June/ July 2001

Articles		Page
GRILL A JUICY BURGER; TOP IT TO YOUR TASTE by Steve Johnson Here's a refresher course on perfectly brilled burgers -- with inspiration for savory toppings that make them even better		36
REAL BAKED BEANS IN HALF THE TIME by Jasper White For that sweet, old-fashioned flavor, you don't need to bake beans for hours -- just turn up the heat		40
FRESH VEGETABLES GET GREAT FLAVOR FAST by Susie Middleton For perfect texture and more control, parboil ahead of time; at the last minute, season and saute for flavor		43
A DO-AHEAD MIX FOR QUICK AND EASY BAKING by Kathleen Stewart A single homemade mix lets you make delicious scones, biscuits, and shortcakes at a moment's notice		48
Cooking without recipes: FILL YOUR SOUP POT WITH SUMMER'S VEGETABLES by Pam Anderson An easy formula guarantees a successful, flavor-packed soup -- and still leaves room for creativity		52
SAVORY STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS by Martha Holmberg Put a bit of stuffing under the skin to enhance flavor and to keep the meat from drying out		57
THE TRICK TO SMOOTH, CREAMY PESTO by Robert Danhi Blanch the basil first to keep its bright color and to create a better emulsion		62
MASTER CLASS: RICH FILLINGS AND SIMPLE SAUCES MAKE THE BEST RAVIOLI by Alan Tardi Start with a tender homemade dough and add assertive fillings for stuffed pasta that's packed with flavor		66
SCOOPS FOR ICE CREAM AND MORE by Joanne McAllister Smart An open-sided scoop is the ice-cream pros' favorite, but a trigger-release disher is best for batters		72
IT'S CHERRY SEASON! by Fran Gage Cherry-studded focaccia, a creamy mousse, and an almond-topped custard tart make the most of this fruit's brief appearance		75
Departments		Page
CONTRIBUTORS		6
LETTERS		8
AT THE MARKET		14
Q & A		16
ENJOYING WINE Getting to know California's major wine regions		20
CUISINES The sweet-and-sour soul of Sicilian cooking		22
TASTED & TESTED		26
TECHNIQUE CLASS Cooking en papillote seals in flavor		28
KITCHEN DETAIL Cool places to store spices		30
BASICS A clam primer; boning chicken breasts; hulling strawberries		80
REVIEWS Explore new flavors with six expert books		82
SOURCES Essential		84
ADVERTISER INDEX		88
RECIPE & TECHNIQUE INDEX		89
NUTRITION INFORMATION		89
QUICK & DELICIOUS For quick grilling, think kebabs		90
ARTISAN FOODS The ripest fruit, the biggest flavor		92

Grill a Juicy Burger, Top It to Your Taste; Real Baked Beans in Half the Time; Fresh Vegetables Get Great Flavor Fast; A Do-Ahead Mix for Quick and Easy Baking; Fill Your Soup Pot with Summer's Vegetables; Savory Stuffed Chicken Breasts; The Trick to Smooth Creamy Pesto; Rich Fillings and Simple Sauces Make the Best Ravioli; Scoops for Ice Cream and More; It's Cherry Season