So.... Kohlrabi. Yeah. It's a little out there as far as the pantheon of commonly known vegetables goes. It's somewhat reminiscent of broccoli stems. It looks a bit like a space alien. And I can count on one hand the number of times I've cooked with it. Do you find kohlrabi a little weird, too? Let's discuss.

Growing up, my sisters and I ate a lot of casseroles, baked chicken, and occasional corn dogs or frozen pizza. My mom was a full-time teacher and I can only imagine how she managed as well as she did. Speed and ease were always of the essence. For that reason, I think this salad would've appealed to her, just as I think it will appeal to many of you. It's quick, only requires some minor chopping, and is pretty enough to make you feel like you've created something great — all in under a half an hour.  

Fresh goat cheese, fresh ricotta, and cream cheese. They all serve a purpose, and each has its place. There's one cheese that I believe combines the best elements of each of these three fresh cheeses. It can sometimes be a bit elusive, but it's so worth the hunt. It's my go-to cheese this time of year: all at once light, tangy, and creamy, like no other cheese around. 

I have been so very excited to share my new homebrewing book, True Brews, with you this week. Yesterday we gave you a little peek into the book, and today here's one more tidbit to spark your homebrewing daydreams! I have many favorites from the book — the Peach Iced Tea Kombucha, the Mocha Stout, the Chai-Spiced Mead — but this ginger ale is The One. It's like all your wildest ginger ale dreams come true: snappy and fresh, sweet and a little spicy, and perfect for these early summer days. Even better, you can start a batch tonight and be sipping your first glass of homebrewed soda by tomorrow.

Gift registries are a big topic of debate these days. Some brides and grooms to be are accused of being greedy, with taste beyond their means. When we got married nearly 16 years ago, I didn't want to register. We had one of those small weddings that happen after a quick two-week engagement because the couple is in...ahem...a bit of a hurry. I changed my mind about registering a few days into our brief engagement, after a call from a local shop showed me that I was making life difficult for some goodhearted, dear friends of my parents and grandparents.

This week marks the first time I will be celebrating my birthday as a gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free person. Friends have expressed their condolences, staring into space with looks of pity (or is that horror?) as they imagine a birthday without a "real" cake. Me, on the other hand, I'm feeling energized and ready to pile my plate with a tumble of biscuits, strawberries, and cream. It's strawberry shortcake season!

Yesterday I checked out the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, an annual trade show highlighting what's new in design. It's not a kitchen-focused show, but I like going to see what's exciting for the dining room. A big reveal at this year's show was the brand-new Stockholm dining table and chairs from IKEA, made of walnut and due in stores in August! See more photos below:

If you're one of our UK readers, then Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will likely need no introduction.  And to a certain extent, American readers may be familiar with many of his cookbooks published here from 10 Speed Press (River Cottage Meat, River Cottage Fish and River Cottage Veg have been reviewed by The Kitchn.)  It is my hope that many more Americans discover this passionate cook, writer, and activist and become inspired, as I have, to cook with fresh ingredients sourced as locally as possible.  

For just a hint of the enthusiastic and delicious ideas that come from this very creative and exuberant cook, read on for Hugh's 5 essential things for the home cook.

Orange Julius fudge, asparagus pizza, and a healthy Greek salad for lunch...

Q: My boyfriend is in love with quinoa and I am too. I'd like to expand our horizons and get him a quinoa cookbook for his birthday; does anyone have recommendations? If it includes desserts or baked goods, all the better.

Sent by Marla