Carla Lalli Music
Food Director Emeritus
Carla spent 10 years working in NYC restaurants and was the first General Manager at Shake Shack before making the leap to food media. Her books include the James Beard Award-winning Where Cooking Begins and That Sounds So Good. Since leaving Bon Appétit in 2020, Carla has increased her online presence via a podcast, cohosted with fellow BA alum Rick Martinez, and YouTube channel. She spends most weekends cooking for friends and family, and packs one helluva school lunch.
Peanut Butter–Sriracha Toast
“The fresh herbs and scallion might seem strange, but they work. And the hot sauce? Makes anything better.” —Carla Lalli Music, food and features editor
Crudo Tactics: Make Sure Your Fish Is Fresh and Your Knife Is Sharp
When it comes to crudo (basically Italian sashimi), make sure your fish is very fresh and your knife is very sharp.
Ice Cubes for the Serious Cocktail Fan
If you’re serious about your cocktails, it’s time to start thinking of ice as an ingredient
Ultimate Sugar Cookie Recipe
Our master sugar cookie recipe is easy to handle, can be rolled and then frozen in advance, and can be cut into any shape you desire
How to Pick Clams at the Market
For all the types of clams available, there are as many ways to prepare them. Here’s what you’ll find at the fish market, and how to enjoy them
How to Add Froth & Silky Texture to Cocktails with Eggs
Egg whites add a creaminess and foamy top to cocktails like sours, flips, and fizzes.
The Zojirushi Is a Thermos Worth Bragging About
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is great for keeping your liquids hot or cold for an insanely long time.
How to Cook Cranberry Beans Without a Recipe
Shelling beans like cranberry and cannellini are in farmers' markets now, cook quickly, and taste great, and you don't even need a recipe
How to Make the Ultimate Iceberg Wedge Salad
The classic iceberg wedge salad is making a comeback in many of our favorite new restaurants.
How to Cook with Tomato Water
Tomato water--the rose-colored juice released from the cut fruit--tastes like a super-concentrated version of ripe tomatoes. Here's how to make and use it
3 Recipes for Homemade Seasoning Salts with Herbs and Spices
Salt isn't just salt--it can be a vehicle for far more complex flavors. Here's 3 ways to punch it up with a range of herbs and spices
Refreshing Summer Ginger Drink That Doesn't Require a Recipe
With copious amount of ginger, lemon, lime, and honey, columnist Carla Lalli Music concocts a no-recipe drink powerful enough to battle a heat wave
How to Make Juice Popsicles Without a Recipe
A fruity popsicle is every kid's (and many adults') summer craving, and as columnist Carla Lalli Music explains, you don't need a recipe to make them
How to Grill Flatbread Without a Recipe, Kind of Like a Pizza But Not Really
It's just a grilled flatbread, topped with pizza-like toppings, and made without a recipe by columnist Carla Lalli Music
How to Grill Maitake Mushrooms, a.k.a. Hen of the Woods
Maitake mushrooms--a.k.a. hen of the woods--grill up great. Just add a ton of olive oil, some low heat, and salt and pepper
Extra Ingredients That Make the Classic BLT Sandwich Even Better
As long as you have access to the BLT basics, this tasty trio allows for delicious add-ons and variations.
How to Make Monkfish Stew Without a Recipe
Inspired by the French seafood stew, columnist Carla Lalli Music's talented friend whips up a freestyle version to make her (and us) drool
Mel Brooks on Omelettes, Coffee, and the Inimitable Appetite of Alfred Hitchcock
The subject of PBS's latest American Masters documentary reveals his culinary skills
How to Make Grain Salads Quickly and Without a Recipe
Making a grain salad with farro or wheat berries is not only filling and delicious, it's a dish, says Carla Lalli Music, you can make without a recipe
What Moms Want on Mother's Day
Don't make the kids cook. Don't take Mom out to brunch. Just leave her alone, let her sleep till noon, and don't forget the thermos full of coffee