There are two kinds of people in this world: those who order the fries for the table, and those who steal them off someone else’s plate. Within that, there's a very special subgroup—the ones who order the fries, don’t Venmo request anyone, and just silently let the group benefit. Bless those people. There’s a special place in heaven for them (probably with a trio of unlimited aiolis and fountain Diet Coke).

Fries are technically a side dish, but let’s be real: they’re doing main character work. Whether they’re saving a sad dinner, showing up as girl dinner (see: Caesar salad, fries, and a Diet Coke), or loaded with toppings and eaten straight from the sheet pan, fries are the one food that almost no one can resist.

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One of the trickiest parts of any home renovation project is the seemingly endless list of decisions. As my family embarked on our long-awaited kitchen renovation, one choice I kept getting hung up on was our sink. Should we stick with a functional and traditional double-basin, or spring for a single-basin with space to wash larger dishes and more under-sink storage? It turns out the solution to my sink dilemma was shockingly simple: a $3 dishpan that's revolutionized our kitchen workflow.

The Surprisingly Brilliant Hack

Before the renovation, I spent years with an outdated but extremely functional double-basin sink. Our family system was clear: stack and soak dishes on one side, keep the other side free for washing. When I looked at friends' single-basin sinks, I noticed they inevitably wound up washing dishes on top of a pile of dirty ones—a workflow nightmare I wanted to avoid.

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If you’ve been around literally anyone in the past month, you’ve probably heard chatter about Love Island—whether it’s the UK version or the ever-iconic USA one. Maybe you’re all in. Maybe you’ve only absorbed it passively, against your will. Either way, it’s hard to escape.

As someone who’d never tuned in before, I was surprised by the sudden cultural takeover. In the past few weeks alone, I’ve sat through full dinners where people debated their favorite couples, predicted drama, and ranked bombshells with passionate conviction. I finally had to get up to speed—if only to participate in what feels like a nationwide group project (slash networking event).

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I have a 4-year-old, which means even though I love a good sandwich, I rarely get to eat one without a little negotiation. Unless it’s a burger (she’s all in for burgers), meals between two slices of bread often fall flat. That’s why this week’s plan is all about flexible sandwiches: DIY-style builds, deconstructed options, and satisfying meatless takes that appeal to both kids and grown-ups.

Also included: a nostalgic breakfast sandwich inspired by my early 20s, when I helped open a cafe on the North Shore of O‘ahu. It was hearty, rich, and packed with meat-free protein—just how I like to start the day. As always, while the groceries are listed based on what you need, they’re flexible enough to swap based on what you’ve got—especially for things like mayo, hot sauce, or bread.

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Welcome to Like a Local, our series where writers share how to spend an ideal long weekend in their favorite towns. This time, Kim gives us an insider’s guide to Palm Beach, FL.

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What started as yearly visits to Palm Beach turned into biannual trips, and no matter how often I went, I always had a great time. It wasn’t until I was lucky enough to get “stuck” in Palm Beach for months during the pandemic that I began to appreciate all this destination has to offer. Sure, it’s gorgeous ( like stepping into a Slim Aarons imagery time capsule), easy to get to (landing at PBI airport feels intimate, not intimidating) and its food rivals that of NYC and Rome. But living like a local made me appreciate all the nooks and crannies of this island. Here are my best bets for a perfect long weekend in Palm Beach.

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If you’ve felt like smoothies have gotten suspiciously expensive, you’re not wrong. We now live in a world where $17 blends with spirulina and collagen are a bit too normal—especially if you’re shopping somewhere like Erewhon. These LA luxury grocery stores aren’t just health havens; they’ve become known for their celebrity-backed smoothies, like Hailey Bieber’s now-famous Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie loaded with sea moss, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. I’ve even heard of hotels licensing the rights to serve these viral drinks in their lounges. This is not your average fruit smoothie.

While I don’t splurge often, I’ve definitely noticed the growing hype. Back in college, there was always a long line at the açai bowl truck that parked near the far quad (sometimes rivaling the line when Raising Cane’s opened). I never totally got the appeal or the price, but it was clearly a thing. And this wasn’t even in LA or New York—it was in east central Illinois, where smoothie prices still capped around $12 back then.

