A Word About Lentils

Lentils are native to SW Asia and are in the legume family. The lentils that we eat are actually the seeds of the fruit pods. Lentils are widely used in both Greek kitchens and Indian kitchens and commonly also called dhals. Lentils have a high protein content so are commonly used in vegetarian cooking. They are most often used in soups and stews. Lentils (and beans in general) are relatively inexpensive and easy to cook, hence they are a good staple to always have on hand at home.

There are several different types of lentils. If you are looking for a lentil that will cook down and almost disappear (great as a thickener), use red or yellow. For lentils that will hold their shape, use brown or green.

Unlike most other beans, lentils are generally cooked while the dish is made instead of pre-soaking and boiling in advance.

Substitutions for Alcoholic Beverages in Recipes

When making substitutions, make sure to consider the sweetness of the dish and find something comparable.

White Wine
Apple juice or carrot juice.
Vegetable stock or Chicken stock straight or with a little white wine vinegar
1/2 cup rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon white grape juice.

Red Wine
1/2 cup of grape juice with 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar.
1/2 cup water and 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
Beef stock or chicken stock straight or with a little red wine vinegar.

Champagne
Ginger ale, sparkling grape juice.

Brandy
Apple juice, peach juice, white grape juice, pear juice.

Marsala
Orange, peach or pear juice.

Orange Liqueur
Frozen orange juice concentrate.

Beer
Chicken broth, beef broth, ginger ale.

Making Powdered Sugar

If you have a blender, you never need to buy powdered sugar again. Just "buzz" regular sugar (or dehydrated cane juice) for a few seconds and "poof!" instant powdered sugar.