Don’t let the grocery store fool you—asparagus has a season (and it’s not the middle of August). Spring is prime time for these green stalks, when they’re at their bright, perky, taut-skinned best. If you’re grilling, roasting, or steaming asparagus, or otherwise planning to serve them whole, look for thick spears. The ratio of fiber … Read more
When real estate agents talk about luring potential buyers at an open house with the smell of baked goods, they’re probably referring to banana bread specifically. Banana bread in the oven smells like comfort, like the very notion of home itself (as seen on TV, with a sleepy dog and flowers in the front yard). … Read more
There is literally nothing better than a big bowl of golden chicken soup. It cures everything and is a universally comforting dish. I gave birth to my oldest in the spring, during Passover, so I lived off of chicken soup. It was something I looked forward to daily, giving me the nourishment and comfort I … Read more
For my birthday last year, deputy food editor Hana Asbrink made a large pot of rosé tteokbokki, a cream-drunk version of the popular Korean rice cakes. Hana’s skillet was crowded with cylindrical rice cakes, pinkie-size hot dogs, and hard-boiled eggs. I squealed. I packed some deli containers to bring home, promising Hana I’d share it … Read more
The Siesta is a citrusy, tangy tequila creation that’s “here to raise you from the dead of winter,” says former drinks editor Alex Delaney: “To shout through a bullhorn made from fruit, sunshine, and booze that it’s time to wake the hell up.” Often overlooked next to heavy hitters like the margarita and paloma, the … Read more
Step 1 Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add 4 mint tea bags and ⅓ cup sugar; let sit 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove tea bags, gently pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir to dissolve sugar. Step 2 … Read more
A slice of ripe watermelon cannot be improved upon—unless you add a sprinkle of salt. This juicy pitcher drink goes one step further, adding a little heat in the salt mix on the rim of each glass. Lemon and just a touch of bitter Campari balance the ripe summer sweetness of watermelon juice and strawberry … Read more
This creamy blended coffee cocktail takes its cues from banana coffee, a popular mix of morning joe and frozen banana. Bold cold-brew coffee concentrate takes well to the earthy, softly smoky flavors of mezcal, cinnamon, and vanilla, and the frozen banana adds luxurious texture and a touch of sweetness to the drink. Serve at brunch … Read more
Not to be confused with the morning espresso drink, the Americano cocktail is meant to start your evening. The lightly alcoholic drink is a touch bitter; it whets your appetite and goes wonderfully with little predinner snacks. The formula is simple: a mix of bitter liqueur and fruity fortified wine lightened with sparkling water. Build … Read more
A vodka-and-cornstarch-based batter creates a coating that fries up gloriously golden brown, with a seriously crunchy exterior that gives way to tender bites of shrimp and tangy giardiniera. One cup of liquor might seem like a shocking amount, but it’s what makes the fry so intensely crisp. The alcohol in vodka won’t bind to flour … Read more