Jennifer Mathews

There's the chicken salad we grew up eating as children, and Ina Garten's chicken salad. While the chef includes the classic ingredients you expect, her version is so much more flavorful that the two recipes should probably have different names. Although there are several ways that Garten puts her signature twist and upgrades her chicken salad, it's an herb from her garden, tarragon, that she calls her'secret ingredient.'

Elvis Presley was an icon known not only for his music catalog and bedazzled jumpsuits but also for his eclectic tastes — particularly when it came to food. His fondness for fast food, despite his celebrity status, made the larger-than-life star seem down-to-earth and relatable. Almost fifty years after his death, a renewed interest in Elvis'favorite sandwich

If you've resided in the tri-state area over the last century, you've likely been caught in the crossfire of a passionate debate over the difference between pasta sauce and gravy. As a tribe member, I have a strong opinion on the topic, passed down by generations of Italian Americans who "know" they are right. Despite theories about why pasta sauce is sometimes called gravy, they are riddled with inconsistencies, leaving both sides defensive, since the food is intrinsically linked to Italian culture.

From upscale restaurants to roadside food trucks, chicken al pastor is a familiar dish at Mexican eateries. Whether served in a warm taco, sandwiched between melted cheese in a crispy quesadilla, or the main attraction in a hearty rice bowl, the sweet-and-savory dish doesn't disappoint. "Al pastor" refers to the cooking method, which translates in English to "in the style of the shepherd." It is typically made with pork, but the recipe has been adapted for leaner proteins like chicken or vegetarian versions, which are becoming increasingly popular.

Since cooking with different fuels (propane, natural gas, wood, charcoal) can affect how you make your favorite recipe, most people have a grill preference and stick with it. For charcoal devotees, starting the grill can be a source of frustration. While lighter fluid works quickly, it has some considerable disadvantages, including a high chemical content, which can affect the flavor of your food. So you're better off using a chimney starter for a charcoal grill. However, if you don't have one, all is not lost because we can share how to craft one in a pinch.

After a chilling winter of hibernating in our homes, warm weather motivates us to get outdoors, and there's nothing more refreshing than an ice pop enjoyed in the backyard. However, if you want to take your summer party on the road, it's all too easy for your pops to go soft and melty before you know it. Whether you opt for nostalgic Fla-Vor-Ice tubes, Bomb Pops, or make your own icy treats, literally burying them in ice is a surefire way to transport them with no melting in sight.

Unless you live in Capri, where the recipe originated, the traditional tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad, Caprese is at its best for only a few short months in summer when tomatoes are in season. Although there are ways, like Giada De Laurentiis' tomato tip, to sweeten 'meh'tasting fruit, adding the season's juicy stone fruits is a simple method to make the salad flavorful.

When you dine at one of José Andrés'restaurants, you can safely assume that the James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef will astound you with his craft. But Andrés'dedication and attention to detail isn't limited to his famous eateries. If you follow him online, you can also see Andrés cooking at home with his daughters in an outdoor kitchen that rivals most professional ones.

For such a simple, elegant cocktail, there are many contrasting opinions on the proper way to prepare a martini and an equal number of versions of the high-octane drink. Whether you've been influenced by James Bond's familiar request, "shaken, not stirred," or ask the bartender to throw your martini, you may wonder what it takes to make the drink "dry."

Arguably, the best part of camping is sitting around the campfire and enjoying a meal with loved ones. Whether you drove to the site or hiked miles, it's essential to pack the right tools to enjoy the experience fully. While cast iron is great for campfire cooking, a wok may be a better option.