Craft cocktails have really made a comeback over the last few years. If you have a fan in your group of friends or family, homemade bitters are a relatively simple, thoughtful DIY gift that is sure to be much appreciated this year. More

If you peek inside my cupboards, you'll see countless little jars of herb and honey concoctions that are both delicious and healing. Making herb-infused honey has become one of my favorite ways to use leftover sprigs of thyme from cooking dinner, a handful of wild mint found while foraging, or the buds of an edible flower bouquet. It couldn't be easier to do. And if you start now, there's plenty of time to make them for holiday gifts, too. More

Did you notice that all three of our previous Expert Essentials posts mentioned working with dried herbs and spices? That's because spices are an absolutely foundational ingredient for every cook the world over, whether you're working in a shiny new kitchen high on the hill or on a simple wood fire and packed-dirt floor. Today's expert, John Beaver, knows a thing or two about herbs and spices. Read on for his tips and recommendations! More

A few years ago I started seeing fresh herbs pop up in the produce section of my local grocer, usually in the $4-$5 price range. Now that summer has gone and my fresh herb supply is gone, I was pleasantly surprised to run across these small herb packets again, but this time for only a dollar! More

I mentioned earlier that I was at a potato workshop last week, watching some great chefs play around with potatoes. Here's one simple, effective idea from San Francisco chef Gary Danko, one that turns plain boiled potatoes into something special. More

During the winter months fresh herbs aren't out of reach, but they do require a little help to really get them growing. Want to see if your space has what it takes? More

Now that you have taken the full behind-the-scenes tour of Jeanine & Jack's radiant kitchen, we're happy to bring you a special treat: a recipe from this cooking couple. You can count on Jeanine's recipes to be bright, fresh, and full of flavor. These miso & maple glazed sweet potato tacos let us indulge in the tastes of fall. More

My favorite part about making kuku sabzi is running my knife through the big handfuls of fragrant herbs that give this Persian frittata its name (sabzi means herbs in Farsi). Fresh parsley, cilantro, chives, and dill are the stars of this recipe, though you can substitute leeks, scallions, tarragon, spinach, or other tender greens that you have on hand. Whisk them into eggs, pour into a skillet, and in minutes you have a beautiful, nourishing dish that can be served as an appetizer, side, or main for any meal of the day. More

Oftentimes recipes will specify the use of flat-leaf or Italian parsley. Can you substitute curly leaves for flat, and vice versa? What's the difference beyond appearance? More

Q: Every time I buy fresh herbs, they wilt almost immediately, especially basil. Do you have any suggestions on how to preserve them longer?

Sent by Linda More