A few summers ago, I visited the incredible farmers' market in Portland, OR and perused the stalls bursting with fresh produce. It was late in the morning and the vendor selling pints of strawberries had almost sold out. I snagged one of the last pints and sat down to enjoy a sweet snack. One bite into The Best Strawberry of My Life, and I knew I'd been fooled by grocery stores for years. Bigger, blander strawberries are the norm these days and what gives? More

Now that we know lard isn't the devil's plaything that we once thought it was, many people are interested in rediscovering how this healthier fat can be brought back into their kitchens. The editors of Grit Magazine heard our cries and created a cookbook packed with homespun recipes and fun, nostalgic reminiscences of the days when nose-to-tail eating was simply called dinner. More

Many readers requested tips and help for eating gluten-free this week, and we came across one awesome resource for the new (and experienced!) gluten-free cooks out there. No, this Tumblr won't teach you how to cook gluten-free vegetarian meals or show you how to substitute quinoa for wheat, but it will give you a good belly laugh over some of the challenges you face when eating gluten-free — and sometimes that is just as helpful and cathartic as all the tips in the world! More

When norcalgirl21 put in a request for a Lava Cake recipe, the first thing I thought of was Nigella Lawson's Choco-Hoto-Pots, although I like to refer to them simply as chocolate pots. This is a classic Nigella recipe: simple, quick and outrageously decadent. Warm, gooey, chocolatey heaven! I have yet to serve these and not have the conversation come to a halt, leaving only the sound of spoons scraping against porcelain and the occasional sigh of pleasure. More

The ability to mix a good cocktail can seem like a talent given only to a chosen few, like being fluent in several languages or juggling blenders. But actually, you just need to follow a few simple rules to produce a decent, if not excellent, drink for you and your guests. Notable food writer Mark Bittman has just four rules, and twelve simple cocktails, as noted in yesterday's New York Times. More

I am a visual learner. Never is this more clear to me than when I thumb through a cookbook like Ripe by Cheryl Sternman Rule with its incredible food photographs by Paulette Phlipot.

The fruits and vegetables practically jump off of the pages in 3D, and my brain understands their curves, colors, and yes, ripeness in a way that description alone could not accomplish. It's enough to make a gal hungry. More

I confess that I really, really love Jell-O. OK, maybe I don't entirely love the processed flavors and artificial colors, but I love the way gelatin melts in the mouth and wobbles and gleams on the table. I also love how gelatin is a great way to create a fresh, cool dessert out of nothing more than fresh fruit juice. If you are like me, then you have to check out Victoria Belanger's new book: Hello, Jell-O!. From mojito jellies to chocolate peanut butter cups, this is a festival of all things sweet and wobbly. More

After many years waiting tables and working in restaurants my only brush with bitters was as the staff cure all for hangovers. After a late night we'd all belly up to bar for our daily drink of bitters and soda. It cured everything from a headache to indigestion. Then it was only Angostura but now with the cocktail craze comes the bitters boom, and yes a book dedicated solely to this aromatic flavoring agent. More

Every week we bring you our favorite posts from our friends at Serious Eats. This week we got a visual guide to coffee beans, felt all springy with a light and fresh asparagus and morel risotto recipe, and discovered the best budget Malbec. More

Over the past couple years, I've slowly been building up a home bar, stocking all the liquor, mixers and tools I need to make my favorite cocktails. But the bar didn't feel complete until I got a trustworthy reference book, one that includes both classic drinks and modern interpretations — a book I could grow old with. The Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide is that book. More