Sauces, Condiments, and Preservation

Strawberry freezer jam is a great treat you can put on your ice cream or your toast. By packaging it, you can turn it into a nice gift. It's yummy, too!

Here's an easy storage method for fresh root vegetables. It's suitable for carrots, beets, and many others—Irish potatoes and similar tubers, too.

Red wine vinegar, shallots, and garlic reduce quickly for a fabulous steak sauce. This sauce will change the way you enjoy steak. It's so savory and flavorful, plus it's easy to make!

Learn how to make delicious and unique BBQ sauce from scratch. I've included easy directions and photos in this article to help guide you.

Once a tonic to prevent pests and plague, balsamic vinegar is now used in all manner of cooking and baking. Let’s learn its history, how it's made, and three innovative recipes.

Extra virgin olive oil is much better than regular olive oil for your health due to the cold process during extraction. This article reviews the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil and includes several recipes.

A gooey, dark brown and salty spread has been marketed under the slogan “Love Me or Hate Me, I’m Yours.” Learn all about the phenomenon that is Marmite.

Green sauces—a simple idea with world-wide appeal. Each culture uses the herbs of their garden to craft a condiment to accompany the foods they love. Let’s explore the origins of ten of these sauces, how to make them, and how to use them in dishes for your friends and family.

Here are a few quick and easy avocado recipes, including salads, salsa, guacamole and more. Enjoy avocado a variety of ways with these tempting and healthy recipes, including guacamole a la mexicana!

This article explains how to make a quick and easy tahini paste. It only calls for two ingredients and can be made in just 15 minutes. This paste is ideal for making hummus, tahini salad dressing, tahini dip, tahini sauce or even tahini cookies!

Nothing beats the fresh taste of homemade beef jerky. Say goodbye to the massively preserved, store-bought bags and find true comfort with homemade beef jerky recipes.

This recipe will help you with pressure-canning sweet corn off the cob. Summertime is wonderful, if not just because corn is in season, and the best of it goes on sale at my local organic food store. We love everything about corn, like cream corn, corn broth, tamales, and especially corn on the cob.

I am so happy to still have my grandmother's old food mill. Making homemade applesauce and chokecherry jelly is easy, fun, tasty, and satisfying. See the videos in this post, and then get busy!

Hi everyone! I know a lot of people might use some form of store-bought pre-made pasta sauce like Prego or Ragu when they make their pasta dishes. Nothing against those brands; they can be great. But if you're looking to throw in a homemade spin, here's a super simple way to do it!

Capers are a salty, briny condiment that can provide amazing pops of flavor to your savory dishes.

Green beans are essential in a well-balanced diet. Fresh from the garden, they have higher levels of nutrients than ones bought at the store. Here's how to harvest, and freeze green beans.

Guacamole is hands down a crowd-pleaser and sure to spruce up just about any meal. This recipe has been my go-to for over 15 years and has never been beat. It's super easy and quick to prepare, and it will disappear just about as fast as you can make it!

This is an illustrated guide for how to dry sliced or shredded zucchini or summer squash for later use. You can substitute dried squash or zucchini in almost any recipe that calls for the fresh variety, or enjoy squash crisps as a snack.

This is a homemade salsa recipe that can be used all year round. It includes step-by-step instructions and tips like how to handle jalapeno peppers to keep them from burning your hands.

Frank's Red Hot Wings Sauce is the secret ingredient in this fantastic homemade wing sauce.

If you love mango chutney but always thought that it was too complicated to make, you are going to love this recipe. This tangy condiment may soon become a firm family favorite in your home.

Real maple syrup is a treat that cannot be duplicated with artificial flavors. Let’s explore the history of this natural sweetener and how to use it in baking and cooking.

Preserved vegetables are the 'magic' ingredient in home-style Chinese cooking. The preserved sweet-salty radish called 'choi poh' in Cantonese is a universal favourite. It's very easy to make. Enjoy!

This article contains photos and text that will teach you step-by-step how to pressure-can milk by sealing it in jars for long-term storage.

Knowing how to make a white sauce can be an invaluable cooking skill. You can use a white sauce in so many dishes, either as a topping or a creamy filling.

Home canning is simple and can be a great skill to learn. I think it's economical and healthy because no chemicals are added during the process. It's also a great way to store extra food!

Learn how to make your own fruit preserves and then use them to make a simple fruit cobbler.

An essential condiment in every British household is a bottle of HP Sauce, just as it’s nearly impossible to find an American home without ketchup.

There are a lot of brands out there. How do you know which one's the best? I've tried a lot of ACV and want to share my experience with you.

I've tested dozens of bbq sauce recipes, and these are the very best to make at home.

Fish can be preserved by drying, salting, and freezing. These methods are effective ways to store bumper catches for times of scarcity.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to can stewed tomatoes.

