kitchen-basics

White rice being rinsed in cloudy water with a fine mesh sieve, rice paddle, and measuring cup nearby

How to Polish Rice

May 13, 2026June 13, 2026ting1 Comment

True rice polishing removes bran and germ in a mill. At home, you can rinse and gently rub rice to remove surface starch, but you cannot turn brown rice into polished white rice with…

Two small bowls comparing pale garlic powder and speckled garlic salt

Garlic Salt vs Garlic Powder

February 3, 2026June 14, 2026tingLeave a Comment

Garlic powder is dried garlic. Garlic salt is garlic powder plus salt, so it changes both garlic flavor and sodium in a recipe.

Orange segments spread on a freezer tray beside labeled freezer containers

Can You Freeze Oranges?

September 14, 2025June 13, 2026ting

You can freeze oranges, but the texture softens after thawing. Freeze peeled segments, juice, zest, or slices for smoothies, baking, sauces, and drinks.

A wheel of Brie beside freezer wrap, a freezer bag, and a date label on a kitchen board

Can You Freeze Brie?

September 11, 2025June 14, 2026ting

You can freeze Brie if necessary, but it may lose some creamy texture after thawing. Wrap it tightly, thaw it in the refrigerator, and use it in cooked or melted dishes.

A log of goat cheese beside a labeled freezer bag on a kitchen board

Can You Freeze Goat Cheese?

September 1, 2025June 13, 2026ting

You can freeze goat cheese, but the texture may become drier or crumbly after thawing. Freeze it only when needed and use thawed goat cheese in cooked dishes, dips, or crumbled toppings.

Small bowls of flour, flax, chia seeds, psyllium husk, and a measuring spoon on a baking board

Xanthan Gum Substitute

June 25, 2025June 13, 2026ting

The best xanthan gum substitute depends on the recipe. Guar gum is the closest powder swap, psyllium helps gluten free breads, and flax or chia gel can help softer bakes.