If you’re proficient in the culinary arts, the NYT Strands clues for today should be easy to navigate.

Strands, the New York Times‘ elegant word-search challenge, presents players with a distinctive twist on classic word searches. Words are created from interconnected letters in any direction, including diagonally, and may change directions, resulting in unconventional shapes. Every letter within the grid contributes to a solution. A theme links all responses, as well as the “spangram,” a unique term or phrase that embodies the daily theme and extends across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing an ambiguous hint and leaving out the word list, Strands crafts a stimulating game that often requires more time to finish compared to other games like Wordle and Connections.

If you find yourself at a standstill or lack 10 minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we offer all the NYT Strands clues you need to advance at your own speed.

NYT Strands clue for today’s theme: On the chopping block

The terms relate to culinary techniques.

Today’s NYT Strands theme clearly outlined

These terms illustrate methods to prepare food.

NYT Strands spangram clue: Is it vertical or horizontal?

This day’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram solution today

This day’s spangram is Immune Boosters.

NYT Strands word collection for December 19

• Julienne

• Cube

• Making the Cut