Pie crust looks like it should be the easy part of making a homemade pie. All you need to create a flaky foundation for your favorite filling is a handful of basic ingredients most home cooks already have on hand: All-purpose flour, a bit of fat to give it texture, salt and a little liquid...

Whet the appetites of your holiday party guests with this grand antipasti platter. The assembly directions and recipes come from San Francisco food stylist Bebe Black Carminito and her new cookbook, “The Curated Board: Inspired Platters & Spreads for Any Occasion” (Abrams, $25). This board curates a selection of antipasti — it means “before the...

Brunch has a special seat at the table: It bridges savory and sweet and breakfast and lunch, and appeases both early birds and late risers. It’s a meal with very few rules, which is especially welcome to cooks as we head into a season filled with tradition and culinary expectations. Want to serve pancakes alongside...

There’s something about this time of year that just calls out for a great, big, steaming bowl of chili. And it’s not just because it’s beginning to get cold outside, though it’s true we start to crave warm, comforting dishes when the weather forecast calls for pulling on a jacket instead of shorts. Rather, I...

Here’s an easy weeknight meal. Just assemble the ingredients and let the oven do the rest. I cut the pork tenderloin into small streaks and placed them on a sheet pan with baby kale and butternut squash. It all bakes for 10 minutes. A big help is that you can buy butternut squash cubes ready...

Some Midwestern falls are better than others. Some are more colorful, crisp and cool, while others are just cold. Then, there are those “second summers” that creep deep into fall, only to be replaced by, well, winter. This year feels like the latter, but even if the frost hasn’t covered the pumpkins yet, I’m going...

Did you ever go on a trip and eat something so amazing that you became obsessed? That’s me with those utterly delicious maple leaf-shaped cookies stuffed with maple cream and sold in Canada. Known for their delicate shape and sweet maple flavor, these whimsical cookies can be found just about everywhere once you cross the...

One of the hardest, most fraught parts of the holidays is that age-old tradition of gift giving. Few things stress in quite the same way as nervously shuffling through a store on Dec. 23 looking for a present that’s not going to look like you bought it nervously on Dec. 23. That’s why Her Hacks...

For many women, nutrition often is seen primarily as a means to alter body size or appearance. But imagine if we could shift our focus from simply changing how we look to using food and nutrition as tools to enhance our life’s purpose and mission. By prioritizing the nutrients that fuel our bodies, we can...

Here are a few of my favorite plant-based recipes. I included breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and appetizers, and dessert. Some recipes are from my cookbook, some are from my collaboration with Plant-Based Putnams, and some are just a few I’ve compiled that I love. Breakfast Almond Oat Bake This vegan almond oat bake is a...

Embarking on a wine tasting journey can be exciting and intimidating. With so many aspects to explore, from tasting techniques to selecting the right pour, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, expert advice can simplify the process and enhance the experience. EJ Droessler, owner of EJ’s Wine Shop in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District,...

Cooks and gardeners poke fun at zucchini all season long, but the summer squash deserves respect. Few fruits and vegetables are able to move between sweet and savory genres with such ease. Need a quick side? Slice it or dice it, drizzle with olive oil, breadcrumbs and Parmesan and pop it in the air fryer...

Come midsummer, you’ll find sweet corn on my dinner table almost every night of the week. And one of my favorite ways to serve it is in a bowl of soup. You don’t have to do much to get a decent bowl of corn soup at the peak of corn season. Each kernel is packed...

Corn and tomatoes, tomatoes and corn — peak summer eating is splendidly simple. Such pristine flavors need no more than a drizzle of great olive oil, a sprinkle of coarse salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss in crisp cucumbers and you’ve got a speedy side dish; add a hunk of rustic bread...

With school just around the corner, a healthy and quick breakfast can significantly reduce stress and set a positive tone for the rest of the day for you and your children. While all meals should be healthy and balanced, breakfast is particularly important. A well-balanced breakfast can provide the energy needed for the day, improve...

No one enjoys summer more than Midwesterners. Whether that means trips to the cabin or evenings on the deck, we know we have to savor the moment. One of the things worth savoring the most is summer produce. Tomatoes, cucumbers, raspberries, zucchini and melons are all coming into their prime, but at my house corn...

Holiday get-togethers tend to draw lots of people, especially when they’re held outside. That’s why at a July 4 cookout you’ll often find multiple side dishes alongside the burgers, hot dogs and barbecued chicken on the hosts’ picnic table. Whether you’re preparing them yourself or a guest is the contributor, salads and other cold sides...

