Chowhound

In the United States, baking up fruit-packed desserts usually means pulling out your ultimate guide to cinnamon to determine whether the Ceylon or Saigon variety goes best with the apples you picked at your local orchard, or the dark cherries you picked up at the farmers' market. However, if you really want to make bakery-worthy pie, the first thing to do is nix cinnamon altogether and swap in an unexpected yet irresistibly delicious alternative: cardamom.

There are a ton of myths surrounding Scotch whisky. One is concerned with whether a single malt should be used in a cocktail — the answer is yes, it should. Another can cost you a bundle: the idea that older always means better. This is a long-standing myth that isn't inherently true. Sure, there are some very old award-winning scotches you should try once if you get the chance, but, in general, many younger whiskies can shine as brightly as their older siblings.

Asparagus is rich in nutrients, low in calories, and can aid digestion and lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. But that doesn't mean it is always exciting to eat. To take your asparagus from blah to banger, give it the Caesar salad treatment. Caesar salad has cemented a place on many a restaurant menu for its wide appeal.

A good oven is the heart of every kitchen. Whether you're baking a comforting shepherd's pie, slow-roasting a tender pot roast, or preparing crispy, crunchy baked potatoes sprinkled with a generous amount of sesame seeds, the right oven can make a massive difference to the final dish. But what many don't realize is that modern ovens, specifically electric fan ovens, are far more versatile than they seem. Did you know they come with a convenient defrost mode?

If you ask us, it's time to replace cabbage as your definitive go-to leafy vegetable — mustard greens deserve a spot in the cart, too. There are many types of cabbage to cook with, but mustard greens are their whole own thing, despite the two belonging to the same Brassica family. And they bring very different personalities to the plate as well — in the same ways that cabbage is usually mild and even a little sweet, mustard greens have a much more peppery kick.

When you first glance at the list of ingredients, you'd be forgiven to assume green chutney is overwhelmingly spicy. We are, after all, talking about 5 or 6 fresh, hot, green chiles per batch. Rest assured, though, that this bright green sauce is built on balance — it's also loaded with fresh and cooling cilantro and mint as well as lots of citrus to brighten it up. There's even a little sugar in there, softening out its spicier edges without making it sweet in any way.

Sometimes there's an advertisement so good that it transcends the realm of commercial and becomes a true cultural touchstone. Think of the classic 1980s Wendy's "Where's the Beef?" ad campaign, which inspired many a T-shirt and spin off joke. Point being: advertising makes an impact.

Whether you are looking to restock your pantry with versatile canned goods or want to clear out that part of your dried goods storage, pasta salad is just the thing to help you make the most of the task. After all, the humble dish is a catch-all for all kinds of tasty ingredients. Of course, you need noodles and some type of dressing, but after that, pretty much anything goes. Luckily, the extra ingredients don't have to be complicated either.

If you're feeling like it's time for a complete kitchen remodel, Costco might have a deal for you. The warehouse retailer carries multiple major appliances. Think: refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, dishwashers, and washers and dryers. And when buying several at once, you may qualify for exclusive promotional savings, including savings on the delivery fees for multiple appliances.

When it comes to pepper varieties, non-spicy Capsicum annuum are quite literally the bell of the ball. Available in an array of colors, their flavors vary from green and astringent to red and pleasantly sweet, with yellow and orange hovering somewhere in between. Despite their bright hues, no variation of the bell pepper has even a speck of heat.