ArcaMax

Southerners have a lovely habit of keeping a sweet treat on the counter at all times. I’ve lived in the South long enough to have adopted this tradition, and it’s not uncommon for me to share a slice of pound cake with friends who stop by. I’ve been inspired...Read more

Summer means grilling season. Burger patties, sausages and more occupy the grill on any given day. After a successful trip to the farmers market, we offer up grill space to the likes of skinny eggplant, bright green okra pods, peppers and more.

Eggplant and okra are naturals for the grill. The dry heat reduces the slippery texture that turns ...Read more

Q: What are liquid aminos and what are they used for?

A: Liquid aminos are a liquid seasoning that people often use instead of soy sauce. They are made from soybeans and water, or from fermented coconut sap in the case of coconut aminos. They have a savory, slightly sweet taste and contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. ...Read more

Recently I served this to guests as a first course, and it was so well received I had to share the recipe.

When it comes to the dough, if you aren’t a pastry person, feel free to use a store-bought fresh pie dough and then roll it out into a 13-inch round. I like to use a removable springform disc or removable tart pan bottom to center the ...Read more

There are so many amazing ways to make egg salad. You can make curried egg salad, a mayonnaise-free egg and avocado salad, or even a homeandleisure/recipes/varietymenu/s-4241142">Read more

I feel like a wily old fish in a calm part of a stream. McDonald’s is casting its line toward me, and the bait is a hot apple pie.

I haven’t had food from McDonald’s in 40 years. I haven’t had their iced tea — which I would occasionally drink even when I didn’t have their food — in 20 years. That is also the last time I set foot ...Read more

LOS ANGELES -- It started with $500 and a comped meal at Hollywood Thai.

That's what the family-run Thai Town restaurant paid an influencer in exchange for a single social media post. When that post didn't immediately materialize, the owners aired their frustrations on Instagram. The internet responded, roiling with online comments that ...Read more

I look forward to mango season, when perfectly ripe, sweet mangoes are easy to find in the markets. Their juicy, tropical flavor adds a refreshing twist to everyday dishes. Tossed into a quick coleslaw, mango brings a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, transforming it into a light, satisfying vegetarian salad that’s perfect for a ...Read more

Experience the rustic flavors of Italy with this flavorful spread. Tantalizing Tuscan Olive Tapenade is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients Black olives Capers Olive oilInstructions Blend olives, capers, and olive oil until chunky.

Serve with fresh, crusty bread.

This tapenade is a ...Read more

Amazing Avocado Toast is a dish that perfectly marries health and indulgence. It's simple, yet oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients Bread Avocado SaltInstructions Toast the bread to your liking.

Mash the avocado and spread it on the toast, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Enjoy the creamy richness of avocado on a...Read more

PITTSBURGH -- Summer entertaining comes with some definite perks.

Menus are more relaxed because we’re often cooking simple foods like burgers or chicken on the grill, and with farmers markets in full swing, there are so many seasonal fruits and vegetables available that virtually any recipe is easy to source.

Being in vacation mode also ...Read more

PITTSBURGH — When it comes to grilling, one day stands above all the others year after year: July 4.

Last year, an estimated 70% of mid- to high-end grill owners cooked their holiday meals on charcoal or gas grills, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. And we’ll probably do it again this coming Independence Day.

...Read more

CHICAGO -- Joe Frillman, owner and executive chef of Daisies in Chicago’s Logan Square, was thrilled when he first learned that the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainability in 2024. He said his first thought was a resounding, slightly surprised, “Wow!”

Not because it was a jaw-dropping shocker — Daisies’ very ...Read more

Immerse yourself in the delight of French cheese and Mediterranean fruit with these toasts. Captivating Camembert Fig Toasts are a quick yet delectable treat.

Ingredients French bread Camembert cheese FigsInstructions Toast the French bread slices.

Spread Camembert cheese on each slice.

Top with sliced ...Read more

These quick fajitas will transport you to a lively Tex-Mex celebration right in your kitchen. It’s all sizzle without the struggle.

Ingredients: 1 lb chicken or beef, sliced 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 onion, sliced 1 packet fajita seasoning 2 tbsp vegetable oil Tortillas for servingInstructions: In a large pan, cook ...Read more

Bring the charm of an Italian countryside to your lunch table with this heartwarming dish. Wholesome Wheat Pasta is a love letter to simple, home-cooked meals.

Ingredients Whole wheat pasta Olive oil GarlicInstructions Cook the pasta as per package instructions.

Sauté garlic in olive oil and toss the cooked pasta ...Read more

This quick and delightful pasta dish is as simple as it is satisfying. A true Italian classic that’s perfect for a quick, weekday meal.

Ingredients: 200g spaghetti 4 cloves garlic 1/2 cup olive oil 1 tsp red pepper flakes Salt to taste 1/4 cup chopped parsleyInstructions: Cook the spaghetti as per the package ...Read more

This blueberry crisp captures a perfect balance between sweet summer blueberries and tart lemon flavors. Topped with a streusel laced with warming spices and baked to perfection, this is the perfect summer dessert paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Frozen blueberries work well too. Because they retain more liquid and are a little less ...Read more

It’s hard to beat a day of hiking in one of our glorious National Parks. Well, unless dessert at sunset includes a warm serving of s’mores bread pudding! Seated at an outdoor patio just outside of Zion National Park, hikers hit the jackpot with this dessert.

S’mores, a quintessential American sweet treat perfect for the Fourth of ...Read more