Simple Cooking

To keep the burgers juicy, don't pack the meat too tightly.

Remember: Spatchcock is not a dirty word. In fact, it's the speediest, easiest way to grill a whole bird. Also known as butterflying, the technique (see above) exposes lots of skin directly to the heat, guaranteeing thorough browning and crisping— coaxed further by pressing with bricks. Spatchcocked chicken, delicious on its own, is also great Garlicky Mayonnaise , Charred Tomatillo Salsa Verde , or Zingy Red Sauce .

There's quite a bit of lore surrounding beer-can chicken, and for good reason. Just look at that burnished mahogany bird. The steam from the brew flavors the meat and keeps it moist. The can props the chicken up, so it roasts evenly—no scorching, no flipping, no stressing. And you get to drink some beer. We're believers.

The seductively high ratio of skin to meat is what makes wings taste so good, and grilling takes full advantage of that. This herb marinade is bright and summery, and light enough to let the skin get nice and crisp.

In Texas, barbecue is about beef: specifically brisket, the cut by which any joint is judged. Brisket has become a favorite of restaurant chefs, too, hence the smoke ribbons and Hank Williams songs drifting out of restaurants as far away as Brooklyn. But can great brisket be made at home? I devoted a weekend to the task and learned that with a few key ingredients— salt, pepper, patience, and advice from Aaron Franklin, my neighbor and the pitmaster at Franklin Barbecue in Austin—swoonworthy results are doable. You just have to take the time—12 smoky hours. Brisket (from the cow's breast or lower chest) is rich in connective tissue, so it requires a low-and-slow process to relax the muscle into tender goodness—a pleasure that can't be achieved with a quicker method. Luckily, those first unforgettable bites are worth the weekend. So let's get started.

Lillet, a fruity, easy-drinking fortified wine, is a staple in Chef Ripert's summer pantry.

You can use this simple formula to wake up the Beer-Can Chicken , add another layer of flavor to the Barbecued Chicken , or sass up plenty of things that aren't poultry, like pork, steak, or vegetables.

Serving "green stuff" to kids can be a challenge. But a crunchy salad of bite-size vegetables holds plenty of appeal.

Use a metal cake tester or thin paring knife to check the potatoes; they should still hold their shape but offer no resistance when pierced.

Feel free to experiment with other seasonings besides sumac, like lemon zest, za'atar, or crushed red pepper flakes.

This riff on a Tom Collins calls for Japanese whisky, which is known for being exceptionally balanced and smooth. Your favorite Scotch whisky is a good substitute.

Juicy lemon segments balance out the salad of briny olives, salty capers, and fragrant oregano that tops this quick and easy fish dish.

"The taste of kale is tempered by old favorites like cheese and avocado." —Bittman

These are fairly large and entrée-sized. If you want them smaller, reduce the cook time by a few minutes.

The secret to homemade brittle? Work fast—it hardens quickly.

Beets' red hue is pretty, but the stains—not so much. Scrub cutting board ASAP with hot, soapy water.

We upped the creaminess factor but not the fat by mixing feta with nonfat yogurt.