Ask Tara

I am thinking of making your spiced cake w caramel frosting, but as cupcakes. Any advice? How long should I bake them for?

What is your favorite go-to ingredient?

What food is your guilty pleasure?

Do you prefer stainless steel or nonstick cookware?

Is there a food you can’t bring yourself to eat?

What is your best tip for a beginner cook?

I waste so much food after buying specific ingredients for a recipe, but don’t use everything. Any tips on how to make a meal come together with random ingredients?

How long can I freeze cookie dough?

What is something you would rather eat in a restaurant than make at home?

Which kitchen gadgets can you not live without?

What is your favorite brand of kitchen knives and why?

Why do some recipes call for eggs to be room temperature before using them when baking?

Some recipes say to bake squash facing up, others say to bake squash facing down. Does it really make a difference in the end result?

How did you come up with your name, “Tara Teaspoon”?

How long does cooked rice last in the fridge?

Dear Tara, I love kitchen gadgets, but I’m skeptical to buy them because they often end up in my graveyard of unused kitchen tools. Should I buy an Instant Pot? What about one of those sous-vide cookers? I feel like they’re good tools, but maybe I’d use them once or twice and then set them aside only to collect dust. Are there any gadgets you consider must-haves?

Why is it suggested that mushrooms be cleaned off with a wet paper towel instead of rinsing them off under running water?