Writings

Nothing can halt Thanksgiving dinner–not rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor even a bird that’s still frozen hours before you intend to say grace.

You know the rule: one pound of turkey per guest. But when your back-of-the-envelope calculations say you need a behemoth bird that the laws of physics say won’t fit in the oven, what to do? We have answers.

The pop-up timer popped. The skin’s burnished. The drumstick jiggles. Yet when you commence carving, you still see oodles of pink. Here’s how not to let that happen.

The bird may be done–whew!–but your work isn’t. Here, foolproof tactics on how the heck to heft a sweaty hen from roasting pan to carving board without–oops!–incident.

Thanksgiving is easily the most denial-inducing menu you’ll contend with all year. But deal you must. Here, advice on how to elude oven overload.

Offers of help aren’t always that helpful. We’ve got tricks to tuck up your sleeve for keeping pesky, well-intentioned, do-gooder guests out of your way.

An unabashedly biased look at what makes the classic and iconic bistro such an essential–and quintessential–sanctuary.

Our very own David Leite demystifies Bell’s Seasoning, a Northeast Thanksgiving classic that’s taking the rest of the world by surprise.

Day of the Dead is a Mexican celebration that invites revelry as we remember those who have gone before us. Think of it as a far more festive All Saints’ Day.

Leite’s Loves…Abbio Cookware. Read all the many reasons David loves the eco-friendly, nonstick cookware that’s sturdy, reliable, and versatile.

Think you know Swiss chard? Think again. Here, essential info on how to cook and serve this versatile vegetable.

Aleppo pepper is a common (and coveted) spice in Middle Eastern cuisines. Here’s everything you need to know about what it tastes like and where to buy it.

A glimpse at author Boris Fishman’s Russian family and its complicated and yet simple summer vacation food and dynamics.

Our best recipes for classic as well as unexpected Easter sides, desserts, and, yes, ham. Easter simply isn’t complete without setting some of these on your table.