What Is Quince? Quince (pronounced “kwins”) is a distinctive, lumpy fruit with bright yellow skin when ripe. Native to the Caucasus region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, quince has spread around the world and appears in many regional cuisines, especially in Latin America. The fruit resembles a bumpy pear in shape and … Read more

Pineapple is a beloved tropical fruit that, when ripe, balances bright sweetness with a touch of tartness. Below you’ll find clear, practical steps for cutting a pineapple into slices, spears, or chunks, plus tips on selecting, storing, and using fresh pineapple. Use it for snacking, toss it into a fruit salad, or try one of … Read more

Fresh ginger is one of the best flavor boosters in the kitchen: spicy, bright, zesty and uplifting. I use it in stir-fries, cocktails, baked goods and marinades. It’s an easy, high-impact way to add depth to many dishes. And there’s a simple hack for peeling ginger that makes prep faster and less wasteful. Ginger can … Read more

When the grill is hot and the sun is shining, the sides on the plate often steal the show. Summer cookout side dishes add crunch, color, freshness and comfort to backyard gatherings. From sturdy pasta salads that hold up in warm weather to dips and vegetable salads that vanish fast, these 23 easy, crowd-pleasing summer … Read more

Leftover chicken breasts or thighs? Shred them. Cooked, shredded chicken is one of the most versatile fridge staples — a quick foundation for tacos, enchiladas, soups, salads, quesadillas and more. Whether it’s rotisserie chicken from the store or extra poultry from a weeknight dinner, shredded chicken works equally well if it was poached, grilled, roasted, … Read more

Some nights I’m in a one-pan mood: a single sheet pan is all I need to make dinner worthwhile. I love that a sheet pan lets protein, vegetables, and sometimes a starch roast together, developing caramelized edges while keeping cleanup simple. When the weather turns cool, I roast a big sheet pan of something at … Read more

A baked pasta is one of the best dishes to bring to the table — whether for a potluck, a meal for a new parent, or a group coming in from a winter hike. It feeds many people, mostly cooks itself in the oven, and often the leftovers are even better than the original serving. … Read more

There’s nothing wrong with slightly imperfect meatballs, but perfectly round, evenly sized meatballs are especially appealing. Smooth, uniform meatballs cook more evenly and look polished on the plate. You can shape meatballs by hand or use an ice cream or cookie scoop for consistent results. These techniques work with any meatball recipe. Try them with … Read more

Now is a perfect time for casseroles. If you want to prepare homemade meals ahead and have ready-to-go dinners in the freezer, freezing casseroles is a smart strategy. You can double a recipe—one for now and one for the freezer—or prepare several casseroles specifically to freeze for later use. Here’s what you need to know … Read more

Blanching green beans is the simplest way to preserve their bright color and crisp-tender texture. Whether you’re preparing them for a salad, a crudités platter, or the freezer, this quick technique locks in flavor and texture with minimal effort. Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Have a large bowl … Read more