Over 31 million Americans report some Irish ancestry, and St. Patrick’s Day has become a major celebration in the United States, often larger in scale than in Ireland itself. The holiday honors St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint from the 5th century, and has evolved into an inclusive celebration: you don’t need to be Irish to … Read more

Ramps are wild-growing leeks or scallions belonging to the allium family. They are notoriously hard to cultivate, which adds to their allure—similar to other sought-after wild foods. Ramps are among the first spring vegetables to appear at farmers markets and on restaurant menus after a winter of root vegetables and citrus. Their flavor is like … Read more

What Are Mushrooms? Mushrooms are fungi, not plants, fruits, or vegetables, though they are commonly treated like vegetables in cooking and nutrition. They are versatile ingredients used worldwide in raw (with caution), cooked, and vegetarian dishes. While sometimes described as a meat substitute because of their texture and savory flavor, mushrooms offer unique tastes and … Read more

This year it’s your turn to carve the turkey — an important job, but entirely manageable if you take it one step at a time. Think of a roast turkey like a large roast chicken: don’t rush, follow a clear sequence, and you’ll do great. I’ve carved the turkey for my family for many years. … Read more

When the air turns cool I make a full sheet pan of roasted vegetables at least once a week. Roasting is my favorite way to prepare vegetables — it brings out deep, caramelized flavors and makes simple produce feel special. Sometimes I roast two pans at once because vegetables straight from the oven make nearly … Read more

When zucchini arrive in season they seem to appear all at once—piled high at the farmers market, abundant in CSAs, and suddenly overflowing garden beds. While zucchini bread is a fine solution (and an easy neighbor gift), there are many other ways to use this versatile squash. Summer squash works the same way as zucchini … Read more

Who knew ramps would provoke so much conversation? These wild scallions—short-lived in early spring—spark strong opinions. Some celebrate them as irresistible, uncultivated heralds of the season; others push back, tired of the hype that often follows any highly prized ingredient. I’ve written about ramps before and shared a couple of recipes because I truly enjoy … Read more

Pears are one of the autumn fruits many of us eagerly await each year. Cultivated for thousands of years, pears are enjoyed worldwide. Eat them out of hand like an apple, slice them for snacks, or use them in a wide range of recipes — autumn is the perfect season to make the most of … Read more

Summer is definitely salad season. I enjoy salads year-round, but in summer they almost make themselves — vibrant, fresh, and effortless. Walk through a farmers market and the ingredients practically demand to be tossed into a bowl and taken home. The best summer salads combine color, texture, freshness, and visual appeal. They’re flexible too: swap … Read more

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets are hard to beat: golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender inside. The method is simple—three basic steps produce reliably perfect results. First dredge the chicken in seasoned flour, then dip it in beaten egg (or buttermilk, milk, or a milk-and-egg mixture if you prefer), and finally press it … Read more