MINNEAPOLIS — Charlie Burrows is obsessed with finding “the next corn dog,” a runaway food hit that becomes an essential stop on any Minnesota State Fairgoer’s list of must-eats.

He’s come pretty close. The popularity of the Tot Dog a few years ago — a Tater Tot-wrapped hot dog on a stick — took him by surprise, and had his LuLu�...Read more

This chipotle grilled chicken with pineapple and avocado strikes the perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Enzymes in the fresh pineapple help tenderize the chicken breasts in only 15 minutes. Be sure to take them out of the marinade after the 15 minutes is up to prevent the meat from breaking down. To save time, you can use pre-cut pineapple.

...Read more

Q: Do sweetened foods and drinks affect my metabolism?

A: Sweeteners (even sugar-free options) can have an impact on your metabolic health. Sugar-sweetened products like sodas, desserts, and many processed foods are high in calories and can lead to weight gain when consumed in excess. Over time, high sugar intake is linked to increased risks of...Read more

Cold soups hit the spot when the weather is agonizingly hot and humid. It’s been a tough summer this year, but cooling soups that require no cooking are the perfect solution.

Chilled melon soups are an Asian contribution to California cuisine. Most Asian melon soups are warm and savory, but this one is chilled and subtly sweet, and it comes ...Read more

Bins of gorgeous assorted peppers and fresh chiles overflow at farmers markets in August. We enjoy as many as we can, cut up into salads and as a late-afternoon snack. No matter, the fridge still holds an abundance from our enthusiastic purchases.

Roasting those peppers saves them from getting tossed. I roast small hot chile peppers and then ...Read more

Chayote — which also goes by vegetable pear, mirliton, and Buddha’s palm, among other names — is a type of squash that’s native to Mexico. In the Philippines, it’s typically cooked in sautéed and stewed dishes, as well as ...Read more

Warm summer weather means breaking out the grill and doing as much cooking outside as possible to enjoy the season. Plus, cleanup after cooking is so much easier! My family leans heavily into homeandleisure/recipes/varietymenu/s-3817430">Read more

CHICAGO -- At the recent soft launch opening of Shibam Coffee in suburban Glendale Heights, customers swarmed in, lined the red-roped entrance area and stared in wonder at the lavishly decorated interior, with marble floors and Arabic calligraphy on the walls. A few patrons started snapping photos even before getting to the main door. A teenager...Read more

LOS ANGELES -- I will never understand the allure of the fat French fry. Steak fries are contemptible. Wedges of bland starch with no crunch, like a mouthful of molded mashed potatoes. There is no amount of ketchup, ranch or aioli that can save thick fries from the lower depths of tuber hell. Just order a baked potato and be done with it.

Curly...Read more

There is something about cherry tomatoes that tomato lovers find irresistible.

Perfectly portioned for one juicy bite, they're an adorable fruit. They're also so sweet and intensely flavored that they make a great afternoon snack when plucked off the vine, still warm from the sun. Even our dog Harry couldn't resist the tiny tomato's charms, ...Read more

Now that it’s corn season, everyone has an opinion about the best way to cook corn. In a pot of boiling water? Lightly steamed?

And what about grilling? Is it best to soak the ears in their husks first; pull back the husks, remove the silk and wrap them back up before grilling; or remove the husk and silk and wrap them in tin foil? The ...Read more

Roasting potatoes is the ultimate way to avoid watery, mushy or bland potato salad. Boiled potatoes can hold on to moisture (even if they seem dry!), which can affect the texture of the final dish. Roasted potatoes hold their shape without the risk of them falling apart, and the roasting process concentrates the flavor of the potatoes so your ...Read more

If we’re being honest, no one is more surprised than me at how legit these cottage cheese pancakes are. As someone who claimed for years not to like cottage cheese, these pancakes were the gateway that finally made me a believer. These are high-protein...Read more

Q: How can exercise impact my longevity?

A: You’ve probably heard that exercise is good for you — but did you know it can actually help you live longer? Staying active doesn’t just keep you fit; it plays a big role in keeping your body and mind healthy as you age.

Regular physical activity helps lower your risk for major health problems ...Read more

I recently prepared this cake at a barbecue for dessert, and it was a total crowd-pleaser. One guest even remarked: “This is plum delicious!”

Streusels are usually the finishing topping to a cake, adding sweetness and crunch. You can vary the nuts with almonds or walnuts here, whatever your preference. Make sure to have the butter slightly ...Read more

Summer might be winding down, but the grill in our yard still beckons. Barbecue chicken never gets old, especially when paired with a homemade rub and a bold homemade sauce.

Smoky chipotle chiles paired with a dark, rich fruit prove a match made in barbecue heaven. This summer, we’re nestling dried cranberries among the smoky chile, sweet ...Read more

I love dreaming up new no-bake treats. In the summer, it’s even more fun with so many delicious classic flavor combinations to play with. I’ve made ...Read more

My old colleague Taylor Dungjen has come up with a side gig that I think is just brilliant.

I worked with Taylor at the Toledo Blade, where I wrote about food and she wrote about crime. Several years ago, she switched careers and became a cop. The change in careers apparently seemed so unusual that NBC Nightly News filmed an entire segment ...Read more

“Americans just do not know how to cook green beans,” said Ann, a Bayfield Farmers Market vendor, as she handed me a sack of deep green, plump beans she picked earlier that morning. “When they’re underdone and too crisp, they just don’t have much taste. Give them a few minutes more time when you boil them. They’re tender but still ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — The Cortez family piled out of their car and stretched their legs. Finally, after an hour and a half drive from their Long Beach home, they had made it to Little Tokyo — specifically, to One Piece Cafe.

"I was just sitting in the car like, 'I'm going to be at the One Piece Cafe,'" said Cammy Cortez, who was introduced to the ...Read more