• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Flour & Fig

Chef Marjorie Perotti-Brewster

  • Recipes
  • Tips & Techniques
  • History
  • About
    • The Story
    • The Chef
    • At the Villa
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Archives for Tips & Techniques

Tips & Techniques

Butter – Salted or Sweet?

November 19, 2020

butter

There are actually three types of butter: salted, sweet and European. The question is which type is best for baking. It is a matter of opinion, but I am in the camp of sweet (unsalted) butter. In order to meet the requirements of the USDA, all butter, salted or not, must have a butter fat […]

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Tips & Techniques

A Few words on Rosewater

September 24, 2020

Rosewater Distiller

Fossil records show that rose species have existed for around 40 million years. People have been using roses for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes for about 5000 years. There are many historical accounts dating back as far as Mesopotamia, and 10th Century Persia. The actual distillation of oil extraction wasn’t until the late 15th early […]

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Tips & Techniques

Weight vs Volume

September 11, 2020

kitchen scale

The history of scales goes back to the beginning of time. Relics of the balance scale have been found dating back to 2000 BC. The spring action scale was in use around 1770 and since 1970 we have had the digital kitchen scale. You might ask, why use a scale rather than cups and teaspoons. […]

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Tips & Techniques

What’s the difference between types of cocoa powder?

July 22, 2020

cocoa powder

Dutch Cocoa Powder vs. Natural Cocoa Powder First, the Dutch (also referred to on some labels as European style) is darker. Second,  during the roasting portion of turning cocoa beans into cocoa powder, the Dutch process is treated with an alkali solution.  This leaves you with a smoother, mellow and less acidic powder.  The Natural, […]

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Tips & Techniques

« Previous Page

French Picnic Cover
French Country Picnic Recipes and Planning Guide

Get the Low Stress Guide to Preparing a French Country Picnic

Subscribe to claim your exclusive guide from Chef Marjorie. We'll also automatically send you a weekly roundup of her newest recipes and cooking tips.

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription and claim your guide!

Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Disclaimer | Cookie Policy | Change Privacy Settings
Copyright © 2025 Marjorie Perotti-Brewster. All rights reserved.