All posts in Cooking methods

Scalloping is more than a simple term for a seafood dish. It embodies a tradition of maritime skill, a sustainable method of harvesting the ocean’s bounty, and a culinary journey that spans seas and cultures. This comprehensive guide explores the many facets of Scalloping, from the biology of the scallop to the ethics of catching…

Open Champagne with Sword: A Ceremonial Skill Rooted in History The notion of open champagne with sword has travelled through time from military theatricals to royal banquets and modern celebrations. It is not merely about the pop of a cork; it is a ritual that combines history, craft, and showmanship. While today’s gatherings may prioritise…

Understanding the sesame oil smoke point is essential for anyone who wants to use this distinctive oil effectively in the kitchen. Whether you adore the nutty fragrance of toasted sesame oil or prefer the neutral profile of refined sesame oil, knowing how hot you can go without causing your oil to break down is the…

Sabering, or Sabrage as the traditional term, is more than simply opening a bottle of bubbly. It is a theatre of technique, timing and precision. When performed well, it yields a clean, celebratory pour and a moment of shared delight. When done poorly, it can lead to shattered glass, wasted champagne and an unnecessary party…

From the kitchen to cosmetics, the term cold press appears on labels with a sense of reliability and natural quality. But what is cold press exactly, and why does it matter to cooks, chefs, and curious shoppers alike? In this thorough guide, we unravel the science, the process, and the practical implications of cold pressing.…

In the world of food science, culinary technique and industrial processing, the term dextrinisation (also spelled dextrinization) describes a fundamental transformation of starch into shorter, sweeter carbohydrates known as dextrins. This seemingly simple change has wide-reaching implications for texture, colour, flavour, and fermentation performance. From the crust of a well-baked loaf to the body of…

Glazing is a term you’ll hear often in cookery conversations, on recipe cards, and in restaurant pass-stations. But is glazed a cooking method? The short answer is nuanced: glazed describes the finished appearance or surface of a dish, while glazing itself is a technique that can accompany several cooking methods. In this article, we unpack…

Barbaque is more than a method; it is a ritual that fuses flame, time and patience to coax tenderness from tougher cuts and to coax a peabody-like depth of flavour from humble ingredients. In this comprehensive guide, we explore Barbaque in its many guises—from traditional charcoal barbecues to modern pellet grills, from rubs and marinades…

The Roux name sits at a curious crossroads of language, colour and culture. In everyday speech, the term roux conjures up a culinary roux, a velvety paste used to thicken sauces. In genealogy and on family trees, however, the Roux name marks a powerful thread tying generations together across continents. This article explores the roux…

Introduction to Charcoal Burning Charcoal Burning is a time-honoured method that transforms simple wood into a dense, carbon-rich fuel. Across kitchens, gardens and artisan workshops, the process blends science with practical know‑how, producing a heat that is intense, controllable and eminently suited to high‑quality cooking, smoking, and even traditional metalworking. In this guide, you will…

Toast colour is more than a mere aesthetic preference. It signals texture, aroma, and flavour, and it can transform a simple slice of bread into a comforting ritual. In this guide, we explore the science behind toast colour, practical techniques to control it, and a range of ideas to celebrate colour in breakfast. From the…

Spit roasting is a time-honoured cooking technique that has fed people across continents for centuries. It blends theatre with flavour, turning a simple cut of meat into a slowly caramelised, deeply succulent feast. But what is spit roasting, exactly, and why does this method endure in kitchens and at events from farmyards to city rooftops?…

From the quiet rituals of a morning kitchen to the bustling ritual of afternoon tea, steeping tea remains one of the simplest joys in life. Yet for many, mastering the art of steeping tea is a voyage of flavour, science and personal habit. This guide unpacks every element of the process, from water quality and…