Real Simple Cooking School

Taylor Swift mentioned her latest baking obsession—sourdough—on Travis Kelce's podcast. So we definitely had to try the flavors she mentioned: Lemon-blueberry, cinnamon, and sprinkles. See what we thought of Taylor's go-to bakes. (Yes, it's a loaf story!) #baking #bread #recipeideas #recipes

A simple soup doesn't have to mean simple flavors, and this recipe for Italian sausage gnocchi soup is a case in point. It's a rich, hearty, one-pot meal that packs turkey sausage and potato gnocchi into every bite. If you're an overachiever and have an extra 20 minutes, channel your inner Giada and try your hand at homemade gnocchi.

Learn how to pick a cantaloupe to ensure your melon is always good. Then, get some tips on storing, ripening, and slicing it. #cantaloupe #fruit #storagetips #kitchenhacks

Cookbook author Nicki Sizemore shares how adding intentionality to cooking can make preparing dinner less stressful and more satisfying. #howtocook #howtobake #cookingtips #cookinghacks

There are three key types of yeast you can bake with, not just one. Here's what to know about instant yeast vs. active dry vs. fresh yeast. #yeast #instantyeast #activedryyeast #cooking #baking

Chefs and other food pros share what to look for in a salt and what their favorite brand is for seasoning food as they cook. #cheftips #tipsandtricks #howtocook #salt #seasoningtips

Discover the perfect cheese blend for the best mac and cheese, according to a professional chef. Cheeses you should use include cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. #recipes #recipeideas #realsimple #howtocook #howtobake #bakinghacks

Discover the best way to make grilled cheese, with tips from a professional. Here, you'll learn how to make grilled cheese and be inspired by several easy grilled cheese recipes. #recipestotry #recipeideas #grilledcheese

Are chickpeas and garbanzo beans the same thing? Learn whether chickpeas and garbanzo beans are different, and how to use them in tasty—and easy—recipes. #chickpeas #garbanzobeans #cookingtips #food

The humble potato is among a cook's most versatile ingredients. They take endless forms and taste delicious every which way. But before you bake, roast, or mash them, it’s important to give them a good scrub. Follow our simple advice on how to clean potatoes, when to clean them, and why it's important, and you’ll be good to go for fritters, au gratin, and hash (oh my!).

Discover the one simple trick I discovered on Reddit and now always use to tell if my cookies are perfectly baked. This easy hack works with all cookie types. #bakinghacks #howtobake #howtocook #realsimple #recipeideas #recipes

Use this easy formula to make sure no bunch of herbs goes to waste. Mix and match nuts, cheese, and herbs for unique, versatile sauces. #herbs #pesto #tipsandtricks #cookingtips

REAL SIMPLE's food director shares the cooking tips she learned in culinary school that can help home cooks be more efficient and turn out more delicious food. #cookingtips #howtocook #cooklikeapro #tipsandtricks

Experts explain why unsalted is the standard, but why salted butter makes cookies, cakes, and other baked goods taste their very best. #butter #saltedbutter #bakingtips #bakinghacks

If you're looking for something creamy to spread on toast or use in your baking, margarine, butter, and plant-based butter all fit the bill. But when you're deciding whether plant-based butter vs. margarine vs. butter is best for your needs, the answer isn't clear. Learn more about how butter and margarine are made, and how to choose the best one for you. #butter #margarine #plantbasedbutter #bakingtips #bakinghacks