Q: A friend of mine is throwing a "summer in February" picnic next weekend. However, all of the produce in the stores right now has been shipped from other parts of the world and doesn't have the same flavor as the summer market veggies. What can I make that says "summer" without relying on past-its-prime produce?

Sent by Julia More

I am biased because I love scones. And I can't seem to get enough grapefruit or citrus lately so these are a win/win as far as I'm concerned. But I think even non-scone folks will appreciate the oat-strewn dough, subtle citrus bite, and warm notes of ginger and honey you'll find in this recipe. Moistened with a heap of Greek yogurt, this is your new winter go-to scone. More

It's about this time of year that I start getting antsy, culinarily speaking. It's still winter and my body craves those hearty dishes of squash and legumes. But I'm also ready for the bright, fresh flavors of spring. This couscous salad with its roasted squash and citrusy vinaigrette bridges the gap. More

We look forward to winter fruit salads all year — those grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus are in season and we can't get enough. But if you want to take your winter citrus salads to the next level, check out this smart, sweet tip from reader Marie-Eve. More

With this post, the Toddy Project reaches its delicious, boozy conclusion. Herein: gin gets the toddy treatment, and vanilla warms up a plain old whiskey toddy. More

The toddy project continues with two delicious combinations of tea and booze - whiskey and black tea to perk you up, and chamomile and bourbon to send you off to sleep. More

It is a bitter irony that we seem to crave fresh fruit right when it is most scarce. Which is to say, right now in the heart of winter. Frozen fruit might not be quite the same, but used in the right place, it can give everything from pancakes to trifle a splash of summer flavor. More

Winter vegetables can be delightful — squash, bitter greens (see how well they play together in Sara Kate's pasta with loads of yummy winter vegetables, a welcome recipe for winter cooking). But we are curious: Where do you shop for your fruits and vegetables in the cold months? Do you live in California, where you can have oranges and avocados all winter long? Or do you conscientiously eat only rutabaga and ice spinach three months out of the year?

Looking for something to brighten a cold, dark morning? How about a bowl of oatmeal with brûléed bananas? Or slow cooker steel-cut oats made with buttermilk and apricots? DIY instant oatmeal you can blend up and keep in your office drawer for quick snacks? This is porridge at its best — rich, thick, hearty, and tailored to your own schedule. Read on for 10 hot porridge recipes to warm your winter mornings, plus tips for better oatmeal and hot cereal. More

Snow arrived full blast here today, and I'm eyeing a bag of sweet potatoes and another of beets, thinking of the warmest, coziest thing to do with these bright vegetables. I crave warmth and color and soft, gooey things to eat this time of year. What about you? What are you craving? What do you wish with all your heart you were eating tonight in this chilly weather? More