carrot salad

Over the holidays my girlfriend Elizabeth, who lives in Spain, came to visit me in San Francisco. While she was here, all she wanted to eat were veggie burgers — a dish that is sadly missing from Spanish cuisine. "You know," I said, "you could always make them!"

Although she's not the most advanced home cook, this recipe is simple, quick, and healthy. The patties are a mixture of ground lentils, mint, and scallions. A tangy yogurt sauce and carrot salad on the side give this meal a Mediterranean feel that's sure to please Elizabeth's meat-loving Spanish boyfriend.

To make this hearty burger tonight, read more

Picnics are one of my favorite types of parties to plan. The majority of the food is prepared in advance, allowing the hostess maximum time to chat with her guests, enjoy the sunset, or fly a kite. Cooling salads are always welcome and I'm assembling two to pair with steamed clams and fried chicken. A cucumber, red onion, and basil salad is a a fresh flavor combination that can easily be made for a private picnic or a crowd of twenty. Carrots, one of the world's most underrated and overlooked vegetables, make for a colorful and crisp salad when mixed with peanuts and mint.

And when the moon is high over the ocean I'll break out a portable fork free dessert: mini cherry pies with the perfect balance of flaky pastry and sweet, fruity filling. You know you want to make at least one of these delightful dishes so get the recipe and read more