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.

Turkey Roasting Guide

Turkey is one of the easiest birds to cook, but many feel daunted by the ‘star of the show’ importance placed on the main course during the holidays! Here’s our tried and true method for cooking a turkey that results in a beautiful presentation, and is also super flavorful and moist, too. The drippings will...

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A Guide to Winter Greens: Kale and Collards

Kale and collards are hardy greens you’ll see at the farmers market nearly year-round, but they’re at their sweetest after a cold spell. The chill in the air coaxes out natural sugars, turning these leafy vegetables into flavorful, nutrient-packed staples for hearty winter cooking. Choosing the Best Leaves Look for bunches with supple, succulent leaves...

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How to Make Great Stuffing

Most families have favorite stuffing or dressing recipes that have been passed down for several generations. If you weren’t privy to the early Thanksgiving morning kitchen activities as a kid, there’s a chance you may have missed watching Mom or Grandma making their signature stuffing. There are many stuffing recipes and variations from region to...

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I Yam What I Yam

Have you ever wondered about what the difference is between sweet potatoes and yams? Sweet potatoes are also called ‘yams’ — however, these tuberous root vegetables are actually from two very different plants. Sweet potatoes are related to morning glories and true yams are related to palms and grasses. When you buy a ‘yam’ at...

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How to Steam Sweet Potatoes

Although we love baked sweet potatoes, steaming is quicker and produces a perfectly moist potato. Steamed baked potatoes take about 30 minutes, while baked potatoes take at least an hour. This method is for medium-sized potatoes. However, if you have only large-sized potatoes, you can cut them in half. (1) Fill the lower part of...

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How to Sprout Lentils

Sprouted lentils and beans are a very healthy source of both protein and complex carbohydrates. Once sprouted, use sprouts for raw salads, batters, sandwiches, and soups. Not only are sprouts more easily digested, they also have an increased nutritional value and fiber content! INGREDIENTS: 1/2 – 1 cup organic, dried grey-green lentils* 1 large glass...

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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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How to Cook Quinoa

Quinoa is a versatile, protein-rich grain that’s quick to cook and adapts well to both savory and sweet dishes. Before cooking, it must be rinsed to remove saponins—a natural coating that can make quinoa taste bitter or soapy if left behind. Domestic quinoa often needs just a quick rinse, while imported varieties may require several...

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Gluten Free Flour: Make Your Own Blend

This excellent gluten free flour formulation comes from King Arthur Flour, America’s oldest flour company in Vermont. Special diets, such as the gluten free diet required for celiac disease, can be very challenging especially if you enjoy traditional baked goods and breads. Tested, reliable formulations using quality ingredients to replicate traditional baked products (which use...

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