Cottage pie is called so because it was originally associated with cottages and peasants in England. The dish was made with leftover meat (usually beef) and mashed potatoes as a way to create a hearty and inexpensive meal for families. The term “cottage” signifies the humble origins of the dish, while “pie” refers to the fact that the ingredients are baked together in a dish.

It depends on the recipe and brand. Some hash brown recipes do contain onions as an ingredient, while others do not. It is always best to check the ingredients list or ask the server or chef if you are unsure. Additionally, some restaurants or fast-food chains may add onions to their hash browns as a customization option, so it is important to specify your preference if you are ordering from a menu.

Pickling spices are a blend of herbs and spices that vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. However, the most common combination includes mustard seeds, coriander seeds, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes. Other ingredients such as dill seed, ginger, and garlic are also sometimes added to the mix. The combination of these spices provides a unique flavor and aroma that is commonly used in pickling vegetables, fruits, and meats.

Brown rice is generally more expensive than white rice due to several reasons. Firstly, the milling or polishing process that removes the bran and germ from brown rice to produce white rice is a cheaper process compared to the whole-grain milling used for brown rice. Secondly, brown rice has a shorter shelf life compared to white rice, which increases the cost of storage and distribution. Finally, the growing demand for healthful whole-grain foods and the limited availability of brown rice may contribute to its higher price.

Soaking raisins before baking cookies is a personal preference. Soaking them in water or liquid such as rum gives them a plump texture and adds extra flavor to the cookies. However, it also adds some moisture to the batter which can affect the overall texture of the cookies. If you prefer softer and plump raisins in your cookies, you can soak them before baking, but if you like a drier texture, use them directly in the batter.

School breakfast pizza is typically made with a pre-made pizza crust, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings such as sausage, bacon, or vegetables. It may also include a scrambled egg or two and is baked until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. The exact ingredients may vary depending on the school district and the specific recipe being used.

Yes, Trader Joe’s does sell frozen strawberries. They offer both organic and conventional options and they are usually located in the frozen fruits section of the store.

Kale chips can become less bitter by properly de-stemming the kale leaves, washing and drying them before tossing with a small amount of oil and seasoning. Massaging the leaves with oil can also help break down the bitterness. Adding a touch of sweetness with maple syrup or honey or balancing the flavor with lemon juice can also help make the kale chips less bitter. It’s important not to overcook them as this can also lead to a bitter taste.

To thicken a sauce with plain flour, start by mixing equal parts flour and cold water until it forms a smooth paste. Then, gradually stir the paste into the simmering sauce until desired thickness is achieved. Cook for an additional minute or two to eliminate any raw flour taste. If the sauce is still too thin, repeat the process until the desired consistency is reached.

Pepper Jack cheese is a type of cheese that has a spicy kick to it due to the addition of peppers, particularly jalapeños. There are no other types of cheese that are exactly the same as Pepper Jack cheese, but some similar options include Habanero Jack, Jalapeño Cheddar, and Chipotle Gouda, which all incorporate some form of spicy peppers into the cheese.