One hot summer evening, my friend Jason and I decided to stay in the AC and watch Werner Herzog’s documentary about the internet. I had gone to the Japanese grocery store earlier that day and had bought ume shiso salt (a salty, tangy, sour-tart MSG sprinkle made from shiso and plum), and he brought over … Read more
Step 1 Cut the ends of 1 small, ripe cantaloupe so it has two flat surfaces. While it’s on one of its flat surfaces, cut the rind off the melon, trying to lose as little flesh as possible. Cut the melon in half, scoop out the seeds. Cut in half again, and thinly slice. Step … Read more
When fresh basil abounds and you can get a bouquet the size of your head from the farmers market (a.k.a. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year), this basil fried rice recipe should be in your weekly rotation. You can use any variety, including vibrantly hued Thai basil leaves with purple stems, fragrant green Italian … Read more
If you were a little overzealous picking fruit recently, you may be in search of the best jam recipes to preserve your haul. Below, you’ll find a few of our favorites, including classic strawberry jam—and jellies and marmalade too. Begin with our guide to jam-making equipment, refresh your memory on the difference between jam and … Read more
Quick, what’s the funnest way to eat a bunch of meat? If you said “on a stick!” you’re in the right place. Our best kebab recipes will have the whole crowd clamoring for another bite. Below, you’ll find ideas for juicy chicken skewers, fragrant charred lamb kebabs, classic yakitori, flavor-packed grilled seafood, and hearty veggie … Read more
Long hot peppers, in season from late summer through early fall, are worth seeking out at the farmers market for their bright green color and earthy heat. These mildly spicy Italian long hot peppers make a great sweet-and-sour toast topper or sandwich stuffer, but the way we love them most is dragged through a nutty, … Read more
Sometimes summer fruit needs a landing spot, a gentle cushion of cake or crust when there’s just too much fruit, or it’s too ripe, or too raw to eat out of hand. This sturdy almond-polenta cake is the answer, the rubbly texture of the corn echoed in the delicate crunch of the figs. Using instant … Read more
This is creamed corn for the summer months, turning the sweet and plentiful fresh kernels into a cheesy side in just minutes. Like the namesake pasta, the sauce gets its gloss from the emulsion of cheese and starchy liquid—in this case, a mix of cornstarch and water that mimics the viscosity of pasta cooking liquid. … Read more
This deeply savory, easy beef stir-fry recipe is your glossy, saucy excuse to head to the farmers market for high-season peppers. (Yes. Fresh peppers have a season.) We love the piquant heat finger hot peppers or cayenne chiles bring to this weeknight dinner, but if you’re averse, feel free to swap in sweet red bell … Read more
Summer food is a very particular quandary: some of the best produce of the year, during arguably the worst cooking season (too hot, too stuffy, too sweaty). The no-cook route is great, paved with salads and stone fruits aplenty, but it’s when you find yourself on the internet searching, “How many nights in a row … Read more