2010 Summer

summer

Braised Chicken With Tomatoes: Perfect For Between Seasons

This month, I've shifted my focus from Summer cookout food to something a little more soothing, but amidst a San Francisco Indian Summer, I'm not quite ready to plunge into full-blown Fall fare just yet.

This month, I've shifted my focus from Summer cookout food to something a little more soothing, but amidst a San Francisco Indian Summer, I'm not quite ready to plunge into full-blown Fall fare just yet. So in addition to treasuring those timeless staples, I've also looked for recipes that fall (pardon the pun) right in between those two seasons. One such gem is this slow-cooked dish of chicken with fresh tomatoes.

It incorporates the sunny flavor of Early Girl tomatoes with the reassuring tenderness of chicken braised in its own stock. Lighten it up with skinless chicken breast, swap out the sage for tarragon or basil, or use cherry or heirloom tomatoes instead. The result is a sumptuous main meal that's fantastic over grits, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Savor the in-between moment when you keep reading.

summer

Food Preserving Facts: Do You Have Them in the Can?

For every minute that I cling more desperately to the idea of Summer produce, I can feel it further slipping away.

For every minute that I cling more desperately to the idea of Summer produce, I can feel it further slipping away. My soon-to-be saving grace? A frenzy of food preservation as the days get shorter and the nights grow colder. Who knows; perhaps I'll host a canning and pickling party or make a fruit jam of my own!

But before I share ideas and recipes with you, I want to find out just how versed you are on food preservation. One of the best-known methods of treating food is heat processing, or forming airtight seals around food in jars — but there's also fermenting, jellying, pickling, salting, and curing. Do you have the basics in the can? Let's find out when you take this quiz!

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summer

10 Blackberry Dishes to Make Before the Season Is Over

Hurry — before you know it, the end of September will be here and fresh, in-season blackberries will be gone.
Blackberry Sorbet

Hurry — before you know it, the end of September will be here and fresh, in-season blackberries will be gone. Like the lingering warm nights of the Summer, the last of the blackberry pickings should be delightfully savored. Here are our favorite ways to enjoy them.

summer

In Season: Zucchini

We've been giving a lot of attention to berries, tomatoes, and corn this Summer, but that doesn't mean we've overlooked other vegetables at their peak.

We've been giving a lot of attention to berries, tomatoes, and corn this Summer, but that doesn't mean we've overlooked other vegetables at their peak. Case in point: zucchini, the slender Summer vegetable that's in abundance between May and August. Find out what we do with it when you read more.

summer

What Do You Know About the State Fair's Standard Fare?

Summer isn't just peak time for international travel — 'tis also the season for the ever-popular state fair.

Summer isn't just peak time for international travel — 'tis also the season for the ever-popular state fair. Although county and state fairs first began as exhibitions of livestock, they've quickly morphed into a catch-all celebration with local performers, amusement rides, carnival games, crafts competitions, and, of course, signature fair food as well. You may be well-versed in ordering elephant ears and garlic fries, but how many tidbits do you know about state fair food? Take our quiz to find out whether you can master the facts — or if you'll wind up deep-fried.

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summer

In Season: Gooseberries

Considering our obsession with berries, it's hard to believe that there are still quite a few out there that I've never tried.

Considering our obsession with berries, it's hard to believe that there are still quite a few out there that I've never tried. This week, I had my first encounter with a gooseberry: a fruit smaller than a blueberry with a round-meets-oblong shape (similar to that of a green grape) and a fuzzy, veiny, green apple-colored exterior. I couldn't ignore my intrigue and impulsively picked up a carton to experiment with at home. My initial observations of the fruit, when you keep reading.

Geek Tip

Keep Your Laptop Out of the Trunk This Summer

With Summer in full swing and record-breaking hot temperatures across much of the country, it's important to remember your gadgets, too!

With Summer in full swing and record-breaking hot temperatures across much of the country, it's important to remember your gadgets, too! Long days and Summer plans may eep you on the go, so it's easy to be tempted to store your laptop in the trunk of your car while you hit happy hour or catch a movie with friends. But, just like excessive heat can cause problems for you, it can spell disaster for your gadgets, too. Keeping a laptop in a hot car (even in the trunk!) can do serious damage. Remember these points before locking your laptop away:

  • Your battery life will suffer. The batteries in many laptops are not heat-friendly, and repeat exposure can actually affect the battery life. Your battery may lose power sooner, become difficult to charge completely, or even die altogether.
  • Your hard drive could get damaged. Excessive heat can cause the components of your computer's hard drive to expand, causing damage, even leading to hard drive failure.

For more laptop travel tips, keep reading.

recipes

10 Summer-Friendly Corn Recipes

There's nothing I like better on a hot Summer day than enjoying fresh, sweet corn on the cob.

There's nothing I like better on a hot Summer day than enjoying fresh, sweet corn on the cob. If you're looking to take advantage of this in-season vegetable, I've rounded up 10 of my favorite corn recipes for your warm weather enjoyment.

fourth of july

10 Regional American Foods to Try This July

There's nothing better than hot dogs, corn on the cob, and watermelon for the Fourth.
Beignets from New Orleans

There's nothing better than hot dogs, corn on the cob, and watermelon for the Fourth. But if you're in search of an adventure and a more creative way to celebrate, might I suggest scoping out the country's regional food scene? Whether you're in Cincinnati or Central Texas, the United States of America is a veritable chest of gastronomic treasures just waiting to be discovered. A few of my favorite local specialties are right this way.

Photo: Nancy Einhart
Health and Fitness

Viruses Don't Take a Summer Break, Warm Weather Illness Quiz

It's about to get hot, but many mamas shouldn't breathe a sigh of relief thinking they've survived yet another cold and flu season.

It's about to get hot, but many mamas shouldn't breathe a sigh of relief thinking they've survived yet another cold and flu season. Winter may claim the most viruses of the year, but Summer isn't always doctor-free. Take this quiz and see what to be on the lookout for as we head into the warm weather months.

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