Evan Kleiman on Press Play

Hanukkah foods often focus on frying, so latkes are at the center of the table. But when it comes to the sweet side of things, jelly donuts or “sufganiyot” are a must-eat.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The best cookbooks contain stories of cultural and historical importance. Here are Evan Kleiman’s recommendations this year.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The Thanksgiving table often includes rich dishes with soft textures. The next day, some crunch with a nice acidic dressing will be a welcome relief.

Post-Thanksgiving: Time for crunchy salad!

The Thanksgiving table often includes rich dishes with soft textures. The next day, some crunch with a nice acidic dressing will be a welcome relief.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A stew is cooked in less liquid than a soup, so its broth is reduced, sometimes thickened, and more flavorful. Try recipes from authors of “Autentico” and “My Everyday Lagos.”

When it’s cold outside, make yourself some comfort stews

A stew is cooked in less liquid than a soup, so its broth is reduced, sometimes thickened, and more flavorful. Try recipes from authors of “Autentico” and “My Everyday Lagos.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

The benefit of making your own chocolate chip cookies is customization. Crispy or chewy? Nuts or not?

Recipes for chocolate chip cookies: Whole wheat flour or bread flour?

The benefit of making your own chocolate chip cookies is customization. Crispy or chewy? Nuts or not?

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Learn how to make a traditional sheet pan dinner, a savory tray bake from a Cypriot-Turkish tradition, and an upside down baking technique.

Ease back into cooking with sheet pan dinners

Learn how to make a traditional sheet pan dinner, a savory tray bake from a Cypriot-Turkish tradition, and an upside down baking technique.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Tonight’s dinner could be partly saved and repurposed for your kid’s school lunch the next day. Here are ideas to put in bento-style boxes and thermoses.

School lunch packing inspiration for parents

Tonight’s dinner could be partly saved and repurposed for your kid’s school lunch the next day. Here are ideas to put in bento-style boxes and thermoses.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Picnicking during Labor Day weekend? Consider the niçoise pan bagnat, a portable sandwich. Another good choice is ratatouille, a stew celebrating summer ingredients.

Turn to the Mediterranean for summer picnic ideas

Picnicking during Labor Day weekend? Consider the niçoise pan bagnat, a portable sandwich. Another good choice is ratatouille, a stew celebrating summer ingredients.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A hotdish must be a main dish that includes protein, starch, veggies, and a creamy element. Evan Kleiman takes on the recipe for Tim’s Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.

Making Tim Walz’s hotdish: 100% not authentic, 100% delicious

A hotdish must be a main dish that includes protein, starch, veggies, and a creamy element. Evan Kleiman takes on the recipe for Tim’s Turkey Taco Tot Hotdish.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Cucumbers are a perfect foil for condiments of all kinds, so it’s not surprising that TikTok’s cucumber king, Logan Moffitt, is going viral with every cucumber salad recipe he posts.

Hydration plus crunch: Try these viral cucumber salad recipes

Cucumbers are a perfect foil for condiments of all kinds, so it’s not surprising that TikTok’s cucumber king, Logan Moffitt, is going viral with every cucumber salad recipe he posts.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Don’t want to bother working the kitchen amid summer heat? Consider Mediterranean takeout from Papa Cristos, The Great Greek, Jerusalem Chicken, and Mini-Kabob.

Too hot to cook? Go for Mediterranean takeout

Don’t want to bother working the kitchen amid summer heat? Consider Mediterranean takeout from Papa Cristos, The Great Greek, Jerusalem Chicken, and Mini-Kabob.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Veggie fritters are an easy treat to make for yourself and friends. They require few ingredients, the mixture can be made in advance, and cooking takes minutes.

How to make seasonal fritters out of nearly any vegetable

Veggie fritters are an easy treat to make for yourself and friends. They require few ingredients, the mixture can be made in advance, and cooking takes minutes.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Want to grab food in Santa Ana before heading to KCRW’s Summer Nights at the Bowers Museum on Aug. 10? Consider Chapter One, Alebrijes, Heritage BBQ, and more.

Burgers, tacos, BBQ, vegan picks: Where to eat in Santa Ana

Want to grab food in Santa Ana before heading to KCRW’s Summer Nights at the Bowers Museum on Aug. 10? Consider Chapter One, Alebrijes, Heritage BBQ, and more.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Mexican tomatillo salsa, Indian green chutney, and Italian salsa verde — use them as condiments for grilled meat, fish, or tofu.

Try Mexican, Indian, Italian green sauces to enliven savory dishes

Mexican tomatillo salsa, Indian green chutney, and Italian salsa verde — use them as condiments for grilled meat, fish, or tofu.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

One approach to a stone fruit salad: Be inspired by savory hot dishes that combine the peaches, nectarines, etc. with meat and spices.

How to use summer peaches and nectarines in salads and savory dishes

One approach to a stone fruit salad: Be inspired by savory hot dishes that combine the peaches, nectarines, etc. with meat and spices.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Hwachae is a quenching drink that includes fruit (often watermelon), sugar, and ice. Some mixes include a tart-sweet fizzy soda or milk.

Korean fruit punch is the shareable bowl you want for July 4

Hwachae is a quenching drink that includes fruit (often watermelon), sugar, and ice. Some mixes include a tart-sweet fizzy soda or milk.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Ceviche is a good option when summer tamps down on cravings for hot and rich food.

Ceviche: Freshness of fish is paramount. Where to get the best in LA

Ceviche is a good option when summer tamps down on cravings for hot and rich food.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Customization is endless when it comes to baking pizza. Here’s a breakdown of what tools you need, how to make dough, and which toppings to choose.

A pizza party is the best party. How to crank out the pies at home

Customization is endless when it comes to baking pizza. Here’s a breakdown of what tools you need, how to make dough, and which toppings to choose.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

At five can’t-miss pop-ups this summer, treat yourself to Texas-inspired BBQ, vegan mofongo, hand-rolled bagels with homemade cream cheese, crispy duck mole, and more.

Saulitos BBQ, House of Mofos: Don’t miss these summer pop-ups

At five can’t-miss pop-ups this summer, treat yourself to Texas-inspired BBQ, vegan mofongo, hand-rolled bagels with homemade cream cheese, crispy duck mole, and more.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Popsicles should be ice-cold but not ice-hard. Texture and flavor are equally important. The goal: Keep ice crystal formation small, which will produce a softer texture.

To avoid rock-hard popsicles, turn to cornstarch and dairy

Popsicles should be ice-cold but not ice-hard. Texture and flavor are equally important. The goal: Keep ice crystal formation small, which will produce a softer texture.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand