Tips from the L.A. Times Test Kitchen

Cooking is fun – at least it should be! No matter how long you’ve been in the kitchen, there is always something new to learn, whether it’s a simple twist on an old technique, or a handy tip to save time and energy. In this series of short videos, test kitchen director Noelle Carter demonstrates a variety of kitchen tips, ranging from how to hold a chef’s knife for maximum control to using a spoon to peel fresh ginger. Want to know how to peel a pomegranate without the mess, or truss a chicken? You’ll find it all here, and more. Curious about a technique, or want to share a tip we haven’t yet covered? Comment below and let us know.

L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Brown butter for flavor

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Portioning dough

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Making blender mayonnaise

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Clarifying butter

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Homemade harissa

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Gelato

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Making meringue

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Homemade yogurt

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Measuring by weight

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Soak wood skewers before grilling

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Defining grain in meats

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Fish spatula

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Segmenting a citrus

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Checking your oven for accuracy

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Making your own hot sauce

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Toasting grains for flavor

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Choosing, storing and cleaning mushrooms

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Slicing knives

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Different whisks for different uses

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Wet and dry measuring cups

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Caring for and cleaning your cutting boards

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Using a mortar and pestle in the kitchen

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to hold a chef's knife for maximum control

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to flour your pan using cocoa powder

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Peeling and slicing an avocado

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Toast nuts and spices for flavor

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Breaking down a bell pepper

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Segmenting a citrus

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Checking your oven for accuracy

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to cut up a chicken

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to zest fruit

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Trimming ribs

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to truss a chicken

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Peeling a peach

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Ways to cook a lobster

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Creative pie crust borders

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Easy way to keep your knifes sharp

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Peeling hazelnuts in no time

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Cutting board stabilization

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Perfecting parsley as a garnish

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to prevent air pockets in cake

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Best way to freeze berries

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Cooking pasta right

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Preparing beans

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to assemble and decorate a layer cake

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to prebake a crust

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Roasting peppers

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Shucking an oyster

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Cooking dn papillote

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Roasting garlic

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Choosing a bread wash

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Peeling Small Onions

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Peeling pomegranate

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

How to trim lamb shanks

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Refreshing lettuces and herbs

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L.A. Times Test Kitchen Tip

Choosing fresh fish

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