NY Times Crossword

March 3, 2022 

August Lee-Kovach

The letter strings below may be recognizable as familiar phrases, but some letters have been left out - according to a certain pattern. What letters are these? When you have them and completed the phrases, think of a clever title to this puzzle and compare it to the constructor's - a hint to which is given as the last clue.

1. HIGLIDAYS

2. FRENCRNS

3. BEACUSES

4. ELEVENTUR

5. Simple recipe instruction

Answer:

 

The missing letters are two H's and one O - as in H20 - the chemical formula for water: 

 

1. HIGH HOLIDAYS

2. FRENCH HORNS

3. BEACH HOUSES

4. ELEVENTH HOUR 

 

Answer to clue 5 and puzzle title:

JUST ADD WATER