Okra lovers adore the veggie for its eggplant-like flavor and meaty texture. For vegetarians, this summery vegetable makes a hearty anchor to meat-free main dishes and beyond; for omnivores, okra is a versatile veggie side dish to just about any meat, especially one hot off the grill. Even if you’ve never tried or enjoyed okra…

The proper temperature to cook a medium-rare steak is 130 F to 135 F. However, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, beef, lamb, and pork should be cooked to at least 145 F (or above if desired). Keep in mind that the lower temperatures in the chart for rare and medium-rare meat are not recommended by the USDA. The following chart…

We get it: It seems fussy and like a tiny detail to worry about things like room-temperature eggs or how to soften cream cheese when they’re called for in a recipe. But trust our Test Kitchen pros; these small details make a big difference in the result of your recipes. In the latter case, softened…

From dishing about the essential Southern potluck recipes on our Biscuits & Jam podcast to filling us in about her three must-have kitchen tools to sharing her treasured potato chip-topped Funeral Potatoes casserole, we like to think we’re basically BFFs with Ree Drummond. OK, that might be a stretch, but we’ve been lucky enough to…

A quick refresher on cooking safety tips never hurts! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these safety tips in the kitchen should always be followed to guarantee a great meal. Remember: keep it clean, don’t cross-contaminate, and be sure to follow these other tips for food safety. Avoid Cross-Contamination iStock. Close up Woman…

One of the most anticipated highlights of summertime is perfectly ripe, fantastically juicy, wonderfully sweet fresh tomatoes. You’ll no doubt enjoy thick slabs on BLTs and tomato sandwiches, or as is on a seasonal veggie plate. You’ll also probably enjoy them cut into wedges and tossed into a light, refreshing salad. For all of these…

A cast-iron skillet is a prized possession among Southern cooks. Seasoned with years of cooking and loving care, heirloom cast-iron skillets are as valued (and fought over) as Grandma’s china and sterling silver. A new pre-seasoned skillet also makes the perfect gift for a young cook. Browse our collection of delicious recipes that make the…

Zucchini’s sunshiny cousin yellow squash is a welcome sign that summer has arrived. Mild in taste, grilled yellow squash is the perfect accompaniment to almost any seasonal dish, and it’s a delightful ingredient to add to a garden pasta primavera, a veggie quesadilla or lasagna, or a classic ratatouille. Once you pick your yellow squash…

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON How To Make Pulled Pork Ingredients The Pork Pork Butt: While you can totally use boneless pork shoulder instead, pork butt is my preferred cut for this recipe. Though both cuts come from the pig’s shoulder, pork butt has more fat, more marbling, and more connective tissue, so…