If you’ve ever grabbed one of those plastic shrimp rings from the grocery store and thought, “There’s got to be something a bit better ,” you’re absolutely right. Don’t get us wrong, the grocery store shrimp cocktail ring had its moment. Once upon a time, that plastic-wrapped platter of shrimp and cocktail sauce felt fancy. But now? It’s the culinary equivalent of store-brand champagne — convenient and okay, sure, but it just doesn’t sparkle. Making your own shrimp cocktail at home, on the...

Is it just us, or has there been a lot of hating on bay leaves recently? If you’ve ever fished a dry, leathery leaf out of your soup or stew, you’ve met the bay leaf, an ingredient that rarely takes center stage. To all the skeptics out there, we performed a test - does the bay leaf make a difference in cooking? Does it actually have flavor? The answer is a resounding... well, read on to find out! First, what Is a Bay Leaf? A bay leaf is the aromatic leaf of the laurel tree ( Laurus nobilis...

Collard greens are one of those humble leafy vegetables that quietly deliver big flavor, deep nutrition, and incredible versatility. Whether you’ve grown up eating them simmered with smoked meat or are discovering them for the first time, collard greens deserve a regular place in your kitchen. Far more than a Southern side dish, collard greens stand on their own. Let ’s take a closer look at what they are, what they taste like, and how to make them shine in everyday cooking. What Are Collard...