By BOB SYLVAWednesday, August 20, 2008In his long blue lab coat, a shirt and bow tie, a pair of wool, chalk-striped blue suit pants that probably belong to his father,...

By GWEN SCHOENWednesday, August 20, 2008The key to turning some of those less-expensive meats into masterpieces for a Labor Day -- or any other -- gathering is creative prep work,...

By LYNNE ROSSETTO KASPERWednesday, August 20, 2008Dear Lynne: Should you buy carrots with their tops or without? Does it make a difference? How about cold carrot recipes for summer? We...

By ZOE ELIZABETH BUCKWednesday, August 20, 2008Incoming college freshmen often pay a physical price for the combination of high levels of stress, free-flowing booze, unlimited carbohydrates and a sudden lack...

Wednesday, August 20, 2008Preserve summer berries now, while they're cheap and full of flavor. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for a couple of...

Wednesday, August 20, 2008Q: Can you replace cream with half-and-half in cooking or desserts? -- Raymond Nolan, Austin, Texas A: While you can certainly replace cream with half-and-half when cooking,...

By CHINA MILLMANWednesday, August 20, 2008This week, I had an opportunity to explore an exclusive culinary arena, and one that takes on an important challenge every summer: The dining hall...

By LYNNE ROSSETTO KASPERWednesday, August 20, 2008Dear Lynne: My wife's mother says corn belongs in the refrigerator in the husk; I think it's more sanitary to husk it first. Is...

By MARLENE PARRISHWednesday, August 20, 2008Dessert was the last thing on my to-do list for Sunday dinner. I slathered an herb-and-garlic paste on the leg of lamb, set the table,...

By KATHY STEPHENSONWednesday, August 20, 2008All eyes are on China these days, as Beijing hosts the Summer Olympics. For those of us watching the competition from the couch, celebrating Asian...