Holiday Cooking

Gather your family and enjoy great food that everyone will love.

Holiday Cooking Tips

🥘 Fresh from CookJunkie

Flavor School

Explore the tantalizing world of spices, herbs, and seasoning pairings with Chef Iris, as she takes you on a culinary journey that'll leave your taste buds begging for more! Discover how to create mouthwatering dishes by mastering the perfect balance of flavors. Dive into our Flavor School, and turn every meal into a gastronomic adventure.

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Flavor School: Spice Up Your Cooking

Toasting spices in pan

Toast for Intensity

Gently heating spices in a dry pan or oil boosts their aroma and flavor. Try it with cumin, fennel, or mustard seeds.

Salt with spices

Balance Salt Smartly

Some spices — like celery seed or smoked paprika — naturally enhance saltiness. Taste first, season second.

Colorful global spices

Flavor ≠ Heat

Bold flavor doesn’t mean burning spice. Explore sumac, turmeric, or coriander for layers of taste — not just heat.

Pantry Reboot

If your pantry is a chaotic jumble of expired goods and mysterious ingredients, it's time for a Pantry Reboot. Get ready to declutter, restock with essentials, and learn how to make smart swaps that'll have you cooking like a pro.

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The Secret Life of Butter

Butter — it’s the quiet hero of every kitchen. It turns sauces silky, pastries golden, and even plain toast into comfort. But behind that golden glow lies real chemistry: emulsified fat and water working together to create flavor magic.

When butter hits a hot pan, it separates into milk solids, fat, and water. The milk solids brown and caramelize, giving you that nutty aroma we call browned butter. It’s not just for desserts — drizzle it over roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even popcorn for instant luxury.

Tip from Chef Iris: Use salted butter for flavor, unsalted for control. And always let it soften naturally — microwaves are where good butter goes to die.

The next time you reach for that golden stick, remember: you’re not just cooking — you’re unlocking one of the simplest, richest pleasures in all of food.

Golden browned butter melting in a skillet with warm kitchen lighting

Cooking Science 101

Dive into the fascinating world of culinary chemistry with our interactive exploration of heat reactions, cooking techniques, and kitchen experiments. Get ready to revolutionize your meals with newfound knowledge of the science behind your favorite dishes.

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Holiday Cooking Tips That Save Your Sanity

The holidays are for joy, not kitchen chaos. From thawing the turkey to timing the sides, a little planning goes a long way. Learn how to keep dishes hot, your gravy lump-free, and your guests blissfully impressed.

  • Prep ahead: Chop veggies and measure dry ingredients a day early.
  • Warm in waves: Keep casseroles at 200°F while the main dish finishes.
  • Double your gravy: It freezes perfectly — future-you will thank you.
  • Stay festive, not frazzled: Pour yourself something sparkling and breathe.
Read Full Holiday Guide →
Holiday dinner table with golden roast turkey, side dishes, and warm festive lighting

World Cuisine Atlas

Step into your kitchen and embark on a culinary journey unlike any other. With every dish, you'll traverse continents, delve into diverse cultures, and uncover the stories behind some of the world's most beloved flavors. Welcome to the World Cuisine Atlas, where we'll explore the rich tapestry of food traditions that connect us all.

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