I was a devoted viewer of Bravo’s “Top Chef” this season, and last week, I was in for a real treat. I watched the finale with Stephanie Izard, the eventual winner. (Not that this was an intimate affair — we…

… and won’t be posting again until June 17.

Have a nice week!

Sangria is a great summer drink, for a few or for a crowd, on the deck or at a picnic. If you’re taking sangria on the road, add the sparkling water and fruit at the last minute, and don’t forget…

Herb gardeners know that mint is a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it grows so abundantly and with so little effort; a curse because it grows … and grows … and grows, unless it’s contained in a pot…

One of the easiest ways to make a tasty, thirst-quenching drink for a crowd is to fill a pitcher or punch bowl with equal parts apple juice and ginger ale. The sweet juice and dry soda complement each other perfectly.…

Smoothies can be calorie- and fat-laden milkshakes in disguise, or they can be refreshing and nourishing treats that cool you down on a hot day.

Frozen bananas are a perfect ingredient for smoothies that fall into the latter category. If…

This week’s hot weather has me thinking about cold drinks. I’ll post a recipe each day, starting — naturally — with coffee.

This is so much better than most iced coffee that it is worth the little bit of effort…

I took a walk after work yesterday, and the scents of summer were everywhere: freshly mowed grass, honeysuckle, grilling meats.

Of course my mouth was watering, and my thoughts turned to what I’d like to grill next time I get…

Think “Sex and the City,” and think pink.

Cosmopolitans, that is.

I caught a preview of the film at Ronnie’s 20 on Wednesday night, and the audience was giddy with anticipation. And why not? A much-loved television show was hitting…

Here’s a new take on bean salad. If you don’t like or can’t find cannellini beans, feel free to substitute any other variety. Great Northern, red kidney beans and black beans would all be good choices (you’ll just have to…