Spicy tomato salsa gives these light, juicy chicken burgers a hint of the Southwest. Look for ground chicken made from chicken breast meat only. If it says ground chicken, then skin, fat and dark meat can have been added. Helpful hints • Be sure to drain the salsa to keep the hamburgers from being too...

Slender asparagus and fresh ricotta are easy to find in spring, and these savory crespelle offer a winning combination of the seasonal favorites. Adapted from a recipe from Tuscan food writer and chef Giulia Scarpaleggia, the two ingredients are paired in a fresh and creamy filling for lacy, tender homemade crepes that can either be...

It’s been a complicated start to the year, at least in the kitchen. Unseasonably warm days had us firing up the grill, and the debut of tulips and tree buds surely meant that asparagus and early peas were imminent. Except it wasn’t even March. Now that the seasons officially have changed (even if the temperatures...

What to serve for dinner on Fridays during Lent can prove something of a head-scratcher if you want to refrain from eating meat but are not a fan of baked or fried seafood dishes. Sure, you can order pizza or fill up on grilled cheese sandwiches, but that can get pretty old pretty quick. That’s...

Many of us start a new year by promising ourselves we’ll do better — save more money, perhaps, or lose those extra pounds by starting an exercise program. During the festive holiday season, eating healthier also typically is high on the list of New Year’s resolutions. Giving up alcohol after the excesses of December —...

By this time of the year, I find myself craving meals with light and clean flavors. Chicken soup fills the bill perfectly. While most years I like to experiment with those flavors, this year I think I’ll stick to the classic version, with tender chicken and vegetables swimming in a thyme-scented broth. Instead, I’ll experiment...

Here’s a quick, warm and inviting soup made with tender meatballs, vegetables and broken pieces of pasta — cooked in one pot. It’s a clever way to use up any leftover pasta in your pantry. The pasta is cooked in the same pan as the meatballs. The meatballs are browned first, then added to the...

I used the vibrant flavors of Creole cooking to create this easy vegetarian dinner. Louisiana creole cooking is a fusion of Spanish, French and African cuisines. Onions, celery, green bell pepper, tomatoes and hot pepper seasoning are the basic ingredients. The heat is up to you. The amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe gives...

Hosting a Big Game watch party? By following the playbook of BBQ experts, you’ll have your friends and family cheering for your game day spread. “The trick to achieving tasty BBQ is real smoke flavor. And to get real smoke flavor, you need quality, natural hardwoods, with or without a pellet grill,” says Levi Strayer,...

Navigating womanhood often entails a complex connection with one’s body. Many women perceive their bodies as projects to be contoured and adjusted to fit societal ideals. There’s a persistent pressure to shrink here, enlarge there and conform to an idealized body standard. This burden is something many of us carry from a young age, often...

Irish novelist Cecelia Ahern said, “Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.” And she’s right. Scientists say people often crave certain foods because those meals remind them of childhood memories or foods they remember being given when they were sick (chicken noodle soup is almost certainly a universally loved comfort food). Winter brings a lot...

When I was a college student, I was living in a fifth-floor walk-up apartment in downtown Iowa City. The apartment was on the top floor of a converted seminary/converted office building and, consequently, had a tiny kitchen — maybe 6-feet long by 3-feet wide, but my very first. And it was here that I began...

Comedian Steve Martin once said, “Those French — it’s like they have a word for everything!” Charcuterie is one of those words. The art of pairing meats and cheeses with all kinds of delectable accompaniments is derived from the French words “chair” (flesh) and “cuit” (cooked). In 15th century France, the word was used to...

For me, holiday parties always impart a warm, cozy feeling of getting together with friends, family and neighbors. But hosting such a party can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming, which defeats the whole warm and cozy philosophy. My solution is a holiday open house. The idea behind this easy-to-pull-off gathering is that there is no...

For me, holiday parties always impart a warm, cozy feeling of getting together with friends, family and neighbors. But hosting such a party can be stressful, expensive and time consuming, which defeats the whole warm and cozy philosophy. My solution is a holiday open house. The idea behind this easy-to-pull-off gathering is that there is...

