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.

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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How to Make Basil Oil

There are many different methods for making basil infused oil, but I find this one works really well. It produces a deeply colored and flavored oil that will last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before the flavor begins to drop off. It can be frozen for a month or two without much loss of...

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How to Roast Chestnuts

Few foods say “Fall” quite like roasted chestnuts. Their nutty sweetness and soft, comforting texture make them perfect for snacking on a chilly evening or adding to festive dishes. While cracking into chestnuts takes a little effort, the aroma that fills your kitchen and the warm, tender bites are well worth it. With just a...

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Make Your Own Baking Mix

Baking mixes are a handy pantry staple for quick biscuits, pancakes, or waffles—but store-bought versions can be pricey. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make your own bulk baking mix at home for a fraction of the cost. This homemade version is foolproof, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weekday breakfasts. INGREDIENTS: 8 cups...

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