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.
All I Really Want for Mother’s Day Is to Be Alone With This Masala Chai
Make me a cup, then please leave.
I Won’t Grill Without My Trusty Headlamp
’Cause it’s actually way dorkier to look ill prepared.
The Easiest No-Cook Side You’ll Make All Season
Sugar snap peas are so tender and fresh this time of the year, we like ‘em raw with a tangy, creamy dressing.
Nobody’s Perfect, Except for This Pizza
Coming up with all the recipes for each component was such a mega-mindmeld, we had to make a TV show about it.
White Pesto Pasta
Built of toasted nuts, creamy ricotta, and salty Parmesan, you don’t even need a food processor to make this riff on the normal pesto you know and love.
Why Deep Fry When You Can Dry Fry?
These Blistered Green Beans with Garlic are all the convincing I need.
My Broccoli Delight Recipe Won’t Be Censored Any Longer
It’s the best thing I ever made (apparently), but no one would let me share it—until now.
Food Tastes Better When You Shop Smarter
The schlep-less, annoyance-free path to better meals.
Don’t Even Ask, Because I Will Not Share This Savory Breakfast With You
Fatteh hummus serves four, but it’s mine, all mine.
10 Fundamental Lessons That Will Make You a More Confident Cook
Behind every great dish is a simple principle. BA food director Carla Lalli Music shares the basic theories behind her new book, Where Cooking Begins.
You Probably Have Way Too Many Spices in Your Spice Drawer
Right this way to the stuff you should actually be keeping around—and exactly how to use them.
The Best Sweet Potatoes are Steamed, and I Don't Want to Hear About It
Fluffy, pudding-like sweet potatoes are even better topped with tahini butter and a generous shake of sesame seeds.
How to Make a Killer Fruit Salad No Matter the Time of Year
It’s a simple formula: sweet-juicy fruit, crunchy-salty nuts, and chewy-fatty cheese.
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
A straight-down-the-middle, nostalgic-tasting tomato soup with long-cooked flavor and a short cook time.
This Omelet Solves Your “What’s For Dinner?” Problem Once and For All
All you need is eggs, ricotta, bacon, mushrooms—and about 15 minutes.
Overripe Bananas Have a Heaven, and It’s This Banana Bread
The search for the best of the best ends here.
Fresh Fruit With Cheese and Peppery Nuts
Make this fail-safe combination of sweet-juicy fruit, crunchy-salty nuts, and chewy-fatty cheese your all-season salad template.