Roasting potatoes is the ultimate way to avoid watery, mushy or bland potato salad. Boiled potatoes can hold on to moisture (even if they seem dry!), which can affect the texture of the final dish. Roasted potatoes hold their shape without the risk of them falling apart, and the roasting process concentrates the flavor of the potatoes so your ...Read more

If we’re being honest, no one is more surprised than me at how legit these cottage cheese pancakes are. As someone who claimed for years not to like cottage cheese, these pancakes were the gateway that finally made me a believer. These are high-protein...Read more

Q: How can exercise impact my longevity?

A: You’ve probably heard that exercise is good for you — but did you know it can actually help you live longer? Staying active doesn’t just keep you fit; it plays a big role in keeping your body and mind healthy as you age.

Regular physical activity helps lower your risk for major health problems ...Read more

I recently prepared this cake at a barbecue for dessert, and it was a total crowd-pleaser. One guest even remarked: “This is plum delicious!”

Streusels are usually the finishing topping to a cake, adding sweetness and crunch. You can vary the nuts with almonds or walnuts here, whatever your preference. Make sure to have the butter slightly ...Read more

Summer might be winding down, but the grill in our yard still beckons. Barbecue chicken never gets old, especially when paired with a homemade rub and a bold homemade sauce.

Smoky chipotle chiles paired with a dark, rich fruit prove a match made in barbecue heaven. This summer, we’re nestling dried cranberries among the smoky chile, sweet ...Read more

I love dreaming up new no-bake treats. In the summer, it’s even more fun with so many delicious classic flavor combinations to play with. I’ve made ...Read more

My old colleague Taylor Dungjen has come up with a side gig that I think is just brilliant.

I worked with Taylor at the Toledo Blade, where I wrote about food and she wrote about crime. Several years ago, she switched careers and became a cop. The change in careers apparently seemed so unusual that NBC Nightly News filmed an entire segment ...Read more

“Americans just do not know how to cook green beans,” said Ann, a Bayfield Farmers Market vendor, as she handed me a sack of deep green, plump beans she picked earlier that morning. “When they’re underdone and too crisp, they just don’t have much taste. Give them a few minutes more time when you boil them. They’re tender but still ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — The Cortez family piled out of their car and stretched their legs. Finally, after an hour and a half drive from their Long Beach home, they had made it to Little Tokyo — specifically, to One Piece Cafe.

"I was just sitting in the car like, 'I'm going to be at the One Piece Cafe,'" said Cammy Cortez, who was introduced to the ...Read more

Tzatziki cucumber slices offer a refreshing, quick snack with just three ingredients. The crispness of the cucumbers complements the creamy, tangy tzatziki, creating a light and flavorful bite. For the best texture, try using English cucumbers, which have a thin skin that doesn't need peeling, keeping the prep minimal.

Tzatziki Cucumber Slices ...Read more

The mango fruit is the essence of tropical. Shades of red, orange, yellow, and green surround sunny flesh that may be soft and sweet or crisp and tart.

The folklore

Known as the “king of fruits,” this global gem originated in India more than 4,000 years ago and is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines,...Read more

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut on what to serve as a side dish with a simple meat, chicken or fish entree. It’s fun to come up with tasty sides that fit into the Seriously Simple philosophy.

I love sugar snap peas and often add them to other greens like peas or asparagus. Here, I’ve highlighted the sweet crisp sugar snap flavor and texture ...Read more

Friends and neighbors often grace our front stoop with bags of homegrown zucchini. At summer gatherings, a frequently heard complaint concerns the quantity of zucchini a garden produces. I say, deal with the bounty by equipping the cook with repeat-worthy recipes.

First, consider stuffed zucchini: a dish that works with sizes from small to not-...Read more

It’s getting to be that time of year when it’s so hot I can barely stand it, but at least all the produce is gorgeous and refreshing. That’s where my tomato plum salad comes into play. I make this salad multiple times a summer, every summer, but it’s never exactly the same. The mix of homeandleisure/recipes/varietymenu/s-3801659">Read more

One way I love to beat the summer heat is with cold, refreshing food. And cucumbers are the coolest of the cool. Their refreshing flavor profile is the reason that...Read more

Fast food burgers hit the spot on road trips and when you're pressed for time. But given most sandwich buns are made with wheat, there often aren't a lot of options for those with gluten allergies.

These burger spirals are an acceptable gluten-free solution: They're made with rice paper wrappers.

Usually the thin, transparent rounds made from ...Read more

I cheated last night. So did my wife.

I preach the gospel of making your own food. I testify about the power of creating a meal from scratch, and glory of eating it. It is my cause. It is my purpose.

But last night, I cheated. Like so many others, I did not practice what I preach.

To be honest, and I am all about honesty, I have cheated ...Read more

Potato salad, a signature summer dish, is defined by its maker. My grandmother’s salad was substantially swathed in mayo, while a German aunt crowned hers with crisped bacon and plenty of dill. My neighbor tosses in olives, tomatoes and peppers for a light, bright Italian twist.

It’s one of the easiest dishes to make, but success depends on...Read more