FAQ's I Ep. 25 I Community Kitchen Teachables

Common FAQs in Calgary’s Cooking Program

If you’re cooking more at home, you’ve probably run into ingredients and terms that make you pause and think, “Wait… what exactly is this?” You’re not alone. Below are some of the most common questions we get in our cooking program—answered in a simple, practical way.

1. What Is GMO?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. In food, this usually refers to crops that have been genetically altered to improve certain traits.

These modifications can help crops:

  • Become pest-resistant

  • Be more drought-resistant

  • Produce a higher yield

This means more food can be grown more efficiently. As for health or environmental concerns, opinions vary. If GMOs are something you prefer to avoid, you can look for foods labeled “Non-GMO” when shopping.

2. What’s the Difference Between Coconut Milk and Cream of Coconut?

Even though they sound similar, these two are used very differently in cooking:

Coconut Milk

  • Made from shredded coconut blended with water

  • Smooth and pourable

  • Great for soups, smoothies, and sauces

Cream of Coconut

  • Much thicker and richer

  • Higher fat content

  • Best for cooking and baking when you want richness

⚠️ Note: Sweetened coconut products are usually not ideal for savoury cooking, as they can change the final flavour of your dish.

3. Vegetable Shortening vs. Lard

These fats often show up in baking recipes, especially for pastries.

Vegetable Shortening

  • Made from hydrogenated vegetable oils

  • Commonly derived from cottonseed or soybean oil

  • Hydrogenation is the process of adding hydrogen to fat to make it solid

Lard

  • Comes directly from pork fat

  • Produces flakier pie crusts

  • Has a high fat content and high smoke point

While lard isn’t considered the healthiest fat option, many cooks prefer it for texture and flavor. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and dietary choices.

4. Common Uses of White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the most versatile items you can have in your kitchen.

In Cooking

  • Pickling vegetables

  • Making marinades

  • Creating homemade buttermilk (by adding vinegar to milk)

Beyond Cooking

  • Cleaning and disinfecting

  • Descaling appliances like tea kettles and coffee makers

It’s inexpensive, effective, and surprisingly powerful—both in food prep and around the house.

Happy cooking! 🍳✨

Emily Banyard