Late last month in Prospect Park, I ran past a patch of purple crocuses practically glowing in the sun. #food #ifttt #nyt

Buddha Lo was in real trouble. Yes, the reigning champion of “Top Chef” approached the first Quickfire Challenge of the reality television show’s 20th season, which premiered Thursday, with skill and swagger. But he had cream when he needed butter. Could Mr. #food #ifttt #nyt

Summer gets a lot of hype for its bounty of produce, but there’s something special, hopeful even, about cooking with winter vegetables. #food #ifttt #nyt

Inflation may have eased in recent months, but the shelves of retail wine shops show no evidence of such economic calming. Wines that used to fit comfortably in my 20 under $20 series have shot upward in price like a teenager growing out of last year’s favorite jeans. #food #ifttt #nyt

MINNEAPOLIS — When Raghavan Iyer was a young graduate with a chemistry degree trying to decide what to do with his life, he went to the United States Consulate in his native Mumbai and flipped through college catalogs. It was one of those moments in life when one decision changes everything. #food #ifttt #nyt

For some home cooks, the slow cooker is the fairy godmother of kitchen appliances. #food #ifttt #nyt