When I was a college student, I was living in a fifth-floor walk-up apartment in downtown Iowa City. The apartment was on the top floor of a converted seminary/converted office building and, consequently, had a tiny kitchen — maybe 6-feet long by 3-feet wide, but my very first. And it was here that I began...

Comedian Steve Martin once said, “Those French — it’s like they have a word for everything.” Charcuterie is one of those words. The art of pairing meats and cheeses with all kinds of delectable accompaniments is derived from the French words “chair” (flesh) and “cuit” (cooked). In 15th century France, the word was used to...

Having to make dinner night after night can be a drag any time of year, but it can feel even more like a chore in the fall if you have kids in school. After the (relatively) relaxed days of summer, it can take a while to get back into the rhythm, routine and energy of...

Football isn’t the only thing people go nuts over this time of year. It also marks pumpkin-spice season, with the warming (and controversial) seasonal fall flavor finding its way into everything from your Starbucks latte and Southern Tier Brewing Co.’s Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale to cookies, popcorn, spreads, breads, creamer, yogurt, gelato, cereal and toaster...

Autumn snacks can cater to more than just the kids. A few simple, sophisticated tweaks to classic treats — popcorn and peanut butter cookies — creates snacks everyone will enjoy. Peanut butter cookies are tasty, but can be one-dimensional and too sweet. Looking for a bit of balance, we were inspired by the wildly popular...

Baking season is around the corner. While I have never considered myself an expert baker, I always have appreciated the art of baking and continue to learn and improve my skills. After years of trial and error and gathering tips from my customers, I have come garnered five top tips to better baking: 1. Always use...

Five-spice powder gives a pungent, aromatic flavor to stir-fried vegetables. The powder is a mixture of five ground spices usually consisting of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. It adds the exciting flavors of Chinese cuisine to this simple vegetarian dinner. The secret to wok cooking at home is to make sure...

Summer’s winding down, and we’re starting to think about what the upcoming school year will look like. One thing that moms start to consider is how to set their families up for success when schedules get busier and sports begin, creating an increased demand for nutrients to best support their children’s bodies and minds, but...

Whether it’s shuttling the little ones to their after school activities or helping older students cram for their exams, families get super busy, quickly when kids return to school in fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t regularly sit down together for weeknight dinners. “Parent-chefs can effortlessly turn up the flavor by relying on single-use...

Back to school is a time of new beginnings for kids. Between classroom learning, extracurricular activities, sports and socializing, fun and filling snacks can help kids have a moment away from school-year pressures while also encouraging all that excitement and learning. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Americans snack at least once per day, according...

According to the American Heart Association, 200 years ago, people consumed 22 teaspoons of sugar per year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans consume 22-30 teaspoons per day. That is going from five pounds of sugar consumed in a year to an average of 152 pounds per year. Sugar is a popular...

Whether it’s shuttling the little ones to their after school activities or helping older students cram for their exams, families get super busy, quickly when kids return to school in fall. But that doesn’t mean you can’t regularly sit down together for weeknight dinners. “Parent-chefs can effortlessly turn up the flavor by relying on single-use...

Summer’s winding down, and we’re starting to think about what the upcoming school year will look like. One thing that moms start to consider is how to set their families up for success when schedules get busier and sports begin, creating an increased demand for nutrients to best support their children’s bodies and minds, but...

According to the American Heart Association, 200 years ago, people consumed 22 teaspoons of sugar per year. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Americans consume 22-30 teaspoons per day. That is going from five pounds of sugar consumed in a year to an average of 152 pounds per year. Sugar is a popular...

Back to school is a time of new beginnings for kids. Between classroom learning, extracurricular activities, sports and socializing, fun and filling snacks can help kids have a moment away from school-year pressures while also encouraging all that excitement and learning. In fact, nearly 3 in 4 Americans snack at least once per day, according...

The days of fun in the sun, poolside hangs and backyard barbecues are here, and they are fabulous. However, one question I often get is how to prioritize health while attending the summer fun and eating at the barbeque. The last choice we want to have to make is between missing out on all the...

Have you ever stood in front of the herb and spice section at the grocery store, feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to begin? Are salt and pepper the only spices you add as you’re cooking? If so, you are missing out on a world of flavor and health benefits. Let’s begin by understanding, “what is...

Celery often is relegated to veggie trays where its built-in scoop makes it ideal for dipping. It’s also used to add extra crunch to holiday stuffing, or tuna or chicken salad. But celery offers far more. Low in calories, rich in nutrients Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food. Two stalks of celery contain only 15...

