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There aren’t many single-function kitchen tools that I can get behind. Do we really need a jalapeño corer and an avocado cuber? I’ll admit I do love a strawberry huller and a citrus squeezer, but generally these types of products are fun at first use, then end up collecting dust and making clutter in my kitchen. My knives or my hands alone end up doing all the work.

There is one seemingly gimmicky tool in my kit that I absolutely adore and highly recommend; a handy little number: the julienne peeler.

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It’s finally happening: Berry season is upon us. I can now stop staring at my bags of frozen Trader Joe’s berries, wondering when I’ll be able to pick up fresh ones in the store. Here in Seattle, we often see local cherries first and then, of course, all those gorgeous blueberries and strawberries, many from California. I’ve been scattering the blueberries on my yogurt in the morning, but then I thought about making something a bit more substantial — and trying to do so without veering into dessert territory (always an easy go-to for me).

So here’s a version of a baked oatmeal made with one of my favorite grains: buckwheat.

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Recipe: Smoked Almond Snack Bars

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Whether it’s a weekend road trip or I’m heading somewhere by plane or train, it’s only a matter of time before I find myself reaching for a snack. There’s just something about travel that brings on the munchies, no matter how long the journey.

When planning your next trip this summer, don’t forget the travel snacks. Here are 15 simple sweet and savory recipes that can really go the distance.

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In my family I’m the peacekeeper — the perceptive one, the one who remembers things people have forgotten. Basically, I get things first. So I was a little taken aback when my older brother — older by just 14 months, mind you — was completely nonchalant when I brought up my realization that I was friends with our parents. “I think I’m friends with mom and dad,” I said. “Yeah,” he replied, pausing just long enough to let the I’m older and wiser than you settle in. “Guess what else,” he says. “They’re people too.” My brother, J, is the observant one. He sees things before most people and waits and waits to tell you about it until it’s the right time for you to know it.

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Yogurt Parfait Breakfast Popsicles

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Not only are popsicles the most refreshing summer treat on the block, they’re also insanely easy to make. Really! If you have yet to make your own, let this be the summer to make that happen. Leave the store-bought pops at the store, and make your own.

From yogurt and sweet, fruit-filled popsicles to chocolatey treats and even boozy options, here are 10 popsicle recipes that will definitely make your summer a lot cooler.

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• Today’s topic: Taste your finished homebrew
• The Kitchn’s Beer School: 20 lessons, 7 assignments to brew your first 1-gallon batch of beer.
• Sign up & see all the assignments! The Kitchn’s Beer School

Today is the day! Your homebrew is finally ready to be tasted. You’ve been so patient the past few weeks through all the stages of brewing — first collecting all the equipment and ingredients, then brewing the beer wort, and nursing it through primary and secondary fermentation — and now it’s time for your reward. Go on. Grab a bottle opener. It’s time.

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