Annie Epstein

Bargain hunters and busy households are quick to sing the praises of Costco's rotisserie chicken. The succulent bird is not only known for its taste but for its price. Since launching nearly 25 years ago, the price of the item has remained just under $5 almost the entire time (in 2008, it increased by a dollar for one year). To date, it remains a leader in the affordable poultry race and, to some economists, a barometer for the worst of inflation.

Every first Monday in May, the annual Met Gala is the talk of the town as celebrities and fashionistas converge for the gala that benefits the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The event is organized by fashion bible Vogue, and chief content officer and global editorial director Anna Wintour is notorious for maintaining a famously curated guest list. Though, it's not just people, but apparently the food that Wintour also carefully selects, banning three culinary ingredients from making the cut on the menu: chives, onion, and garlic.

Rotisserie chickens are a cherished part of many household meal rotations because of their savory flavor and succulent meat. Yes, many people pick up a bird from Costco for $4.99 for the ease and convenience of a pre-made main, but it's the taste that keeps people coming back. As the summer season begins, there's no better time to consider making your own version of the grocery store item using your grill.

A flavorful, savory hot dog is a blank canvas for pretty much anything you can dream up. Global cuisines have their own ways of spicing up a frank, ranging from pizza sauce to sauerkraut, but rarely do cooks consider dressing up the dogs before they hit the flames. They're meant to be in draped toppings anyway, right? Actually, if you try flavoring your franks before grilling them, they'll end up so tasty that you won't want to drown them in condiments at all.

Tucked amid the glorious red sauces and glistening browned meats, it's easy to pass over the plain slice or two of white bread that accompanies a tray of barbecue. Despite its ho-hum appearance, the carb is actually loaded down in history. And regardless of how it features in your BBQ plans, the bread's presence is a visual reminder of the meal's humble roots.

By now, many home cooks know how to elevate a box of mac and cheese. The delicious and quick meal is easy to make and satisfyingly savory. However, if you're willing to set aside the elbows and shells, there are many more starchy options to combine with the rich seasoning.

Tea aficionados and Southerners alike know that iced tea is an art unto itself. Although the beverage contains minimal ingredients, it allows a great tea to shine. However, most tea drinkers who are willing to experiment with their leaves often focus on hot brews rather than iced versions. That's a shame, because black teas offer rich and varying flavors that shine when left to chill.

In West Virginia, a hot dog is a well-rounded meal. Sadly, despite its long history, the grab-and-go bite — or sandwich, if you prefer to call it that — that holds a special place in the hearts of residents is less known to outsiders. Nonetheless, the special assortment of toppings gets a hearty celebration at the annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival where visitors indulge in speed eating contests and wiener dog races.

After a long day in the sun at a cookout, a sweet frozen treat is a uniquely satisfying refreshment. However, keeping ice cream perfectly frozen even after you've set the table, polished off the burgers, and the emptied the drinks can be a challenge. Insulated coolers, are helpful as they are, aren't always a foolproof solution, and you need to pack them wisely to keep ice cream from going soft. To stave off dessert disappointment, use salt to maintain an extra-chilly temperature.

Spotting a deviled egg at the picnic table is a treat in and of itself. However, when creamy egg yolks work in harmony with smoky bacon jam, the hors d'oeuvres become something to fight over. Let your appetizer steal the spotlight at your next gathering by inviting the sweet-savory relish to the party.