Which kind of pumpkin is best for baking? Smaller is better – large field pumpkins, which are specially bred for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, are generally too tough and stringy for baking. Choose “pie” or "sugar" pumpkins or other flavorful varieties, such as Sugar Baby. Small and sweet, with dark orange-colored flesh, they're perfect for pies, muffins,...Read More

A beautiful pumpkin pie begins long before the cinnamon comes out of the cupboard. It starts with choosing the right pumpkin—and that isn’t usually the big orange one the children have picked for carving. Those Halloween pumpkins have an important job, but making a rich, silky pie filling generally isn’t their specialty. For baking, you...Read More

There’s still time to bring home a few extra pounds of ripe tomatoes from the farmers market—and your winter self will thank you. Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve tomatoes, whether you have a basket of Romas or a handful of heirlooms that need using. You can put them away now and...Read More

With fresh fruit at the farmers market and time to enjoy the process, now is a lovely moment to put a homemade pie or two in the freezer. There’s something about autumn that brings us back to baking. Perhaps it’s the cooler mornings, the apples piled high at the farmers market, or simply the thought...Read More

There’s something wonderfully inviting about the aroma of roasting chestnuts. Gently sweet and earthy, with a tender, almost potato-like texture, they’re a seasonal pleasure worth slowing down for. Serve them warm on a chilly evening, or set some aside for holiday stuffing, creamy soups, and rich winter braises. You don’t need an open fire to...Read More

Kitchen Wisdom for holiday baking—and that anxious moment when it’s time to turn out the cake. Nothing takes the pleasure out of a baking afternoon quite like turning over a Bundt pan and discovering that the cake has decided to stay put. I’ve greased and floured. I’ve greased and sugared. I’ve brushed on homemade baker’s...Read More

Transform your dishes with this simple yet irresistible hot honey recipe! Perfectly balancing sweet and spicy, this versatile condiment enhances everything from appetizers to fried chicken, grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, and cornbread. It even adds a delightful kick to tea or cocktails—and makes a thoughtful holiday gift for food-loving friends and family. Thanks to our...Read More

We often share tips for choosing the freshest, most flavorful produce at the farmers market. But caring for that beautiful food once you bring it home is just as important. With apples abundant in fall, a little storage know-how can help preserve their crunch and flavor—and give you more time to enjoy the harvest. Even...Read More

As the days grow shorter and the evenings turn cooler, few pantry staples feel more useful than a bag of dried beans. Inexpensive, nourishing, and endlessly versatile, beans are the starting point for some of fall’s most satisfying meals—from steaming bowls of soup and chili to rustic braises, warm salads, creamy purées, and simple pots...Read More

Crisp, slightly sweet, savory with rosemary, and packed with fruit, nuts, and seeds, these twice-baked crackers are the kind of thing that instantly makes a cheese board feel special. They’re elegant enough for entertaining, but surprisingly simple to make at home — and far less expensive than the gourmet versions sold in specialty markets. The...Read More