The witch accusations in Salem and other regions were a dark and disturbing chapter in American history. Many were falsely accused and many innocent lives were lost. The witch trials were fueled by mass hysteria and deeply ingrained superstitions. Despite the lack of evidence, people were quick to believe in the existence of witches and the danger they posed. The Salem witch trials, which took place in 1692, resulted in the execution of 20 people and the imprisonment of many more. The accusations began when a group of young girls claimed to have been bewitched by certain individuals in their community.
The accusations began when a group of young girls claimed to have been bewitched by certain individuals in their community. This sparked a wave of paranoia and suspicion, leading to widespread arrests and trials. The accused were subjected to unfair and often cruel methods of interrogation, including being tied up and dunked underwater in an attempt to determine their guilt.
The Secret to the Silkiest Queso? Sodium Citrate
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In the Bon Appétit test kitchen, one of our favorite challenges is translating famous restaurant dishes into home cook–friendly recipes. That’s how associate food editor Kendra Vaculin found herself tasked with testing the queso fundido from New York City restaurant Yellow Rose. But one ingredient gave her pause: sodium citrate.
Owners Dave and Krystiana Rizo swear by it to get the creamiest, silkiest queso. But, assuming most home cooks don’t have sodium citrate lying around, there had to be an equally good option, right? Vaculin was sure she could find a workaround.
She tried a few different techniques to get an even and emulsified cheese-melt. Evaporated milk alongside baking soda and lemon juice would purportedly result in a velvety queso. But, after tinkering with the ratios, Vaculin conceded that it just wasn’t right. “It works to a point,” she said, “but the queso definitely got more clumpy as it sat.” In the end, the magic of sodium citrate simply couldn’t be replicated. Here’s why:
Usually, when cheese melts, the fat and proteins begin to separate, but sodium citrate “binds them together so that when they melt, they do it evenly and homogeneously,” Vaculin explains. Keeping the mixture homogenized ensures that this queso fundido can stand the test of time. As Vaculin discovered in her testing, there really is no substitute for sodium citrate in this recipe. “The amazing thing about the sodium citrate version was that it stayed beautiful and viscous even as it sat on the pass for hours, which was kind of amazing and really sold us on ‘Okay, this is worth it.’”
Pure Sodium Citrate
Don’t be discouraged by its somewhat science-y name; sodium citrate is not difficult to find. It’s available on Amazon, as well as in some specialty grocery stores. Sodium citrate allows any cheese to melt evenly, which means it’s also useful for, say, macaroni and cheese or a fondue, if you’re feeling fancy. Chances are you’ve actually already had sodium citrate in cheeses like Velveeta or American cheese—it helps both melt evenly without separating.
Yellow Rose’s queso recipe is lighter than some other formulations—closer to a sauce than a cloyingly thick scooper. “This is more like the consistency of a hot fudge,” Vaculin explains. “It definitely will still coat your chip, but it’s not a huge scoop where you’re piling it up on itself.” The addition of sodium citrate allows cheddar (a finicky melter, depending on its age) to become the foundation, bolstered by beer for a malty tang. Chopped jalapeños bring a kick of heat, then chorizo and Oaxaca cheese top off this melty beauty.
This recipe is all about a few simple tricks that’ll keep the melted cheese ooey, gooey, and dippable from first chip to last.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Citroma
Many confessed to being witches under intense pressure. The witch trials in Salem eventually ended when the governor of Massachusetts stepped in and put a stop to the proceedings. However, the damage had already been done and the loss of innocent lives was irreversible. The Salem witch trials serve as a grim reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of critical thinking. Similar witch trials occurred in other regions, such as Europe, where thousands of people were accused and executed for witchcraft. The accusations were often based on hearsay and unfounded beliefs. The witch trials were a dark period in history that should serve as a warning against unchecked fear and prejudice..
Reviews for "The Legacy of the Witch Trials in Salem: Historical Memory and Remembrance"
1. John Doe - 2/5 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Witch Accusations in Salem and Other Regions" on CommonLit. The text failed to provide a balanced perspective on the subject, only presenting the viewpoint of those who believed in witches. It completely brushed over the cultural and historical context that contributed to these witch hunts. Additionally, the questions at the end of the text were poorly constructed and did not encourage critical thinking. Overall, I found the text to be lacking depth and would not recommend it for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of this period in history.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5 stars
"The Witch Accusations in Salem and Other Regions" on CommonLit was a complete waste of my time. The text was incredibly biased, portraying all accused individuals as innocent victims. It failed to acknowledge the existing evidence against some of the accused and largely ignored the impact of hysteria and mass delusion during this time. The questions provided after the text were overly simplistic and did not provide an opportunity for deeper analysis or critical thinking. I would not recommend this resource to anyone seeking a well-rounded understanding of the Salem witch trials or similar events.
3. Robert Johnson - 2/5 stars
I found the CommonLit text on the witch accusations in Salem and other regions to be lacking in nuance. It focused primarily on the perspective of the accused, without exploring the motivations or beliefs of those who instigated the witch hunts. The text appeared to have a predetermined agenda and failed to provide a comprehensive examination of the historical and cultural factors that contributed to these accusations. In addition, the questions at the end of the text were shallow and did not challenge readers to think critically about the topic. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of depth in this resource.
4. Sarah Thompson - 1/5 stars
"The Witch Accusations in Salem and Other Regions" on CommonLit was a poorly researched and biased piece. It failed to consider alternative explanations for the witch trials, such as social and economic tensions, and instead portrayed all those accused as innocent victims. The text lacked historical context, making it difficult to understand the true complexity of these events. Furthermore, the questions provided after the text were overly simplistic and did not encourage critical thinking or meaningful discussion. I would not recommend this resource for anyone looking for a thorough and balanced examination of the witch trials.