Two years ago I could go for days without setting foot in my kitchen. Work had taken over my life, and I didn't even make coffee for myself. I had lots of nice things—four sizes of pots, skillets, a stock pot, a wok, baking sheets, pie plates, a slow cooker, a rice cooker, a bread maker, a KitchenAid mixer—but they were just crowding my kitchen.

While fantasizing about a balanced life, I read the book Apartment Therapy by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. To get the most out of your living space, it advises cooking at least one meal a week at home. So … Read More

Apparently, red red wine does make one feel so fine and in more ways than a mellow '80s reggae hit would have you believe.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Italian researchers claim that sex drives are higher in women who prefer red wine as opposed to those who favor other alcoholic beverages. Single In Italy: A Recipe For Seduction

University of Florence doctors surveyed 800 women, all between the ages of 18 and 50, and separated them into three groups based on their drinking habits: red wine drinkers, those who prefer … Read More

They, in their infinite wisdom, say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach (though some would say to aim a little lower). But the gang over at Glamour has been able to dial in this chestnut to create a single dish that will force him to his bent knee. The engagement chicken is such a meal; he will be so overcome that he has no recourse but to pop the question. Beth Ostrosky used this technique to expedite a betrothal from badass bachelor Howard Stern (King Of Media, not the lawyer lover … Read More

Candlelight, red wine, freshly made pasta. Flirting at a small table in a corner infrequently visited by the waiter. Such are the makings of a great date. 

But not if you can't eat what they're serving. What if you must start with a 10-minute interrogation: Can the scaloppini be prepared without a dusting of flour? Can I forgo the bed of pasta and just have the red pepper salmon? Does the chef use anything to thicken the risotto? Embarrassing. Your waiter takes a few trips to the kitchen to speak with the chef, and your date progresses in fits … Read More

Looking for a low-key, cozy way to welcome in the New Year? How about snuggling up to your honey with a warm cup of glögg? Lest you stress about that charming but pesky umlaut, we’ll toss you a hint: Glögg rhymes with chug. Easy, right? Now here’s another tip: Feel free to use an inexpensive wine, since the added spices will take center stage in this winter cocktail.

1 1/2 cups vodka 10 cloves 10 cardamom pods 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled Zest of 1 orange 1 (750-ml) bottle inexpensive red wine 1/2 cup … Read More

 Who doesn’t fantasize about having a personal chef? Cooking often seems like just another chore, especially when the burden falls more on one partner. But what if making a meal were a way to get you talking, laughing, and enjoying each other after a grueling day?

It can happen—if you divvy up the labor. To take the guesswork out of job-sharing, we’ve divided the kitchen into domains and designed this menu for two chefs: one on prep, and one at the stove. Our plan is easy, equitable, and set up for sharing the kitchen seamlessly, with no squabbling.

… Read More