Granny Smith Apples

Granny Smith apples are a variety of apple known for their bright green skin, firm texture, and tart flavor. They are a popular choice for both cooking and eating fresh due to their crispness and acidity.

Notes

These apples are excellent for baking and cooking as they hold their shape well and provide a refreshing tartness that balances sweetness in dishes.

Uses

Baking pies and tarts
Making applesauce
Adding to salads for a crunchy texture
Baking into breads and muffins
Creating refreshing fruit slaws
Pairing with savory dishes like pork

Replacements

Honeycrisp apples
Fuji apples
Braeburn apples
Greening apples
Cortland apples

Soppressata

Soppressata is a traditional Italian cured sausage known for its robust and savory flavor. Originating from Southern Italy, particularly the regions of Calabria and Basilicata, it is made from coarsely ground pork seasoned with garlic, chili peppers, and fennel seeds. The flavor profile is bold and spicy with a slight tang from fermentation, offering a delightful complexity. Its texture is firm yet slightly yielding, making it ideal for slicing. When cooked, soppressata can become crispy and is often used to add depth and richness to dishes. Its versatility in both raw and cooked applications makes it a favorite in Italian cuisine and beyond.

Glass Noodles (Cellophane Noodles)

Glass noodles, also known as cellophane noodles, are thin, translucent strands made from mung bean starch. Originating in East Asia, they are a staple in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisines. These noodles have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a unique chewy yet tender texture that makes them a versatile addition to many dishes. When cooked, they become translucent and slippery, absorbing flavors from broths and sauces without overpowering them. Glass noodles are often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads, where their ability to maintain integrity without becoming mushy is prized. They require soaking in warm water before use, which rehydrates them and makes them pliable for cooking.

Recipes to try

Turkey and Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Warm up with this hearty soup, brimming with tender turkey, earthy wild rice, and a medley of savory mushrooms in a rich, comforting broth.

Pork and Pineapple BBQ Sheet Pan Supper

Sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors mingle in this fuss-free sheet pan supper that'll have you licking your plate clean.