Happy holidays.

I will be returning to post in the new year, but until then, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous holiday season.

Recommended post: Pizza gift guide

I’m partially bookmarking this for myself, because I might want it for future reference—you can be sure anything from Adam Kuban is pizza gospel. But also, it is just hilarious, as usual.

Rice: It’s what’s for breakfast

Years ago, I walked into the Gourmet test kitchen at around 10 in the morning, right when I was needing a snack (I tend to be more a Ten-ses kind of person than an Elevenses). To my delight, the mighty Lillian Chou had just finished cooking up this outrageous rice pudding from one of my favorite … Continue reading →

My secret weapon (Hint: it’s a person)

Because the holidays are upon us, and I’m feeling generous, I’m going to let you in on something that I’ve relied on for years, that makes me a better baker and cook than I actually am. For example, last night I served this gingerbread snacking cake to my book club. I knew it would be … Continue reading →

Tell me about your holiday wish list.

It’s that greedy time of year, but who doesn’t love shopping lists? Bill Keaggy, of St. Louis, has amassed grocery lists for his weird and fascinating online museum since 1999, and you should be sure not to visit his site if you need to dash out the door quickly, because it will suck you in. Holiday … Continue reading →

The magical elixir: Pasta water

Any student of pasta cookery can tell you that pasta water, that starchy saline solution that can be retrieved from the pasta pot right when the noodles are just about cooked, is one of the most precious commodities of the Italian kitchen. Lots has been written about its ability to thicken a sauce, or to … Continue reading →