Sweet summer basil is the Don Juan of herbs. It woos the unsuspecting market shopper with a flip of emerald green leaf while its sensuous licorice-like aroma makes even the most hardened cook smile with pleasure. This is an herb that promises good things to come. More

I am a complete and total sucker for mix-ins. In soda, in ice cream, in coffee or even tea. I love that extra kick of something special in my drinks. I'm thinking these vanilla ice cubes are the perfect things to keep my sweet weekend beverages cold without getting watered down. More

Before blueberries were a superfood, they were simply those roly-poly little berries that we looked forward to scattering on our yogurt and sneaking into muffins all summer. Not much has changed, really! What are your favorite ways to use blueberries? More

Happy 4th of July! Are you lazing about today? Headed for the grills in the park later? Or perhaps you are waiting for the weekend and you're still plotting your big cookout menu. Well, we have a few suggestions. Suggestions like this 3-ingredient Hurricane, a cold and fruity classic cocktail you can mix up in a big pitcher. Or a pasta salad with tomatoes and basil, and the juiciest burgers ever. Read on for these and more: our own favorite cookout recipes. More

If there was ever a week for iced tea, this would be it. Thick, woozy heat, and a national holiday all at once? What are we doing here?! Let's close up shop, go home, and sip a glass of icy green tea with tangerine and mint, or make a pitcher of classic Southern sweet tea. Those and other fresh takes on iced tea here, including tapioca boba milk tea, hibiscus Earl Grey tea, and a spiked iced chai latte. Grab a glass! More

The 4th of July is tomorrow, and we want to know what you have planned. Are you enjoying this mid-week holiday at home? Or are you revving up for a big party in the park or in the back yard? What are you planning to cook? I loved the two ideas pictured above... More

If there's anything better than homemade pie, it's a petite and crusty hand pie that you can claim as your own and nibble at leisure. And if there's anything better than a hand pie, it's one that's filled with jammy summer peaches and just a touch of spicy ginger. Don't you think? More

Is it just too hot where you are? Yes, here too. Maybe you have no power at all, after the storms that ripped through the Midwest and Atlantic regions on Friday afternoon, and you're looking for something nourishing that doesn't require a fridge or any heat from the kitchen.

Well, we have some answers for you here, from quick lunch salads that take almost no cooking, to cool and creamy desserts that never see the inside of the oven. Some favorites: chickpea and cumin salad with cucumbers, lemon icebox cupcakes, chilled arugula wraps, a no-cook breakfast salad, and — why not! — the most perfect strawberry milkshake. More

I am not often one for kitschy holiday desserts, but don't mistake that for boring. In fact, I use any government-mandated celebration I can as an excuse to whip up a new recipe. That said, I usually prefer to keep it simple. I don't want any glitter, fluorescent dyes, flames, sparklers, or God forbid, a Roman candle near my food. Is that too much to ask?

Take this mixed berry fool. It is the epitome of class. And while it may have originated in England, when layered parfait-style with streaks of red and blue, it looks pretty darn American to me! More

Planning a low key burgers and dogs menu for this year's 4th of July BBQ? Take a look at this simple tip that will take your hot dogs to the next level! A little prep work will turn your dogs into spiral condiment-grabbing and conversation-hogging BBQ stars. More