Isn’t it just cornmeal? Getty Images What Is Polenta? Polenta refers to both the raw Italian cornmeal product and the cooked dish. Credit:Getty Images Polenta as a dish can beprepared multiple ways. it’s cooked and served as a hot porridge that serves as the starchy base of a dish. Traditionally it’s prepared in a large copper pot and stirred with a long wooden paddle. (A regular pot and wooden spoon work just as well....

Here’s why you should give it a try. For someone who writes recipes, I’m sometimes terrible at following them. I mean, is there really that much of a difference between an 8- x-12 and a 9- x-13? Credit: vkuslandia/Getty Images It’s easy to see the appeal of a simple ratatouille. What Is Ratatouille? Classic versions call for tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, onions, and eggplant. If that isn’t a casserole, I don’t know what is....

An expert explains what that term really means. That said, room temperature is a standard term used in cookingso what exactly does room temperature mean? Norma Salazaris a chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at theInstitute of Culinary Education. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox What Is Room Temperature? When baking, room temperature eggs will whip up to a firmer peak than a cold egg. Also, room temperature butter and cream cheese blend more easily and have a smoother texture, avoiding lumps....

You know those oozy white globs we’re talking about. Getty Images Its date night. You selected two gorgeous, meatysalmonfillets to bathe in miso for dinner. Credit:Getty Images The table is set. The wine is decanting. What is this mood-killing substance emerging from your pinky salmon fillets? Short answer: albumin. Its a liquid protein hidden inside the fish when it’s raw. It coagulates and moves to the surface as the meat cooks....

Put this dreamy land of live oaks and Spanish moss on your bucket list. Few places in the South have more mystique than South Carolina’s Lowcountry. There’s even a Low Country vs. Lowcountry debate. Credit: Robbie Caponetto Where Is The Lowcountry? Why Do We Call It The Lowcountry? What Is Lowcountry Culture? The Lowcountry is identified as much by its character as it is a precise spot on the map....

Cows may prefer it, but some types of corn won’t go over well at Sunday dinner. You thought all corn was the same? Lend an ear and learn the different between field corn and sweet corn. Credit: Peter bowman / EyeEm / Getty Images What is Cow (Field) Corn? This throw in of corn contributes to makingbourbon and moonshine. WATCH: Creamed Corn What is Sweet Corn? Fresh, sweet corn is juicy....

Believe it or not, its not the seeds. Surprisingly, it is not the seeds of a pepper that hold all the heat, explained Smith-Chapman. What Is The Hottest Part Of A Pepper? According to theNational Institute of Health, capsaicin is not equally distributed in all parts of pepper fruit. Are There Parts Of A Pepper You Should Not Eat?

You cant find this unique condiment just anywhere. Its a common experience that people everywhere seem to share, no matter where youre from. But if youre from Virginia, theres another bowl that appears alongside the customary tortilla chips and red salsa. Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Were talking about the Virginia delicacy known as white sauce. At its core, white sauce is almost like a ranch-esque dressing. Its creamy and sometimes runny, depending on who’s making it....

Now this is a dress code made for two-stepping. Have you heard of Texas formal? Laurey Glenn What Is A Texas Formal Dress Code? Credit:Laurey Glenn Yes, even with a tuxedo. (In that case, black cowboy boots would be preferable.) For men, that means you might feel free to wear cowboy boots or bolo ties with suits. Credit:Jody Horton

Six different kinds of chili, Mad Dog margaritas, and a Guy Clark song to start. Namely, the most famous chili hole. It’s called theTexas Chili Parlor. Credit: @david_gus Your stomach growling yet? And guess who was one of the original Mad Dogs? None other than Mr. The good food and fun atmosphereand those Mad Dog margaritaskeep people coming back. Next time you’re breezing throughHill Country, consider a pit stop at this Texas food icon....

And yes, its still considered chili. These are what we like to call regional classics that are beloved amongst certain areas or families. These recipes dont have to make sense to everyone, but they are cherished, passed-down traditions to some. Credit:Getty Images/Gustavo Ramirez One such unique food tradition can be found in Kentucky. Getty Images/Gustavo Ramirez What Is Kentucky Chili? (Kentuckians would whole-heartedly disagree.) Cincinnati chili is typically seasoned with warming spices like allspice and cinnamon, and it even includes unsweetened chocolate....

About this Episode A reader struggles with thick-skinned tomatoes. Plus, Grumpys gripe of the week. I know it’snot my teeth. I (laughs) just had a good checkup." Cynthia Grumpy’s Answer:First, the soil may be too dry. The solution here is to provide light shade during the hottest part of the day. Gripe Of The Week My gripe is about crepe myrtles in Argentina. And what really catches my eye is every one of them is pruned properly....

Pick your approach for a delicious dinner. When it comes to roasting yourThanksgiving turkey, there are different ways to do it. Either way, the end result is a juicy, moist bird cooked to the right temperature. Credit: Vstock LLC/Getty Images Dont rely on the built-in timer to determine doneness. A Few Additional Tips Over time, most ovens are unable to maintain the same temperature throughout. Check for Doneness Dont rely on the pop-up timer to tell you your bird is done....