Do you need a holiday timeout? When we are in the eye of the storm, aka the lull between Thanksgiving and December celebrations, it helps to step off the conveyor belt of planning, cooking, baking and... more

If you celebrate Christmas, when do you get your tree? We wait until the week before Christmas to get ours. It’s important that our tree is fresh and not dry for the holiday, because we celebrate Chri... more

The holiday season is full of traditions. Traditions bring pleasure and reassurance. They give us something to look forward to, and in times of difficulty or uncertainty, traditions root and comfort u... more

When it comes to a dessert, a baked upside-down anything is a winner -- even when it’s a mistake. A tarte Tatin is a classic French upside-down fruit tart, traditionally made with apples. It’s named f... more

This is not a leftover turkey recipe, but do not fret. While this recipe focuses on pork, the beauty of a chile verde is that you can use the recipe as a template and substitute in your favorite meat ... more

Tradition has it that a Thanksgiving turkey dinner is not complete without cranberry sauce. Tradition also has it that every November, I find myself scratching my head, trying to reimagine cranberry s... more

This dish is inspired by two rice dishes: pilaf and maqluba. In a pilaf, the rice is sauteed to lightly toast the grains and then steamed in a flavorful broth, along with aromatics such as onion, garl... more

The holidays are approaching, and cheese and charcuterie boards are a great way to entertain. Look to France for inspiration and add duck rillettes to your charcuterie board.... more

As the saying goes, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. I agree with this philosophy, but with one caveat: You can always add more cheese -- especially when making a potato gratin. A potato gratin is a ... more

You might agree when I say that life feels uncertain right now. There is a new normal replacing many assumptions and expectations we had taken for granted. Some of this is organic: We evolve, kids gro... more

Are you in the mood for a prepackaged healthy snack? Or how about a slice of quick bread to accompany your morning cup of coffee? Look no further than the ubiquitous banana.... more

Don’t underestimate the lentil. These tiny pebblelike legumes may be a tad frumpy in appearance, but any perceived drabness or lumpiness shouldn't deter you from eating them. Lentils are rich in plant... more

It’s officially autumn, so wave farewell to summer, wrap yourself in something cozy, and make some meatballs. Meatballs are like a warm hug. They are unpretentious, homey and unfailingly comforting --... more

Sheet pan dinners are hardly a new trend, but the method is consistently revelatory. It’s impossible not to marvel at its simplicity and ability to deliver a one-dish, er, -pan dinner packed with flav... more

The late summer season yields bushels of produce, namely sweet peppers, corn and tomatoes. At the same time, the cooler air invites warming layers and soups. This recipe is a perfect bridge for the mo... more

Don’t underestimate the open-faced sandwich. As simple as they may sound, these topless sandwiches are often a refreshing and decorative reflection of the season and their cuisine. They range from sle... more

This slaw is the Goldilocks of coleslaws. It’s slightly sweet, but not too sweet. Slightly creamy, but not too creamy. Juicy, but certainly not too wet. It has a bite, but not too sharp. The only cate... more

Leftover steak is an unlikely star of this hearty main course salad. Cold meats can be a welcome addition to many salads -- especially in the summer, when you crave a fresh salad and a substantial mea... more

I do like my pickles, but I am a lazy preserver. My solution is a speedy fix that omits the bother of canning: I make quick pickles. Quick-pickling is for impatient types like me, with (nearly) instan... more

Skewered morsels of meat make for delicious finger food, especially when they are cooked on the grill. Small pieces of chicken, beef or lamb, threaded on skewers, present a bounty of edges and corners... more

Gazpacho is a warm-weather soup. In other words, it’s a cold, slurpy, thirst-quenching soup, spiked with chile heat to make you sweat and, hence, cool you down in the summer heat. The Spanish vegetabl... more

Frittatas are not just for lunch. If you are looking for dinner in a pinch, these eggy dishes can be prepped in minutes, making use of the contents of your veggie drawer, or even last night’s leftover... more

If a piece of furniture could have a passport, ours would be a frequent flyer. Our table has moved with us to five countries and weathered numerous house moves. If it were a child, it might need thera... more

Summer heat calls for little exertion. It invites lazy days lounging under a canopy of shade with icy drinks clinking in perspiring glasses. Simple food, fresh and easy, requiring little preparation, ... more

A salad that calls itself a substantial meal is not a floppy affair. Greens are certainly welcome, if not prolific, but a main-course salad is more than ruffled lettuce leaves. The key to a satisfying... more

Nothing says summer more than a platter of ribs hot off the grill. Experts say the key to good barbecue is the sauce. I will add that a spice rub is equally important. A dry rub infuses an extra layer... more

Summer is all about grilling, which means everyone should have a go-to marinade up their sleeve for soaking and basting their favorite grillables. This no-fail marinade is tangy and sweet, with a kick... more

Carrots are the boss of this salad. Available year-round, carrots are a salad staple, and their flavor varies depending on the season. Summer carrots are fresh, bright and grassy. They bridge springti... more