What's baking soda? Baking soda and bicarb soda are the same thing. In USA, bicarb soda is called baking soda. What's bicarb soda/bicarbonate of soda? Bicarbonate of soda (otherwise known as bicarb soda) is a pure leavening agent. It's alkaline and commonly … [Read more...] about All the Baking Sodas
Kitchen Chat
Lotus Root
They're expensive at the moment but very hard to resist. Lotus Root isn't actually a root at all, it's the edible rhizome (the subterranean stem) of the lotus plant, a perennial aquatic plant that grows beautiful pink-hued or white flowers and, yes, it's native … [Read more...] about Lotus Root
Pantry Moths
Has your home recently been overrun by tiny grey moths, flapping erratically around your kitchen? Spotted some suspicious webs in a cereal box? You might be sharing your dried food with pantry moths (Plodia interpunctella). Who cares about the Latin name, we only want … [Read more...] about Pantry Moths
Chickpeas
How to cook dried chickpeas You have a choice of cooking dried chickpeas, I prefer to put them in my slow cooker overnight Long soak and simmer on the stovetop, which takes about 10 hours or overnight plus 2 hours Quick soak and simmer on the stove, which takes … [Read more...] about Chickpeas
Whisky Sour
Whisky Sour is a mixed drink with whisky (naturally) sugar and lemon juice. Perfect on a summer evening or at any time at all. The time is up to you. I like to add Five Spice powder to mine. How to Make Chinese Five Spice Powder Whisky Sour Whisky Sour … [Read more...] about Whisky Sour
Umami
Dear Queenie, can you explain umami to me? Veena D., Mosman Dear Veena - Taste is one of our basic senses. It helps us evaluate food and drinks. Like when you realise the milk has gone sour, it lets us know what’s safe to eat and also gets our bellies ready to … [Read more...] about Umami
Broad Beans
Broad Beans, Horse Beans, Windsor Beans.or Fava, by any name they're beautiful beans. These beans grow quite well in my garden, they're winter vegetables here in South Eastern Australia and the perfect time to cook good and wholesome meals for the family. I like to … [Read more...] about Broad Beans
Capsicums
Lots of people get excited about brightly coloured food. Fair enough, it looks good, but be aware of what you're getting when you buy capsicums Red, green, yellow or orange, theyre all essentially just green capsicums. Green Capsicums the green ones are … [Read more...] about Capsicums