February/ March 2003

Feature Articles		Page
SHORTCUT CHICKEN STEWS by Tony Rosenfeld A trick or two gives slow-cooked flavor in less time		36
BEETS, ROASTED QUICK OR SLOW by Susie Middleton Two easy methods yield delicious and versatile beets to use in salads and side dishes		41
MASHING POTATOES TO PERFECTION by Roy Finamore and Molly Stevens For fluffy, creamy, or smashed potatoes, choose the right tool and the best potato		44
AN EASYGOING MORNING MENU by Cheryl Alters Jamison and Bill Jamison Comforting, homey food -- with a few neat twists -- is a great way to entertain weekend guests		48
CHOCOLATE-CHIP COOKIES TWO WAYS by Bonnie Gorder-Hinchey To bake them crisp or chewy, control the proportion of sugars and the temperature of the dough		53
OVEN-ROASTED RIBS by Steve Johnson Slow cooking makes these spareribs extra tender; bold rubs and intense sauces give them a spicy kick		56
ASIAN NOODLE SOUPS by Eva Katz Break away from the everyday without losing the comfort of noodle soups		60
POT DE CREME: THE ULTIMATE PUDDING by Martin Courtman How to make the creamiest chocolate, lemon, and coffee-caramel puddings		64
Departments		Page
INDEX Recipes, ingredients, techniques, and tools		6
MENUS Ideas for casual winter entertaining		8
LETTERS		10
CONTRIBUTORS		16
GREAT FINDS Spanish vinegar; toasted pasta; silicone potholders		18
EQUIPMENT Slow cookers		20
IN SEASON Cabbage		22
KITCHEN DETAIL Smart design, great looks		24
Q & A		26
WORLD CUISINES Plantains, a Cuban favorite		28
FOOD SCIENCE Plants with a dangerous edge		30
READERS' TIPS		32
FROM OUR TEST KITCHEN Canned whole tomato taste test; Asian chile paste; slicing chicken cutlets; slow-cooked pot roast; trimming ribs		68
WHERE TO BUY IT		76
ADVERTISER INDEX		81
NUTRITION INFORMATION		82
PULL-OUT RECIPE SECTION Quick & Delicious		82c
ARTISAN FOODS Goat cheese		back cover

Shortcut Chicken Stews, Beets -- Roasted Quick or Slow, Mashing Potatoes to Perfection, An Easygoing Morning Menu, Chocolate-Chip Cookies Two Ways, Oven-Roasted Ribs, Asian Noodle Soups, Pot de Crme: The Ultimate Pudding