Inspiration comes in many packages. These chocolate orange pots de creme are the result of a baking mistake. I set out to make them for a recent dinner party, but I forgot to cover the ramekins while ... more

I discovered persimmons when I lived in Europe, where they are commonly known as sharon fruit. They were a mystery to me at first, these orange, tomato-shaped creatures -- how to eat them? Skin or no ... more

There's no point in waiting. It's officially the holiday season, and we all need a drink. Not just any drink, mind you, but a spiced and spirited elixir designed to warm you inside and out. I'm talkin... more

This is a Sunday soup, a perfect antidote to a long holiday weekend punctuated with big meals and late evenings. It's restorative, healthy and nourishing -- a perfect time-out meal to enjoy on a relax... more

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and just like clockwork, I begin to second-guess the amount of food on my menu. Surely it won't be enough, I think. (I should know by now that there is always,... more

If one vegetable symbolizes autumn, it's the Brussels sprout. When these little crucifers appear in the market, it means it's time to pull on our sweaters and plan our holiday menus. At the same time,... more

I won't lie: These short ribs take two days to make. Now, before you roll your eyes, just hear me out. Most of the time you will have little to do in the food prep department, because the ribs will ta... more

After I finished cooking school in Paris, I lived in Switzerland for a number of years. During this time, I acquired another important form of education, which is the Swiss view of chocolate as susten... more

Finally, the weather has turned cooler. I have to admit that, as a New England native, I miss the distinct change of seasons in California -- especially in the fall. In my opinion, at this time of yea... more

Who doesn't like a baked cheesy pasta dish? While macaroni and cheese is the standout in this category -- that timeless childhood favorite coated in bechamel, rippling with cheese and crowned with cri... more

Early fall yields a rainbow of pepper fruit at the farmers' market -- sweet bells, cherries, Hungarians, Fresnos, Jimmy Nardellos, poblanos. It's impossible not to scoop up a bag's worth of these beau... more

I was a late bloomer when it came to appreciating Mexican cuisine. The traditional cheese-meat-bean-tortilla combos were often too dense and gooey for my taste, and it took me well into my adulthood t... more

Who doesn't like a good hummus? Mild, nutty and agreeably versatile, this creamy Levantine dip is a go-to for snacks, spreads and party dips. It's also a wonderful starting point for variations, such ... more

Roasted strips of eggplant, zucchini and red peppers alternate with lasagna sheets in this veggie-enhanced family favorite. It's just like lasagna, but lighter and fresher. No worries, though. There's... more

There is something infinitely satisfying about presenting a complete dinner heaped on one platter. The arrangement suggests a family-style feast. It's a fun method for casual dining, which allows ever... more

With school back in session, everyone should have a handy granola recipe up their sleeve. Homemade granola is a healthy pantry staple, ideal for quick breakfasts and wholesome snacks. It's also simple... more

The end of summer delivers bushels of sweet peppers, corn and tomatoes to my kitchen. At the same time, the whisper of fall in the air brings a craving for warm soups layered with flavor and fragrant ... more

Upside-down baking is irresistible. Whether it's in the form of a cake or a tarte tatin (a rustic French fruit tart), the common denominator is a gorgeous, gooey caramelized bottom, which, once invert... more

When summer yields more vegetables than you can shake a stick at, it's time to quick pickle. Quick pickling is one of the easiest ways to preserve a bounty of vegetables and a simple method to keep yo... more

When my family and I lived in Denmark, a favorite outing was to our local harbor, where the fish market sold fish cakes, or "fiskefrikadeller," created from the daily catches hauled in on the fishing ... more

Show off the season's colorful heirloom tomatoes and creamy burrata in this quick and easy appetizer... more

A big refreshing bowl of salad is a great dinner in the heat of summer. Too veggie, you say? No worries, there is a happy, meaty answer to that: bacon ends. Yep, contemplate that. I did my own contemp... more

Blueberries are a summer treat. Inky blue, sweet and juicy, they are a healthy snack you can pop in your mouth, fold into yogurt and bake into desserts. I grew up in New England and lived for many yea... more

It's grilling season, and everyone should have a no-fail marinade to rely on to carry them through the summer. It should be something simple and versatile, easy to whip up within minutes with just a h... more

If heat could speak, then it would have been shouting this weekend. Summer is in full force, and the temperatures are soaring. When it's this hot, appetites wane, thirst dominates, and food takes on a... more

When it's summertime and the living is easy, I can't think of a better way to enjoy the heat than with a refreshing, thirst-quenching beverage. Fruit syrups are a great addition to drinks, adding swee... more

I've been on a barbecue bender. It's only June, and I need a time-out. This salad presents the perfect interlude. Fattoush is a Middle Eastern garden salad tumbled with toasted pita bread and feta che... more

Father's Day is just around the corner, and the summer season is about to hit full stride. This means one thing: it's time for BBQ Ribs. Nothing says more than Dad and summer than a platter of crispy,... more