Becky Krystal

Washington, D.C.

Reporter at The Washington Post

Staff writer for Voraciously @WaPoFood, dog parent, wannabe culinary genius. Opinions and desserts my own.

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Articles

Q&A: Ask The Post's Aaron Hutcherson and Becky Krystal about your recipes and kitchen dilemmas

1 week ago | washingtonpost.com | Aaron Hutcherson |Becky Krystal

Trouble in the kitchen? Ask us your cooking questions. Every Wednesday at noon Eastern, Aaron Hutcherson and Becky Krystal answer your cooking questions. June 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. EDT
Thanks, Dad: This Black Forest cake is all about him

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | Becky Krystal

This Black Forest cake includes all the elements you’d expect in the retro dessert, including rich chocolate cake, whipped cream frosting, juicy cherries and a generous pour of kirsch. Rey Lopez for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky The longer I’ve been a parent, the more I appreciate how much my mom and dad have done for me over the years — and the more I want to do for them. Given my profession, that almost inevitably means cooking or baking, which delights them to no end.
You asked: How do I bake with white whole-wheat flour?

2 weeks ago | pressherald.com | Becky Krystal

From left, white whole-wheat flour (or “golden wheat,” in King Arthur Baking’s case), all-purpose flour and whole-wheat flour. Scott Suchman/photo; Lisa Cherkasky/food styling, for The Washington Post Q: I’m intrigued by the white whole-wheat flour thing. Why is it so desirable, and what do I need to know about it? A: The primary appeal of white whole-wheat flour is the fact that it is a whole grain, unlike all-purpose flour, which is refined to remove the bran and germ.
Make this Black Forest cake for dad

2 weeks ago | texarkanagazette.com | Becky Krystal

When you've been in the food-writing world long enough, it's easy to fall into the same traps and tropes, especially for those special occasions that come around every year. One of the most common for Mother's Day or Father's Day is the homage to a special dish one of your parents would always make for you. I'll be the first to admit I've tapped into that well quite a few times, for holidays or not, to talk about my family's favorite dishes.
How do I substitute fresh herbs for one another?

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | Becky Krystal

Fresh herbs are among the easiest swaps to make in a recipe. Just remember to substitute like with like. Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky Q: Is it okay to substitute parsley for other fresh herbs in ground turkey meatballs? I’ve got a bunch to use up and don’t want to make pesto. And I would appreciate general advice on swapping out fresh herbs for one another. A: The good news is that fresh herbs are among the easiest swaps to make in a recipe.
I love cooking for my dad. This Black Forest cake is all about him

2 weeks ago | postguam.com | Becky Krystal

When you’ve been in the food-writing world long enough, it’s easy to fall into the same traps and tropes - especially for those special occasions that come around every year. One of the most common for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day is the homage to a special dish one of your parents would always make for you. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve tapped into that well quite a few times, for holidays or not, to talk about my family’s favorite dishes.
I love cooking for my dad. This Black Forest cake is all about him.

2 weeks ago | washingtonpost.com | Becky Krystal

I love cooking for my dad. This Black Forest cake is all about him. (washingtonpost.com) I love cooking for my dad. This Black Forest cake is all about him. By Becky Krystal 2025060718002700 When you've been in the food-writing world long enough, it's easy to fall into the same traps and tropes, especially for those special occasions that come around every year.
Black Forest Cake

3 weeks ago | washingtonpost.com | Becky Krystal

Make the whipped cream: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the cream 8 to 10 times, just until it stops splashing quite as much. Add the mascarpone, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, and process until the mixture thickens considerably, about 30 seconds. Listen for the food processor to start sounding more muffled as well. Depending on the strength of your appliance, you may need to pulse it more until you get a thick and spreadable consistency.
You asked: How do I bake with white whole-wheat flour?

3 weeks ago | washingtonpost.com | Becky Krystal

You asked: How do I bake with white whole-wheat flour? (washingtonpost.com) You asked: How do I bake with white whole-wheat flour? By Becky Krystal 2025060614004200 I'm intrigued by the white whole-wheat flour thing. Why is it so desirable, and what do I need to know about it? This is a question we received in our live weekly chat, where we help you level up your skills in the kitchen.
Q&A: Ask The Post's Aaron Hutcherson and Becky Krystal about your recipes and kitchen dilemmas

3 weeks ago | washingtonpost.com | Aaron Hutcherson |Becky Krystal

Trouble in the kitchen? Ask us your cooking questions. Every Wednesday at noon Eastern, Aaron Hutcherson and Becky Krystal answer your cooking questions. June 4, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. EDT