eating well

Root vegetables have taken, well, root for the time being — at least until days go back to being longer and sunnier. Since these healthy vegetables will be abound all Winter, why not get acquainted with cooking them in different ways?

Although they're delicious in lasagna, gratins, and hashes, the most straightforward preparation is to roast them (carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, potatoes, or any other related roots) and then serve them with light seasonings.

For an even more exciting assortment of flavors, experiment by offering your root vegetable medley two ways — one sweetened with an apple cider and sugar glaze, and the other made savory with the help of smoked wood chips. Decide which dish you like more when you keep on reading.

If you love stuffed cabbage rolls but aren't in the mood to get your hands dirty, this soup might just be the way to go.

While Golden Delicious apples and honey lend the dish a bit of sweetness, cider vinegar ensures every spoonful ends with a bit of bite, too. The soothing, one-pot meal also includes caraway seeds, thyme, and paprika; take the Eastern European flavors to the next level by serving alongside crusty rye bread. For the healthy, comforting recipe, read more.

At the start of the week, don't consume yourself with preparing an elaborate meal. Rather, take advantage of proteins that'll translate well from Sunday to Monday, like chicken tenders. Not only are these tender cuts of chicken breast healthy, but they're also extremely quick-cooking, which makes them ideal for a speedy dinner bake with a medley of vegetables like red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, onions, and fresh herbs. A sprinkling of pickled jalapeños provides an addictive, lingering kick. For a wholesome yet flavorful dinner solution, read more.

Stir-fries should definitely be a part of your regular weeknight-cooking repertoire. They come together incredibly quickly and can be made with an endless assortment of ingredients. This basic variation combines chunks of skinless boneless chicken tenders with bell peppers and onions. For a complete meal, serve on a bed of brown rice with a side of sautéed bok choy. The recipe calls for frozen vegetables, but it doesn't take that much time to chop fresh peppers and onions. To get the healthy technique that can be used over and over again, keep reading.

Just because the weather has started to turn chilly doesn't mean you can't enjoy burgers. Simply griddle the patties inside instead of charring on the outdoor grill. For an alternative to the classic beef burger, consider canned crabmeat. This recipe makes an effortless and flavorful crab patty by combining chives, panko, and Dijon mustard with spices. If you're pressed for time, serve with a store-bought tartar sauce; or take this burger to another level by offering it with a homemade lemon-garlic aioli. Read on for the recipe.

Southern vegetable staple okra is everywhere this time of year at Bay Area farmers markets, and it's perfect in everything from Summer skillet stir-fries to soothing, slow-cooked tagines like this one.

The key to this tender vegetable braise is lots of patience and a fiery, full-bodied garlic and pepper paste known as harissa. Use it to add layers of savory complexity to this slow-cooked vegetable stew. For the recipe, keep reading.

While I'm sure you've enjoyed many chicken breast sandwiches, have you ever eaten one with the other white meat? I suggest you do so tonight! This recipe is quick and delicious. Instead of simply placing a slice of cheese and a pickle on top of the boneless pork chop, the cheese and pickle are stuffed into the meat. Don't be afraid to get creative with this sandwich; substitute arugula for lettuce or caramelized onions for the tomatoes. If you're interested in this satisfying Friday night meal, get the recipe after the jump.

Sometimes when I want to get crazy with my pasta dishes, I swap out the usual spaghetti or penne for orecchiette — it's one of my favorite pasta shapes.

Throw in some nutty broccoli rabe and chickpeas (garbanzo beans), toss in a light, garlicky sauce, and you have a healthy vegetarian dinner that's a cinch to make.

For the recipe, keep reading.

Worried about a week's worth of overindulgence? Then a light, healthy fish dinner may be just the ticket. Budget-friendly tilapia is versatile enough to be delicious in tostadas or soup, or even crusted and fried, but in this simple dish it takes center stage. A quick glaze of Chinese five-spice, soy sauce, and brown sugar gives it a flavorful kick. The added bonus? It can be made in 15 minutes!

Get the recipe when you keep reading.

I've always hated the end of August. The weather is inevitably gorgeous, but you can't enjoy it because you have to go back to school or work. In times like these, one shouldn't be bothered with long, complicated cooking preparations. Instead, use leftover chicken or precooked breasts from the store to throw together a quick chicken salad. To make the standby more exciting, stir in curry powder and stuff inside a pita half. This recipe is highly adaptable; use whatever dried fruit and crunchy vegetables float your fancy. Just be sure to keep things simple.

Learn the method after the jump.