Kitchen Guide

For a single serving of pastina, use ¼ cup dry pastina with 1 to 1½ cups liquid, adjusting for your preferred consistency.

Water boils at a lower temperature at higher elevations because reduced atmospheric pressure lets vaporization happen sooner.

For a soft-boiled egg with a runny yolk and fully set white, boil a large egg straight from the refrigerator for 6 to 7 minutes.

Bake chicken thighs and drumsticks at 400°F for 35–45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Most stovetop percolator coffee brews best for 4 to 10 minutes, with 7 to 10 minutes being a common target for a standard-strength brew.

A single Hot Pocket typically microwaves for 2 minutes on HIGH, though times vary by wattage and cook.

Plain Greek yogurt can generally replace sour cream 1:1 in most recipes, though the result will be tangier and less rich.

Cooked sweet potatoes generally last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container, and can be frozen for 10 to 12 months.

Fresh, unwashed beets stored whole in a plastic bag in the fridge are generally good for 7 to 10 days.

Fry shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes total until golden brown and the flesh is opaque and firm but springy, depending on size and heat level.