I spoke with a number of friends and heroes of mine about the significance of food and its role in holiday traditions. We chatted about how traditions are indelibly shaped by a mishmash of family, friends, and dishes. We explored the importance of symbolism and recipes, as well as how we use each of these to reflect on our own history and narratives. And in a world that feels as divided as ever, it never ceases to amaze me how food can bridge even the widest gaps.

Hosting Thanksgiving this year? There’s nothing like the pressure of this particular holiday, even if — like so many of us this year — you’re cooking for a small group, or just your own household. You have your dinner menu — turkey, a few sides, perhaps dessert — and one shot to get it right.

Take a deep breath. You’ve got this. From frozen bird to serving, I share a detailed breakdown of every step you need to present the perfect roast turkey at your next Thanksgiving meal, along with a recipe.

For many, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the turkey. It’s both symbol and centerpiece at the table. It is so familiar that it might even be considered, dare I say, boring? There is so much to the autumn season, and there’s no reason a bird has to be at the center of it all. Why should it be? Here are some vegan and vegetarian main options to fill out your Thanksgiving table. Dramatic and delicious, your guests may not even notice the turkey is missing!

If you’re looking for great pie recipes, look no further! If you’re feeling a bit intimidated and would like some tips and tricks to help you out, relax and take a deep breath. I’ve written about pie-making every holiday for years now, and it all boils down to trusted recipes, a few basic rules, and some handy tips. Click here for tips and recipes for pumpkin, pecan and apple pies.

’Tis the season for spooky cocktails!

Now that Halloween is just about here, it’s time to upgrade our libations. With themes, of course. And is any holiday as much fun to celebrate as Halloween? From vibrant colors to fantastical gelatin shot shapes, there is no drink that can’t be spooked up a notch.

I share a variety of festive cocktails that are perfect to celebrate the season. From classic recipes (including a notable drink from Papa Hemingway himself) to creative, fun, and hopefully not too disgusting ideas (is it really Halloween without a brain Jell-O mold?), we’ve got you covered. Continue reading for recipes and ideas….

Nothing elevates a festive gathering quite like the proper libation, particularly in the summertime. Of course, whatever cocktails you’re serving should fulfill certain criteria: We want something crisp, cool, and refreshing, especially as temperatures climb. Flavorwise, a little complexity is nice, though we don’t want flavors that overwhelm the guests, or the host (we don’t want beverage duty to keep the host behind the bar the entire party). Keep it simple.

When you’re planning your summer party, whether a simple backyard cookout, or perhaps at a destination location with friends, here are some beverage ideas to keep things both simple and festive.

Continue reading for recipes for a Tanqueray Sevilla Flora, No. TEN and Tonic, Coconut Spritzer, Mountain Mai Tai and Strawberry Lime Flush….

Summer food is all about the fun, right? Bright colors, bold flavors, and no shortage of sweetness. This is the season of carnival and fair-inspired foods, often deep-fried or served under a mountain of powdered sugar. A sight to behold, but even more of a treat to enjoy. Just have plenty of napkins at the ready.

Best of all? So many of summer’s most iconic foods are just as much fun to make! Continue reading for recipes for summer favorites you can make at home, from classic popcorn balls and corn dogs to funnel cakes and cotton candy — without a spinner!

It’s officially summer, and let’s face it: The best food of the season is cooked outdoors. Not only does outdoor cooking keep the kitchen — and the rest of the home — cool, live-fire cooking has a way of actually making food taste better. Not to mention the sheer entertainment value, particularly when you’re hosting guests for a cookout on a hot, lazy weekend.

Herbs are important in recipes for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is because they impart flavor. But, depending on what kind and how they are used, they also impart color and even texture. Choosing the right herbs can take your recipe to the next level.

So when do you use fresh herbs in a dish? And when do you opt for the dried? This can be a tricky situation in the kitchen, particularly if the recipe you’re following isn’t specific. Continue reading for tips and recipes….

As wonderful as ice cream is to enjoy — and there is no shortage of gourmet and small artisanal flavors to choose from in your favorite frozen-food aisle — there is magic to behold when you make it at home. It’s a fun project — entertaining, even, whether you’re making it with friends or kids. Best of all? You control the flavors.

When the late-spring and early-summer produce is at its peak at the market, when there’s a host of richly colored and flavored berries, stone fruits, and even vegetables from which to choose, it’s time to churn.

Ice cream isn’t hard to make — it’s nothing more than a few ingredients: dairy, sweetener, eggs, and flavoring. The trick is in the combination, the right ratio of components, and a proper ice cream maker. Continue reading for tips and recipes….