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I love my kitchen, I really do. But lately, I’ve been searching for every excuse under the sun to get outside. Whether it’s taking a long walk home from work, bringing my weekend reading to the park, or slipping outside for lunch, I’m making the most of our very warm, sunny weather. But some days are just too hot to think, too hot to move, and certainly too hot to cook. For those sticky, sweaty, sweltering days, make one of these no-cook summer dishes. That means that you don’t have to turn on the stove or oven to enjoy a seasonally inspired meal for lunch or dinner. I want dishes I can toss together sans stove or oven, like crispy salads, cool soups, and crunchy sandwiches. And, thankfully, summer’s bounty is ready to provide. After dinner, cool off with a frozen treat like our no-churn ice creams or dairy-free sorbets. We're in the dog days of summer, when all you want to do is sit by the A/C with a pint of ice cream. Here, I’ve gathered 30 of our freshest no-cook dishes. Now, go outside and enjoy the day!

1. Corn, Shrimp & Avocado Salad With Chipotle-Pepita Dressing

When you’re sick of the heat and don’t feel like cooking, this no-cook salad will save the day. Pro tip: Purchase fresh, precooked shrimp so that you don’t have to turn on the stove.

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© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

© Julia Gartland

When temps are pushing 90 and the air feels thick enough to drink, the only acceptable beverage is one that’s borderline slushy. I’m talking blender cocktails, boozy lemonades, fruit-forward frosés—the kind of drink you almost need a spoon for. Whether you’re craving something tart and citrusy or leaning tropical with coconut and rum, these frozen drink recipes are the move. They’re chill, refreshing, and just a little bit dramatic—in the best way possible.

1. Sunrise Slushie

This mango slushie is giving tropical sunrise vibes with citrus, pineapple juice, and hibiscus tea.

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“Mission-led” isn’t a phrase you typically associate with national retailers. But at our special June Nobody Cares event—renamed Seat at the Table: A Conversation on Food Access & Community for the occasion—Dollar General’s VP of Food & Fresh, Allen Warch, made it clear that purpose drives everything they do.

“Our mission is to serve others,” Allen began. “It’s in pretty much every aspect of our company, and it has to be in order to make real, sustainable change.”

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Welcome to Like a Local, our travel series where writers share how to spend an ideal long weekend in their favorite hometowns. This time, Kristine shares her favorite spots in Bernal Heights—SF’s offbeat gem with dreamy views and even better bites.

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Known for its unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history, San Francisco consistently ranks in the top cities to visit in the U.S. for good reason. It’s also long been a haven for the offbeat, the quirky, creatives, revolutionaries, dreamers, and seekers.

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Bake It Up a Notch is a column by Resident Baking BFF Erin Jeanne McDowell. Each month, she'll help take our baking game to the next level, teaching us all the need-to-know tips and techniques and showing us all the mistakes we might make along the way.

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As a baker, I’m not afraid to practice patience to get to the perfect end result. But here’s the truth: Some shortcuts are worth shouting about, and no-churn ice cream is definitely one of them. In this month’s ice cream episode of Bake it Up A Notch, I spend a lot of time chatting about this exact topic, and all the things you can do with it it. So whether you are looking for an easy summer recipe hack, or you don’t have room to store an ice cream maker, nothing should stop you from making homemade ice cream this summer.

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© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

© Mark Weinberg

Welcome to Like a Local, our travel series where writers share how to spend an ideal long weekend in a favorite town or city. This time, Marisa brings us to Cohasset, Massachusetts—a charming coastal town just south of Boston.

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As I was growing up in New York City and New Jersey, living on the New England coast seemed like a dream. Yet, as an adult, when life threw us a curveball, we jumped on a chance to move to Boston—and I am so glad we did. We loved our time there, exploring the charming cobblestone streets and trying all the clam chowder. But as our family grew out of our cozy apartment, we knew we needed more space and eventually settled in the coastal town of Cohasset, about 45 minutes south of Boston. We’ve lived here for five years now, and it truly feels like we’re home.

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My flower habit started one summer day long ago. I was at the kitchen sink, in “exhausted mom-wife-housekeeper” mode, when I spotted a slightly droopy Black-Eyed Susan bloom in our backyard. I looked down at the empty pickle jar I had just washed out and knew that flower needed a home. Minutes later, I had a cute little flower arrangement right there in our kitchen. Nothing fancy, but kinda charming—and it made us all smile. Flowers have the power: reducing stress, boosting our moods, and bringing joy and a mother nature connection into our lives.

It’s summer, and flowers everywhere–even the local supermarket. After checking the Haas avocados to find some ripe ones for my supper salad and hunting down a pint or two of perfect raspberries, I usually head over to the floral department to see what’s on offer.

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Welcome to Sunday Reset, where we share how we’re unwinding and what we have planned for the week ahead. This time, our newest baking resident, Terrence (@terrencebakes), shares what he’s whipping up first in our Test Kitchen.

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Summer is officially here and as a baker, I go back and forth about using my oven during some of the hotter days.

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Welcome to Forkcast—our weekly meal plan with five recipes, a grocery list, and tips to keep dinner easy. This week’s lineup comes from home cook Christen Vidanovic, who’s all about making the most of summer produce.

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By the beginning of July, I’m usually pretty settled in my summer routines: barefoot in the grass, flipping something on the grill, and waving to friends pulling up with drinks and kids in tow. It’s the kind of month where the lines between weekday and weekend blur—camp days melt into sunset picnics, and dinner is usually on the deck.

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We all know a crisp glass of rosé shines in the summer. It’s cold, it’s light, it’s pink—what’s not to love? It looks the part, tastes refreshing, and makes the best patio companion. But while I’ve got no problem pouring a glass to go with a salad, some cheese, or on its own, there’s one thing I realized I had no clue how to pair it with: dessert.

Rosé is fruity, a little floral, sometimes dry, sometimes bubbly. But does that mean it goes with chocolate? Citrus? Cake? Turns out, rosé doesn’t always want to be paired with sweets—especially if we’re talking about cream-heavy or chocolate-drenched options. The acidity just doesn’t play well with rich, mouth-coating fats. But with the right pairing? It can actually elevate the dessert—and vice versa.

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Sides are the secret stars of any Fourth of July meal, adding pops of color, crunch, and flavor that perfectly complement everything from massive grilled steaks to plant-based burgers. Honestly, sometimes my favorite kind of celebration is all about the sides—a spread so good you barely miss the main dish. Whether you’re grilling these sides fresh or making them ahead to serve chilled or at room temp, these recipes hold up beautifully, making them perfect for a sunny summer day of eating, chatting, and fireworks.

1. Asparagus With Lemon-Pepper Marinade From Bryant Terry

Will you be grilling this 4th of July? Then let your main dish scoot over a bit to make room for some sides, like this vegan asparagus wonder where the marinade becomes the sauce.

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No matter how you’re spending your Fourth of July—whether it’s a backyard BBQ, beach day, or an all-day picnic—there are a few essentials you’ll want close at hand: sunscreen (because sun safety is non-negotiable), plenty of delicious snacks, and most importantly, refreshing drinks. Staying hydrated is key, but why settle for plain water when you can elevate your summer sipping game?

We’ve curated 28 of the best recipes for refreshing Fourth of July drinks. From bright, citrusy mocktails perfect for the whole family to spirited cocktails that bring the party vibes, these recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and ideal for sipping over ice as the day heats up—and into the evening fireworks.

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One of my favorite ways to celebrate the Fourth of July is with a fully loaded dessert table. When I was younger, I’d make a beeline for the blueberry pie my mom always picked up from our favorite Florida bakery—served with at least two scoops of vanilla ice cream, of course.

These days, I’m still a blueberry pie loyalist, but I’ve added a few more crowd-pleasers to the mix: think icebox cakes layered with whipped cream, no-churn ice creams, and cookies that taste just as good as they look. Whether you're baking ahead or want something you can whip up in under an hour, there’s a sweet option here for everyone.

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Most 10-year-olds in the kitchen are just there to sneak a taste of cookie dough. But for Terrence Gutiérrez, that early curiosity turned into something more. Somewhere between watching his mom bake and helping with the mixing, he started falling in love with the whole process—the precision, the care, the transformation that happens in the oven. Now, nearly two decades later, that spark has become his full-time job.

If you’ve ever stumbled upon one of Terrence’s videos on TikTok or Instagram—soft-spoken, smiling, effortlessly walking you through homemade Pop-Tarts or a simple snacking cake—you know the vibe. The lighting is warm, the instructions are clear, and the energy? Incredibly comforting. His corner of the internet feels like the opposite of intimidating pastry perfection. It’s playful, practical, and quietly confident.

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