Culinary Features | Edible Paradise

Welcome to Culinary Features

Shopping at your local farmers market for locally grown, farm fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts is a big step in the right direction toward a healthier lifestyle!

In the Culinary Features section, you’ll find educational resources for cooking and preparation tips, learn how to make pantry staples that are healthier for you at a fraction of the cost of store-bought items, and informative nutrition and health news articles.

How to Tenderize Abalone

Abalone is a large mollusk that is as delicious as it is tough. If you’re not buying pre-tenderized abalone, you’ll have to do the “tenderizing” yourself. Start by trimming away the dark, curly edges, which tend to stay tough. Then, slice it into thin 1/4-inch slices. Place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper...

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Understanding Umami: The Fifth Taste That Makes Food Come Alive

If you’ve ever taken a bite of something and instantly thought, “Oh wow… that’s so good,” you were probably tasting umami — the fifth official taste, right alongside sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. It’s that savory, mouth-filling richness that makes broths comforting, tomatoes irresistible, and aged cheeses unforgettable. And once you know what umami is...

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Turkey Roasting Guide

Master the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast with our step-by-step Turkey Roasting Guide. From seasoning and roasting tips to perfect doneness temperatures and gravy secrets, we’ll help you achieve a juicy, golden-brown turkey your guests will remember long after the leftovers are gone.

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10 Tips for Making the Best Pie Crust

Master the secret to a perfect pie crust with these 10 expert tips for achieving a buttery, flaky, golden result every time. From using a mix of fats to keeping your ingredients ice-cold, this guide breaks down every step for success. Learn how to handle the dough gently, roll it with ease, and bake it...

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Basic Crêpes

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making crêpes—they’re every bit as easy as pancakes once you get the rhythm. With just a few simple ingredients and a swirl of the pan, you can create delicate, paper-thin crêpes ready to fill with anything from berries and cream to savory mushrooms and cheese. Once you’ve mastered...

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Baking with Olive Oil

If you haven’t tried baking with olive oil yet, you’re in for a treat! Replacing the traditional vegetable oil or butter in cakes, muffins, or brownies with olive oil not only adds a subtle richness but also provides important health benefits. By using olive oil instead of butter, you reduce saturated fat and replace it...

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Homemade Pancake Mix

There’s nothing like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes to start the morning — but on a busy weekday, measuring and mixing from scratch can feel like a luxury. Having your own homemade pancake mix ready to go turns those weekend-style breakfasts into an easy everyday treat. Unlike store-bought mixes, this one uses just a...

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Young woman learning how to make preserves

Canning Basics: Your Questions Answered

If you have questions about canning ingredients, tools, or resources, send us an email and we will be happy to answer your questions! Q: Are liquid pectin and powdered pectin interchangeable?A: No. Use exactly what your recipe specifies. Q: How long is pectin shelf stable?A: Pectin (both powdered and liquid) should be used the year...

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How to Make Cilantro Oil

Vibrant, aromatic, and impossibly fresh, this cilantro oil is a simple way to elevate everyday dishes. Drizzle it over grilled fish or roasted chicken, swirl it into a deconstructed salsa, or use it to turn sautéed summer squash into something restaurant-worthy. The bright green color and herbaceous flavor capture the essence of summer—but because it’s...

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