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May 15, 2013 Butterscotch seemed to have fallen out of fashion, but food writer Rina Rapuano says she's seeing glimmers of a comeback. And we don't mean hard candies and instant pudding. The revival of this old-fashioned flavor inspires a crepe cake, a chocolate-crusted tart and more.

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May 8, 2013 Rather than waiting for someone to give you a treat, why not make one of your favorites for yourself? Something you can snack on all week when no one's around. Or, better yet, something you don't have to share. Food writer T. Susan Chang recommends slow-roasted pecans, salty-sweet matzo candy and more.

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May 1, 2013 Famous for its grain, pork products and black truffles, this region's cuisine exemplifies the cardinal virtues of all Italian cooking: simplicity, tradition and respect for fresh, local ingredients. Food writer Tom Gilbert recalls his time there with recipes for pasta, soup and salad.

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April 24, 2013 Emerald green and tender, yet with a gentle crunch, garden peas can be so delightful when fresh — and so disappointing when not. Try them now in their seasonal prime in these recipes for chilled soup, a citrusy spread and a traditional rice dish.

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April 17, 2013 Stinging nettles are an overlooked bit of nature's bounty, their prickly leaves hiding a secret: They're good-tasting and good for you. (Consider them a stand-in for spinach.) To find them, just pull on some gloves and head out into the wild — or to a farmers market.

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April 10, 2013 Salted and aged, the fruit develops mellow yet intensely lemony flavor, with none of the nose-tickling bright, high notes of the fresh version. Though they do take some time, preserved lemons are easy to make, keep practically forever, and make everything around them seem a little sweeter.

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April 3, 2013 If you think you don't like grits, food writer Rina Rapuano says, you should give them another try. These recipes for savory grits fixings, pecan pie, pancakes and a cheesy casserole might just change your mind.

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March 27, 2013 Though it's not as common as other proteins in American cuisine, lamb often gets a share of the spotlight on springtime's holiday tables. It's a good time to experiment with lamb's magical ability to absorb and alter flavors.

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March 20, 2013 After years in culinary exile, animal fats are finding their way back into Americans' pots and pans. Pork, duck or chicken fat serves as a rich base that lifts an array of dishes to new flavor heights.

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March 13, 2013 The city known for its deep-dish pizza is branching out, from savory single servings to tarts and galettes, to traditional fruit or cream favorites.

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March 6, 2013 Whether it belongs in the rye bread or the sauerkraut is sometimes hotly debated. But food writer Domenica Marchetti says caraway's complex flavors can tone down the richness of meat dishes, or bring cabbage and potatoes to life.

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February 27, 2013 Like many other intrinsically boring foods — say, tofu or grits — lentils shine because they get out of the way. They provide a vehicle and a backdrop for other flavors — whether it's good olive oil and gently gilded onions, or ground spices and lemony pesto.

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February 20, 2013 You can probably imagine using these cookies to make a dessert pizza, chocolaty popcorn or even bourbon balls. But as a crumb coating for fish, or in a savory stuffing? Oh, yes — it's Girl Scout cookie time.

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February 13, 2013 It isn't just the fairy tale stuff of Goldilocks, or the pauper gruel of Oliver Twist. Really, porridge can be a beautiful (sweet or savory) thing, especially during the cold slog of winter.

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February 5, 2013 There is nothing sadder than giving or receiving a box of boring chocolates on Valentine's Day. Instead, combine two things that will impress your significant other more than anything else: chocolate and a home-cooked meal — like beef short ribs braised in chocolate and wine.

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