The Kitchn Archive: Jul 2, 2015

We all have those friends who pigeonhole themselves into the beer-drinking category. Maybe they had a bad first wine experience, or perhaps they haven’t even started to explore the world of wine yet. I say, “Why choose sides?” Choosing a wine style similar to the style of beer you enjoy is a good way to make the transition. Finding a good wine match for a beer-lover is all about pairing weight, texture, and notes — like fruit, herbs, and earth.

Jayme Henderson

Jul 2, 2015

Look at How These Crazy Fake Foods Are Made in Japan

Have you ever walked by a window outside of a restaurant where plates of food are displayed? They’re meant to catch your attention and make you want to eat at the restaurant. But how exactly do they make those plates of food? Is it actually real food, or something … else? Here’s how display food is made in Japan. It’s seriously mind-blowing. Don’t worry, the food is definitely not supposed to be eaten.

Ariel Knutson

Jul 2, 2015

How To Clean a Charcoal Grill

Whether it’s your own grill or one that’s up for shared use in a park, charcoal grills do require some cleaning and maintenance to make sure they function well and cook your food properly. Here’s what to do. If you own a charcoal grill, you should give it a deep clean at least once during the grilling season, or even twice if you grill often. Why? You don’t want carbon or ash buildup in your grill, or rust buildup on the grill grates.

Christine Gallary

Jul 2, 2015

How Caffeine Is Removed from Coffee

Most of us are addicted to caffeine. We drink it every morning out of habit, but also to give us a much-needed boost to get us going or to help us face the day. Caffeine is a stimulant targeting the central nervous system and it does a really good job of combating drowsiness and helping us feel more awake. However, past a certain time in the day, many of us avoid caffeine for fear it may lead to a sleepless, restless night, so we turn to decaf.

Janice Lawandi

Jul 2, 2015

I Grill Better than My Husband Does & I Like It That Way

When it’s time to fire up the grill, I pile the meat and grilling tools onto a sheet pan and head outside. I pour the charcoal into the chimney starter and light it. I wait, sipping a beer. I grill. Inside, my husband sets the table. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. It wasn’t always like this. It used to be that neither of us grilled, despite living in Southern California, where it is grilling season year-round.

Anjali Prasertong

Jul 2, 2015

The Spelt Berry Salad You’ll Be Eating All Summer Long

No holiday BBQ is complete without a satisfying side dish or two. There’s always the requisite grilled corn on the cob and potato salad, but what if you want to mix things up a little this year? This spelt berry salad — packed with chickpeas, grapes, and almonds — might be just what you need. This salad has all the right things going for it: chewy spelt berries, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery, plus a punch of protein from the chickpeas and sprouted almonds.

Lauren Kodiak

Jul 2, 2015