This strawberry rhubarb buckle is just the thing to bake right now. “Now” meaning, whenever you’re reading this and happen to be in the possession of some rhubarb and strawberries. Buckles are part of the family of unfussy fruit desserts that includes things like crisps and crumbles and cobblers (and if you want a rhubarb …

There’s something hopeful about asparagus season. It means things are growing again. Things we can eat. And these days, I’ll grab hold of any bit of hope I can find. In-season asparagus is something special. When you get it soon after it’s harvested, it’s sweet and mild and so much better than the stuff that’s …

When you’re looking for food that delivers on pure comfort, it’s tough to beat a soft and chewy oatmeal raisin cookie. I know, I know. Raisins are controversial. And you could, of course, swap in chocolate chips or dried cherries or any number of other mix-ins. But if you’re not deeply raisin-averse, maybe just a …

These days, I’m all for simple when it comes to cooking. But I still like food with big flavors, that doesn’t feel like it all came out of a boxed mix. And it’s tough to beat these ramen eggs (ajitsuke tamago) for matching their ease with their great flavor. They’re just boiled eggs that get …

Carrot cake has a tendency to veer into maximalist territory. If you let it, it can become a multi-layer affair with not just shredded carrots, but pineapple and raisins and even shredded coconut. But this simple carrot loaf cake is not like that. It is carrot cake stripped down to its essentials. This minimalist carrot …

When you’re stuck at home, there’s little that’s more soothing and rewarding than engaging in some stress baking. Baking is predictable. If you follow the instructions things turn out pretty well. There’s nothing scary about it. The stakes are low. No one will die if you screw this up. And, unless you have a major …