Following a vegan diet doesn’t just reduce one’s impact on the environment, but it’s associated with a range of health benefits, making it no surprise that a plant-based food movement is on the rise. “With more than 100,000 internet searches per month for ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegetarian recipes,’ it’s clear there is high demand for...

Often, the best dishes are the simplest. If you use the best quality, freshest ingredients and treat them lightly, you will be rewarded. This is demonstrated perfectly by this recipe for grilled tomatoes on the vine, served with fresh mozzarella. The best way to prepare this classic combination is to take a bunch of cherry...

I was home in Chicago for my birthday and was treated to brunch. I got dressed up to go to this amazing place I had never been before. I ate amazing food and had bottomless mimosas. It was great. A lot of people know the city for its deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hotdogs, but...

I love this time of year when there’s a plentiful display of colorful berries. I decided to create a summer salad dinner, adding them to cooked turkey strips. Here are a few tips on selecting and using berries. Strawberries don’t ripen off the vine. Look for bright red ones when buying them. The sweetest raspberries...

I recently had an epiphany about, of all things, chicken potpie. A few weeks ago, my partner and I set out for a walk into Griffith Park from our apartment. In the mood for adventuring, we started taking every turn we hadn’t before and soon enough we found ourselves on the back of a hill,...

Grilling can and should be a year-round endeavor. But summer seems to be when we up the ante, becoming self-proclaimed barbecue masters seemingly overnight. We get saucy with new marinades and rubs, boost burgers by experimenting with different meats and accompaniments, and work in our farmers market finds, putting everything from berries and stone fruits...

With breweries and brewpubs becoming evening and weekend hangouts for many, it’s hard to deny that the culture of craft beer has had an impact on the tri-state area. Tastings, festivals and farm-to-table dinners often are centered around craft beer, and many small community breweries have become the bastions of armchair philosophers, conversationalists, board game...

When it comes to sweet treats, few things can compare to the indulgence of a crepe. These thin, delicate pancakes are made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk and butter, then cooked on a hot griddle until they become thin and crispy. They can be filled with a variety of sweet spreads, fruits and...

Following a vegan diet doesn’t just reduce one’s impact on the environment, but it’s associated with a range of health benefits, making it no surprise that a plant-based food movement is on the rise. “With more than 100,000 internet searches per month for ‘vegan recipes’ and ‘vegetarian recipes,’ it’s clear there is high demand for...

Have you ever stood in front of the herb and spice section at the grocery store, feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to begin? Are salt and pepper the only spices you add as you’re cooking? If so, you are missing out on a world of flavor and health benefits. Let’s begin by understanding, “what is...

Celery often is relegated to veggie trays where its built-in scoop makes it ideal for dipping. It’s also used to add extra crunch to holiday stuffing, or tuna or chicken salad. But celery offers far more. Low in calories, rich in nutrients Celery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food. Two stalks of celery contain only 15...

The days of fun in the sun, poolside hangs and backyard barbecues are here, and they are fabulous. However, one question I often get is how to prioritize health while attending the summer fun and eating at the barbeque. The last choice we want to have to make is between missing out on all the...

Summer is the ideal time to expand our daily meal variety, allowing us to incorporate seasonal foods and beverages. Fresh, local produce is readily available, providing regular opportunities to support family owned vendors. While meal-planning for summer dining and outdoor gatherings, I encourage your shopping routine to include local options, such as farmers markets, where...

The weather is getting warmer, and I am already planning meals that incorporate the produce that this time of year has to offer. One of my favorite vegetables to cook into sweet sauces, desserts, or just eat raw with a sprinkling of salt, is rhubarb. While visiting any old farmstead, you are almost certain to...

As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s time for grilling and get-togethers. Make sure your summer soirees are extra special by stocking up on top kitchen essentials. Gear for grill masters To be a great grill master, you need the best gear. Build up your BBQ basics with a new Prep & Serve...

“Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen” is a figure of speech most commonly associated with the old fashioned idea that women should mother many children during their reproductive years and not work outside the home. In my kitchen shop, I have heard this phrase countless times as customers try on aprons. After doing some research,...

Spring is considered a time of rebirth and new beginnings. Gardeners plant their seeds when the formerly frozen ground warms and grows softer. Rain brings new life into grasses, leading seeds to bud and bloom. The sweet green temptation of salad greens in the garden, the aromatic smell of basil and the tender crunch of...

