Cooks 2025

  • Leveling the Playing Field

    We all come to the kitchen via our own path. I personally never dreamed of any greatness as a cook other than being able to make good dishes to eat for family and friends. I like to think I do an OK job of it โ€” better than some, not as well as others. I wouldnโ€™t say I learned from the best, but I learned from the best I had: my mom.

  • Produce Storage 101

    Whether your fruits and vegetables come from a local farmersโ€™ market, your own home garden, a CSA box, or the grocery store, you can benefit from some simple refrigeration tricks to save you money on the seasonโ€™s abundant produce, reduce food waste, and ensure you are well-prepared for summer barbecues or an impromptu weekend brunch.

  • Beyond the Jar

    If youโ€™re looking to add some zing to your meals, salsa is your secret weapon. From smoky to citrusy, chopped to blended, itโ€™s the ultimate flavor booster. Weโ€™ve gathered expert tips and ideas to help you craft your own signature salsa and spark your creativity.

  • Crispy Perfection

    Thereโ€™s something special about a tower of crispy, golden onion rings piled high, the steam wafting their savory aroma. Although preferred cooking methods and coating preferences vary from person to person, one fact remains certain: Onion rings are a beloved treat.

  • Get Jerkin’

    Jerky makes an excellent snack for outdoor activities or even during the 3 p.m. slump at work, when a candy bar wonโ€™t cut the post-lunch munchies. And, according to Austin Pollard, a social work professional in Reno, it is easy to make, which saves money compared to buying bags of jerky at the store, connects you to the origin of your food, and provides opportunities for customization.

  • A Recipe for Comfort

    We all come to the kitchen via our own path. I personally never dreamed of any greatness as a cook other than being able to make good dishes to eat for family and friends. I like to think I do an OK job of it โ€” better than some, not as well as others. I wouldnโ€™t say I learned from the best, but I learned from the best I had: my mom.

  • Raspberry Bars for the Road

    My partner transplanted a small raspberry bush from the side of McCarthy Road in rural McCarthy, Alaska, to the river bluff in front of our cabin-building site. Twelve years later, we have a cabin and a thriving raspberry patch, though I am not sure if the wild raspberries came from that one transplant.

  • Blueberry Hand Pies

    Fruit is one of the joys of summer, and when I’m in the mood for a special dessert, I think pie. Hand pies are simpler to make and easier to eat than full pies. Plus, you can take them on a road trip, hike, bike, or picnic, whether on land or lake.