Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

These are small Russian yeast pancakes made with buckwheat flour. They are typically served with smoked salmon, caviar, or other similar toppings.  

To avoid lumps when using flour, cornstarch, rice flour, or similar ground cereals in soups, stews, puddings, gravies, and other dishes, it’s best to first mix them with a cold liquid such as milk, water, or stock. This creates a smooth paste that can then be added to a boiling liquid. Use a wooden spoon…

This is a small river fish found in Europe and belonging to the carp family. It can be cooked in a similar way to sprat.  

Black-eyed peas, a type of cowpea that’s grown in the Southern United States primarily as forage but is also used as a food source, is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed fresh or dried. The mottled black and white bean boasts a distinctive and hearty flavor that’s sure to satisfy the palate. When dried,…

Mince pie, a delectable pastry that’s popular in Scotland and beyond, is a tantalizing blend of raisins, currants, candied peel, and chopped nuts, all enclosed in a flaky and buttery crust. This delightful treat is traditionally enjoyed on Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, and is best prepared several weeks ahead of time, allowing it to…

Blackberries, a flavorful fruit that grows widely throughout the United States, are available in both wild and cultivated varieties. While the cultivated blackberries are often larger and juicier than the wild ones, they do have a slightly different flavor profile. Regardless of the type, blackberries are a good source of vitamin C, with an average…

Bitters, a tantalizing essence or liqueur derived from a carefully crafted blend of bitter and aromatic herbs, spices, roots, barks, and other botanicals, is a popular ingredient that’s widely used in the world of cocktails and aperitifs. This versatile ingredient adds a layer of complexity and depth to mixed drinks, often enhancing the flavor notes…

Bishop, a beloved beverage that was highly regarded during the Middle Ages, is a rich and aromatic concoction that’s crafted by blending wine, often port, with a mix of sweeteners, spices, and orange flavorings. This timeless drink has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular hot beverage in various northern European…

Biltong, a tantalizing culinary innovation developed in South Africa, refers to strips of meat that have been air-dried using a special technique that imparts exceptional longevity to the product. This cured meat is carefully prepared, seasoned, and hung up to dry in a controlled environment until it reaches the desired texture and flavor profile. Biltong’s…

Glistening and refined, beurre noisette, also known as brown butter sauce, is a culinary marvel that results from heating clarified butter to a chestnut hue. This toasty butter infusion is then imbued with lemon juice and a selection of seasonings to enhance its taste profile. The resulting sauce is a flavor powerhouse that accentuates the…