Spring is considered a time of rebirth and new beginnings. Gardeners plant their seeds when the formerly frozen ground warms and grows softer. Rain brings new life into grasses, leading seeds to bud and bloom. The sweet green temptation of salad greens in the garden, the aromatic smell of basil and the tender crunch of...

Imagine an activity that improves your gut health, regulates stress responses in your body, encourages the absorption of one of the most important vitamins for your body, gets you more nutrients from your food and supports the health of the earth. That would be quite an activity, wouldn’t it? What if I told you that...

A bright, lemon sauce flavors delicate chicken tenderloins in this quick dinner. Tenderloins, or tenders, are a secondary muscle that lies directly under the chicken breast. As the name suggests, they’re very tender and need only a few minutes to cook. White wine and capers add to the lemony sauce for a tangy treat. The...

Like a lot of runners, I ate a lot of sweet potatoes back when I was training for distance events that required a diet full of healthy carbs and muscle-loving antioxidants. Even now that I don’t run so long or so far, I still love the orange-fleshed tubers because they’re so easy to prepare, play...

As we rush through another week of preparing meals, call on the trusted appliance to lend a hand. We always seem to be searching for ways to save time, both in life and in the kitchen. Shortcut recipes aimed for frazzled cooks have been around as long as we’ve been cooking, and appliances like Instant...

Now that the holidays are well-behind us, many are looking for meals that are quick, easy and still incredibly satisfying. One comfort food combo that warms the heart and never fails to please is homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese. Is it because so many of us grew up eating the dynamic duo at school...

Just because it has worked for someone else, doesn’t mean it is best for you. Often, we’re influenced into starting new diets or workout programs because we have heard from others that it “changed their life” or helped them lose weight. The truth about diets is they often are very restrictive. This presents (at least)...

Chicken cooked in a rich, red wine sauce is a French classic. This quick version captures the French flavors without the fuss. Helpful hints • Look for skinless chicken legs with the bone or remove the skin before cooking. • You can use dried linguine instead of fresh. Boil for 10 minutes. • A quick...

The social media platform is filled with easy recipe hacks that can change the way you cook — for the better. What’s one thing you’ve recently learned that forever changed the way you do an everyday task? For me, it was that an egg and some chili crisp could transform packaged ramen into an actual...

Casseroles have long been a favorite for family meals and gatherings because one-pan dishes are easy to make, a dream to portion and can feed a crowd. Lasagna is a particular favorite because who doesn’t love the magical marriage of cheese, pasta and tomatoes? Add that it can be composed ahead of time, taking some...

Tis the season for gatherings galore. Whether you’re an all-star entertainer or a first-time host, having the right tools will set you up for success — meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list: For classy...

Are you hosting a holiday party and looking for a simple way to impress your guests? Here are a few steps for building an eye-catching and mouth-watering charcuterie board that will add color, flavor and variety to your holiday table. 1. Grab a platter or surface to display your charcuterie. Anything will work, even a...

Is it too early to think about holiday leftovers? How about a different kind of turkey sandwich: A quesadilla? It’s a turkey-and-cheese-filled tortilla. They’re pan-fried and served with coleslaw. You can make them with leftover turkey or chicken, or buy roasted turkey breast at the supermarket deli. You can use this recipe for any type...

Slathering sauces or seasonings over a chicken or turkey before roasting might produce a beautiful bird, but it can deliver lackluster flavor. That’s why we prefer to season a them under the skin. Sliding spices and aromatic seasonings under the skin boosts flavor by putting the ingredients in direct contact with the meat. The skin...

Here’s a different take on chili. It’s made with black beans instead of kidney beans. These give a lighter texture to the chili and are perfect for a vegetarian meal. The broccoli in this recipe is cut into small pieces that absorb the flavor of the tomato-based sauce. This chili tastes great the second day,...

It’s football season, and there’s only one thing to make game day a bigger win: Delicious game day food. Looking to add some kick to kick-off? Take flavor and heat off the bench and put them into the game with these recipes: Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients 1/3 cup butter, melted½ cup cayenne pepper hot...

It’s football season, and there’s only one thing to make game day a bigger win: Delicious game day food. Looking to add some kick to kick-off? Take flavor and heat off the bench and put them into the game with these recipes: Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings Ingredients 1/3 cup butter, melted½ cup cayenne pepper hot...