Standard tartar sauce is great in a hurry and an even simpler version takes about 60 seconds to prepare. At the same time, some of my favorites are also fast and easy.

Bee colonies have been collapsing for a decade, but the demand for honey is rising.

Walnut oil is one of those oils you don't hear much about, but it is fantastic. Learn how to use it in your everyday cooking.

Learn how to make homemade strawberry jam and topping. I have included step-by-step instructions with my own photos as well as a video.

Chili oil is a popular condiment commonly used in Asian countries. Some places add a twist on this condiment by adding garlic to it. Learn my version on how to make homemade chili garlic oil.

Learn how to make homemade kiwi fruit jam with this easy recipe.

Making your own cooking spray saves money, reduces the chemical additives you're putting into your body, takes 5 minutes to make, and is better for the environment and better for your health.

Did you know that extra virgin olive oil, when used for high-temperature cooking, transforms into a poisonous pool of free radicals that ravage the human body? Learn how choosing the right cooking oil can protect your health.

Fruits can be made into jam or jelly straight or used to balance low pectin fruit to gel.

When your chickens produce too many eggs to use fresh, or you find a good sale on eggs, preserve some for later consumption using an old-fashioned method. Store eggs in your basement or closet.

Sample five smoky BBQ sauce recipes from the main barbecue regions of the United States. We will also discuss the origin of barbecue sauce and BBQ cooking methods.

Molé has gained in popularity recently thanks to the efforts of culinary genius Rick Bayless. This simplified recipe for red molé yields a silky, sweet, smoky sauce. A Scoville chart of dried chiles is included.

Check out this fantastic method for freezing tomatoes. Use this recipe to save any excess tomatoes you may have. Use the frozen ones later to make fantastic sauces that are full of flavor.

Is your jam thin and runny? Here are all the ways you can make great jam using low-pectin fruit, with example recipes.

This is a great recipe for hot green pepper jelly that anyone can make and share. It makes a famous and fantastic tasting jelly that everyone loves, especially during the holiday season. It is a simple recipe that is easy to make.

This 5-star restaurant-style salsa, reviewed over 2,000 times, is easy to make and bursting with garden-fresh flavor. We guarantee you'll be back for more! Also included: tips for making mild, low-sodium or smoky salsa.

This recipe is focused on pressure canning black beans. By preserving your own food, not only can you control the ingredients in the food you make— providing your family with more nutritious food—but you also get the satisfaction of making food for your family.

Learn how to make a delicious sardine spread to enjoy with your favorite crackers or breads.

Mango jam is one of the most delicious jams I have eaten or made. This jam is not only good for spreading on top of your bread and sandwiches, but it can also be used for a fruity and creamy cake filling.

Wild berries are a common summer sight all over the world and are often free for the taking. Learn to make this quick and easy berry sauce—a delicious and elegant accompaniment for many desserts.

This sauce is made with tiny tomatoes, garlic, and fresh and dried basil. It's an easy sauce that goes well with any type of pasta.

Chutney is a regular side dish served with South Indian breakfast. Though the use of coconut for making chutney is common, this tomato lentil chutney does not contain coconut. I have used lentils and tomatoes in this yummy side dish.

This homemade vegetarian tomato sauce is a health-conscious complement to your spaghetti. Everyone will think it has beef in it. This is my complete recipe.

This quick and easy homemade curry sauce packs much more flavour than any store-bought sauce.

This article explains how to make a tasty, spicy jam to warm autumn and winter meals.

If someone sends you to the store for mayonnaise, don't buy Miracle Whip instead. There is a difference. In fact, there are big differences between the two.

Here are some awesome diabetic recipes to add to your cookbook! This article includes photos and directions for low-carb sauce recipes.

How a nostalgic New England experience became a new tradition in Indiana.

Rowan jelly is a strong-tasting condiment once very popular in the UK and traditionally served with wild game or beef. This simple recipe shows how to make rowan-and-apple jelly from scratch.

"Curry" is a blanket term used to describe a vast range of Indian spicy stewed dishes. There are many different styles of curries. Not all are hot. Get tips and recipes for curries here.

Red sauces—a simple idea with world-wide appeal. Each culture uses the produce of their garden to craft a condiment to accompany the foods they love. Let’s explore the origins of ten of these sauces and learn how to make them.

Of all the vegetables I can each year, tomatoes have to be my favorite. My instructions are easy to follow, and the photos will help you, too. You're going to love having jars of tomatoes you canned yourself.

Try this tasty pineapple twist on a traditional Mexican condiment.

Homemade mango chutney is better than any shop-bought chutney and a great go-to for any Indian curry or ingredient to other recipes. Here's a simple recipe!

Salsa verde is a green salsa made in Mexico. It is made with tomatillos, cilantro, onion, garlic, chile serrano, and lime. It can be boiled or broiled. This article includes variations and serving suggestions.

