Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, are a funny-looking tuber with a delicate, artichoke-like flavor, and they have been growing in popularity in recent years, popping up at farmers markets and on restaurant menus around the country. But before you go on a sunchoke binge, you should know its unofficial nickname: the Fartichoke.

Recently my neighbors had some house guests from Southern California who had come up with a truckload of just-picked avocados that they were going to sell on the street corner just outside of our neighborhood farmers' market. The fruit was beautiful, still rock hard (which was good for transporting) but they promised they would ripen up in a week or so. At three for $1, I went wild and purchased nine. Which is also a little crazy because I live alone and while I love avocados, that's a lot to have around all at once. But if I had known then that you can freeze them, I may have doubled my purchase. Wait, what was that? You can freeze avocados? More

Busy weeknights don't have to mean boring dinners. Keep these international pantry essentials on hand and you'll be able to quickly and easily transform simple ingredients into a meal to savor. More

We all know the situation: you've come home exhausted from a long day but you cannot rest because dinner needs to be on the table pronto. You (and your family) are hungry! It's tempting to throw a frozen pizza in the oven but you can whip up a healthier alternative in the same amount of time if your fridge and pantry are well-stocked. Read on for our 12 favorite things to have on hand for quick, healthy suppers. More

When it comes to cooking dinner every night, one tool I can't live without is my kitchen tongs, which I use to flip meat, toss stir-fries, serve salads, and much more. But I had no idea there were four more surprising uses for this everyday tool — including one that is especially helpful for short cooks like me.

Ah, Irish soda bread! Comparable only to cornbread in its many variations and allegiances, any Irish soda bread recipe is guaranteed to stir up a little controversy. I present this one for the simple reason that it's my favorite and you can adjust it any which way to suit your needs. Want it a little sweet? Add some sugar. Think it can't be Irish soda bread without currants and caraway? Have at it! More

Do you have trouble remembering to take your lunch when you leave for work or school? There are few things more frustrating than spending the time to pack yourself a healthy, delicious lunch only to forget it in the morning rush. Here are five little tips to help you remember. More

I always keep a bag of whole wheat pita rounds in the freezer for last minute lunches; they can be stuffed with salad, eaten with hummus and vegetables, or even topped with avocado and egg. But how to transform a rock-hard piece of frozen pita into a soft, warm pocket? Here's a method that is fast and foolproof.

They'd been sitting on your counter for awhile: a lonely box of forgotten cherry tomatoes. Almost completely full, the container had been there for a bit too long and the tomatoes had a slightly shriveled, wilted look. They hadn't yet gone bad, but they weren't exactly good. What to do? Roasting to the rescue! More

Even when warm weather is nigh, it's still nice to have a hot lunch at work. However, lots of people don't have access to a microwave or could use a healthy hot lunch option that doesn't involve the chronically-dirty-in-the-workplace small appliance. Cue the handy thermos! More