1. One notrump. This hand meets all the requirements for an opening one-notrump bid: 15 to 17 high-card points, balanced distribution (4-3-3-3, 4-4-3-2 or 5-3-3-2) and stoppers in at least three suits. It is far better to open with one notrump than one heart. Perhaps the most important reason ...

DEAR ANNIE: I was really excited when I landed my dream job a few months ago. It has great pay and a title that can really take me places. But now, just a few months in, I’m pulling my hair out. We’re in our “busy season,” which means lots of late nights and working weekends. Every time ...

DEAR HELOISE: Stale chips used to end up in the trash at my house far too often. Now I bring them back to life with a quick oven trick that really works: Spread the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet so that they heat evenly. Slide the pan into an oven set to 300 F for about 5 minutes. ...

A defender should assume, as a matter of course, that the contract he’s defending against can be defeated. If he does not cultivate this attitude as a regular habit, many opportunities to defeat opposing contracts will pass him by. Let’s say you’re East on this deal and partner leads ...

My kids love this dish from my cookbook "Familia" because of the crispy chicken skin. You are essentially creating a confit where the chicken cooks in its own fat. The flavor comes from the smoky and tangy dressing, which you don't have to make in a molcajete, but if you have one please use ...