Hummus—it's not just a dip for pita chips. Learn its origins, how to make the BEST in your own kitchen, and how to use it in many imaginative ways.

Here are step-by-step instructions for making a delicious and pretty syrup. These instructions can be used for just about any edible flower.

Making cherry and black grape jam in the crockpot is going to be so easy, you'll be surprised that you didn't think to do this for yourself before now. This recipe turns juicy cherries and crispy grapes into a sweet, smooth, yummy concoction that you can enjoy with toast or biscuits.

What does “French cooking” mean to you? Fancy, fussy, complicated? Mother sauces, the foundation of French cuisine, are easy to prepare. I'll tell you how and you'll never buy packaged sauce again.

If you're lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy, you may be wondering which foods contain dairy products. Let's find out if one of our favorite condiments, mayo, has dairy in it.

I freeze greens from my garden every year, and they taste as delicious as fresh-from-the-garden. It's an easy process to learn. Read on for all the details.

Green peppers provide several nutrients and benefits to your body and health. They also taste great, whether they are in your spaghetti sauce or fresh on a salad. These are great fruit!

Marmite is a strong, savory, slightly salty-tasting spread. Learn all you need to know about Marmite, which seems to bring out strong reactions. Most people either love it or hate it, nothing in between.

Italian pesto is loved all over the world over. But have you ever tasted tallarin verde, or green noodles, the pesto of Peru? Creamy and mild, it is the favorite dish of many Peruvian children.

Through photos and text, I'll show you step-by-step how to make delicious sweet pickle sticks from cucumbers. Canning process included.

This delightful vinegar recipe is easy to make at home and is perfect for the beginner.

Here's a simple recipe, with photos, which demonstrates how to make the popular Israeli spicy condiment, zhug (skhug). Originally from Yemen, this Mediterranean hot sauce is easy to prepare, has a vivid green color, and has a garlic/cilantro aroma that is entrancing.

Learn how to dehydrate food and save money. Dehydrating food takes none of the nutrients out and helps you use food when it's at its prime.

Here's how to decrystallize honey fast in small and medium batches—no pan or microwave needed. This method is great if you have crystallized honey, but don't want to decrystallize an entire jar, or are dealing with honey in a plastic container.

Homemade custard may be safely preserved by pressure canning and is suitable for most uses. Chocolate, vanilla, butterscotch, and coconut milk recipes are given here, along with a whole-egg variation. The entire canning process is shown as well.

How or why would you substitute one ingredient for another in a recipe? Perhaps you want a sauce for your meatballs, but you cannot eat tomatoes. Let me show you how!

Here is a guide to making your own homemade berry jam with step-by-step instructions, photos, and a video.

Peruvian ají sauce transforms chicken and French fries into something special! Learn how to make this spicy, addictive sauce.

Made with fresh ingredients, a fruit coulis is the perfect fruit sauce. Along with step by step photo instructions, you'll find recipes for a raspberry, a mixed berry and a strawberry version.

Candy Apple Jelly is a simple apple jelly recipe that uses only four ingredients. The jelly tastes like baked apples, and makes a wonderful Christmas or Thanksgiving gift!

When I visit my home country of the Philippines, I like to make coconut oil from the coconut trees behind my house. My grandmother taught me how to do it.

Olive & Vine is a Houston boutique that sells top-quality extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. Taste before you buy, and learn about health benefits for both.

Making a real Cajun-style roux is no mystery—it simply takes a little patience! With a couple of tools and three ingredients, you can have true, rich Cajun flavor for gumbo or étouffée for yourself!

Pressure-canning your own homemade chicken broth is easy, and having it available in your cellar is convenient and inspiring.

Here are 10 ways to use up your leftover cranberry sauce. You might even be inspired to make some cranberry sauce just to try some of these ideas.

Pickled cucumber is a popular condiment in dishes such as burgers. Let me show a quick recipe for making pickled cucumbers at home.

This article includes text and photos to teach you step-by-step how to preserve winter squashes or pumpkins by pressure canning.

Learn the secret to making a thick and rich tomato soup from garden-fresh or canned tomatoes!

Worcestershire sauce is a delicious fermented product used to flavour meat, fish, Welsh rarebit, and cocktails. It’s made from a secret recipe by Lea and Perrins.

This article is about the easiest way to make sweet, crunchy pickles, featuring a secret shortcut. It includes the recipe, complete instructions, and lots of photos. You will love these pickles.

How do you turn 400 pounds of tomatoes into 92 quarts of wonderful smoky sauce in one day? With an outdoor evaporator and the help of several friends, of course.

Here is a delicious recipe for homemade Thousand Island dressing, made with sweet pickle relish, pepper and paprika.

Many mason jar canning lids contain BPA which acts like estrogen in the body, disrupting normal hormone regulation. BPA-free claims may not be enough. Find out how to find healthy canning jars.