Leeks with dirt on them in a pile - Dian Zuraida/Shutterstock For one of my first-ever writing gigs, I had to write an article on chopping leeks. But I was a fraud: I'd never chopped a leek in my life ...

Leeks, related to garlic and onions, and looking like giant scallions, are milder in both smell and flavor. These versatile alliums can be cooked whole as a vegetable or chopped for use as a flavor ...

Last week, the Basics column expanded to a Flavor cover story on the joys of braising. Slow-cooking our way to fork-tender pot roasts inspired us to continue with recipes and ideas for this technique.

Note: From "Essential Pepin," by Jacques Pépin, who is a finalist in two IACP categories. Bring 1 cup water to boil in large skillet. Place leeks in one layer in skillet and bring water to boil again ...

Looking a bit like a scallion on steroids, this mild-flavored member of the onion family is an indispensable background flavor for many classic dishes the world over. Unfortunately, the background is ...

Allow about 1 pound of mussels per person plus extra because some mussels may not open during cooking. Small black mussels such as Prince Edward Island, PEI or Maine are best. Serves 4 1 (12-inch) ...