Well, the New Year’s resolution to eat healthier is going well. Yep, I made it to day 4 of 2010 before making a cream sauce. Excellent effort, wouldn’t you say? Of course, I managed to justify this indulgence by packing the dish with fresh green beans, red peppers, and skinless chicken breasts. Even as I…
Whole Wheat (or Soba) Noodles with Peanut Sauce, Chicken & Vegetables Recipe
“Peanut butter noodles!” comes the cheer from my boys as soon as they hear the blender fire up. That is, unless it’s Sunday morning. Then the cry becomes, “Smoothies!” While smoothies may edge out the noodles, this recipe has become a family favorite. My kids love it because it includes one of their most beloved…
Cinnamon-Scented Toasted Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts Recipe
With crisp Autumn nights upon us, I am starting to pine for warm, comforting dishes. I climbed into my cozy sweatpants and slippers because I simply can’t cook a comforting meal while wearing shorts and sandals. That’s like slipping into a pair of Spandex after using up all of your McDonald’s coupons in one week. It’s…
Israeli Couscous with Grilled Summer Vegetables
My husband almost had to bring out the straight-jacket. He pretends he doesn’t know me when I start to do my happy-dance in the middle of a grocery store aisle. We were in California for a holiday and, as one must do when in California, we made a stop at Trader Joe’s. Why, oh why,…
Mint-Basil Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe with Tomatoes, Asparagus & Feta Cheese
Okay, so I cheated. I’m not ashamed to admit that I enjoy the flavor and ease of the grocery store rotisserie chicken. Really, you can’t beat the convenience. The vinaigrette melds beautifully with the fresh mint and basil, and the flavorful veggies. To make the vinaigrette, combine 1/4 cup red wine vinegar… 2 tablespoons fresh…
Peasant Pasta & Chickpea Soup
What I love about English chef and restauranteur Jamie Oliver is that he puts fantastic meals together seemingly by instinct, using the freshest seasonal ingredients. He also has a voracious thirst to learn about food. That’s what his book, Jamie’s Italy, is all about. He takes us on his journey as he moves across the…
Spaghetti with Shrimp Scampi
You don’t need to do much to shrimp to make it taste good. It doesn’t mind being fancied up, but I like to think that it’s pretty happy bathing in a simple sauce of olive oil, butter, lemon, and garlic. This meal is perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re trying to throw dinner together…
Greek Shrimp Orzo
With a little citrus dressing, sweet shrimp, and tangy feta, this orzo salad is a wonderful spring or summer meal. Combine 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (none of that pre-squeezed stuff in the little plastic lemon – it’s a PLASTIC lemon, people – that should be our first clue about the taste, right?) and…
Spaghetti with Creamy Mascarpone Sauce, Italian Sausage, & Pine Nuts Recipe
I got the idea for this dish from Giada de Laurentiis, the Food Network star with the really big…um…eyes. Seriously, I have tried many of her recipes and they have all been winners. This pasta is the ultimate comfort food for me and whenever I make it, everything I know about portion control goes out…