Slathering sauces or seasonings over a chicken or turkey before roasting might produce a beautiful bird, but it can deliver lackluster flavor. That’s why we prefer to season a them under the skin. Sliding spices and aromatic seasonings under the skin boosts flavor by putting the ingredients in direct contact with the meat. The skin...

Here’s a different take on chili. It’s made with black beans instead of kidney beans. These give a lighter texture to the chili and are perfect for a vegetarian meal. The broccoli in this recipe is cut into small pieces that absorb the flavor of the tomato-based sauce. This chili tastes great the second day,...

Football season is in full gear, which means many of you already have grabbed some parking lot space, popped the trunk, lit the grill and pulled something cold from the cooler while tailgating. Everyone knows the old-guard options of how to fill that cooler: Bud Light, Miller Lite, Modelo and, of course, welcome to the...

Even when they are tasty, creamy pasta sauces can be unappealingly heavy. A few bites and you’re done. Luckily, a lighter solution lies in peak season for sweet corn, with a high starch content that can create a creamy sauce without having to resort to using cream. Just pull out the blender. We developed this...

In the last few years, more Americans have gotten hooked on the rich, mouth-watering flavors and bold spices of South Asian cuisine. Research has shown an increase in searches for Indian cuisine, making it the second most searched for food on Instagram. Creating delicious Indian foods at home is possible for anyone, regardless of culinary...

Orange, almonds and honey flavor chicken cutlets for this quick dinner. Boneless, skinless chicken cutlets, available in most supermarkets, are about ½-inch thick. They cook in just 4 to 5 minutes. A colorful side dish of zucchini strips and grape tomatoes tossed in olive oil and garlic completes the meal. Helpful hints • You can...

As fall and winter become more visible on the horizon, getting together with family and close friends over a delicious bowl of soup might be just the prescription to ease us in to the cooler days ahead. “Even though we have all become accustomed to spending more time at home, the winter months seem to...

The love of food and the entrepreneurial spirit is embedded in Danielle Stoll’s DNA. “My grandparents opened the Moracco Supper Club (in Dubuque) in the ’60s,” she said. “Then, my aunt took it over, and now, my cousin. So, it’s still in the family.” Stoll, 45, who opened Nothing Bundt Cakes in Dubuque in December...

I remember the smell of the kitchen at my first job. Bleach, mixed with old fryer oil, cigarette smoke and French onion soup. I started as a busser; clearing plates, filling waters, bringing out salads. There was only one woman in the kitchen, the sous chef named Anna. She was impossibly tall, thin and had...

How does a brand remain a household name for a century? Betty Crocker has a simple recipe: Keep changing. In October, the icon became a centenarian and has now wrapped up her 100th holiday baking season. General Mills, the company that owns her likeness, intends to keep her relevant another century by embracing more diverse...

Here’s a Cobb salad with a tropical twist. Ripe juicy mangoes are at the height of their season, added along with shrimp sauteed with coconut to make a refreshing summer salad with a hint of the tropics. Cut the mango into cubes for the salad. Here is a quick way to do that: Slice off...

One of the best ways to build flavor is layering, or using one ingredient in two ways or at different stages of cooking. Using the zest of a lemon in cake batter, for instance, while using the juice in a citrusy glaze. It’s a technique relied on often in the book “COOKish,” which limits recipes...

For a fast and easy warm-weather salad on a hot summer day, it doesn’t get better than watermelon feta. This salad has so few ingredients, you want each to be the best it can be. The sweeter the watermelon, the more amazing the salad. You can use large, baby, red or yellow watermelons. Seedless watermelons...

A summery fruit salad and spicy pork tenderloin might not seem the most natural pairing — until you consider the precedents of pork chops with apple sauce and Italian prosciutto with melon. The truth is, cooks have been pairing sweet fruits and savory meats for centuries. And there’s something about the subtle inherent sweetness of...

Back from a trip to Chile, where I was introduced to several delicious quinoa salads, it was a surprise to learn there are hundreds of different types of quinoas. The most common ones are white, red and black. With these flavors in mind, I created a quick vegetarian salad for a summer dinner. Quinoa is...

I like to keep bought, cooked shrimp in my freezer. It is readily available in the freezer case at the market. They can easily be turned into a great meal with very little effort. Here I added them to a spicy sauce made with mayonnaise and horseradish. Adding some blueberries and red bell pepper cubes...