refers to a type of large sea snail or marine mollusk known for its […]

Apples, with their array of flavors and health benefits, stand as a testament to nature’s bounty. Whether you’re indulging in a comforting pie or savoring the sweetness of a freshly sliced apple, these fruits offer not just taste but nourishment. Explore the vast spectrum of apple varieties, embrace their healthful advantages, and ignite your culinary creativity with delightful apple-centric recipes.

Join the conversation! Share your favorite apple variety or cherished apple recipe in the comments below. Let’s keep discovering the wonders of this remarkable fruit together.

“Discover the epitome of indulgence with our Crème Brûlée: a velvety custard infused with vanilla, crowned with a caramelized sugar crust. This classic French dessert promises a luxurious, creamy texture and a satisfyingly crispy top, making every spoonful an exquisite delight.”

The only Chocolate Cake recipe you will ever need. Switch the Plain Flour for Gluten free flour this recipe works with both, Cocoa powder should only contain Cocoa but check the label.
For a quick yet impressive birthday cake, you can consider a simple chocolate cake recipe. Here’s a chocolate cake recipe that you can prepare relatively quickly: