At an overpriced tapas joint, I once took a chance on charred cucumber salad. The dish sounded counterintuitive, to put it delicately, because everyone knows a cucumber should be served cool. Cooking a cucumber would be like giving Samson a haircut before the battle. A cool cucumber is a happy cucumber. The best have tried,…

There are few things as satisfying as an ice-cold glass of water — especially on a hot day. During the warm summer months, I find myself refilling my cup almost every hour. And although an icy glass of water is more than enough to quench my thirst, I love jazzing up my water with fresh…

Watermelon is the perfect summertime snack if you’re looking for something light and refreshing to eat. Of course, this light, hydrating fruit is great on its own, but it’s made even better as the base for s superb summertime side dish. This watermelon salad has is everything you want to make (and more) and makes…

The humble cucumber can keep your body cool and hydrated, even as it prevents diseases such as diabetes. Eat them raw and you get a juicy crunch. Pickle them in brine and you have a fermented treat that will keep for months. Cucumbers, however, do more than just serve as a refreshing feature of salads,…