eating well

If you're hosting a crowd and can't decide whether your guests would rather eat sweet or savory brunch, here's an idea: make it easy to serve both! Take an unconventional approach by serving Dutch baby pancakes — the famously puffy hotcakes baked in the pan — with toppings both sweet and savory.

Those looking for a sugar high will always appreciate the original, enjoyed with little more than sugar, butter, and a squeeze of lemon. For a heftier option, dot the eggy batter with slices of sautéed onion and crumbles of soft goat cheese, along with a balsamic vinegar reduction for drizzling. Very grown-up, indeed. For the breakfast dish that offers something for everyone, read more.

There are many ways to be shopper-savvy at Summer farmers markets, like not going overboard with the amount of produce you buy. But even I have been known to overcommit and wind up knee-deep in a pile of ripening tomatoes.

Next time that happens, I know what I'll be whipping up: a batch of this healthy, yet hearty vegetable soup. It's loaded with ripe tomatoes, then topped with shredded parmesan and toasted country bread. Make the most of your tomato bounty when you read more.

With the help of ready-made crepes, you can have a vegetarian French-inspired feast in a matter of minutes. The filling is a mixture of zucchini, green beans, corn, ricotta, and monterey jack cheese. It's rich and creamy, but not too heavy to enjoy on a warm Summer evening. Pair the crepes with a mixed heirloom tomato salad and a crisp sparkling Rosé. Interested in learning this uncomplicated and delicious recipe? Please read more.

Three simple ingredients — chicken, tomatoes, and broccoli — come together effortlessly in this uncomplicated, yet flavorful dish. Consider this recipe a loose guide: if you prefer to grill the chicken breasts instead of poaching them, do so. Likewise, for a rich smokiness, char the tomatoes and broccoli on the grill. Need a more substantial main? Toss the listed components with toasted bread cubes, cooked rice, or your favorite cheese. Get the adaptable recipe now.

Firing up the barbecue doesn't have to be a production of epic proportions; there are measures that can be taken, just like in any other cooking method, to have something on the table in under 30 minutes. Make inexpensive Summer corn the star of the meal as the fresh topping on a wheat pizza, utilizing pantry staples like canned black beans, barbecue sauce, and smoked mozzarella to play supporting roles. It'll be ready when the toppings have melted together and the bottom's been graced with grill marks. For the recipe, keep reading.

Avocados are a natural pairing with black beans, but the creamy healthy fruit also goes well with white beans. This recipe highlights the two ingredients by combining them into a mashed filling for a flavorful wrap. The wrap is seasoned with a simple cider and spicy chipotle chiles in adobo vinaigrette. It's the perfect on-the-go vegetarian meal. Since there's no mayonnaise, the vegetable-stuffed wrap is also great for picnics. Want the recipe? Get it now.

If you are in desperate need of a quick-cooking meal, pick up a pack of chicken tenders. This kid-friendly cut of meat is incredibly versatile (it can be seasoned with just about anything), and in a matter of minutes it's cooked all the way through.

Sear in a wok or other large pan with asparagus, ginger, green onions, and chili sauce for an Asian-inspired meal. Serve over rice and you've got a healthy, balanced, and flavorful dinner. Want the recipe? Read more.

When I hear the word scramble, I automatically think of eggs. However, this vegetarian-friendly recipe replaces the eggs with crumbled tofu. The resulting dish, seasoned with chili powder and cilantro, is flavorful and hearty. Feel free to use the recipe loosely, if you prefer red peppers and mushrooms, throw those in place of zucchini and corn. For a complete balanced meal, serve the scramble with warm tortillas and black beans. To look at the savory and satisfying recipe, read more

When I was little, I always enjoyed tostadas, with their crunchy shell and heaping pile of toppings, more than tacos. However, these days, thanks to the wild popularity of tacos, tostadas are often forgotten. That's why I say it's time to embrace the toastada with this amazing-sounding recipe! It layers chunks of flaky salmon with a creamy black bean spread, crunchy cabbage, and tangy sour cream. Although the ingredient list calls for canned salmon, I'll splurge on a fillet of the pink-fleshed fish. To celebrate the deliciousness that is the tostada, read more

Juicy sirloin steak is famously delicious in a burger or a stir-fry, but if you're looking for a quick, fresh take on the cut, opt for something different, like a Japanese-style beef tataki.

If you've never had it, tataki is a Japanese cooking preparation that involves flash-searing meat or fish and serving it infused with a soy and ponzu sauce.

For a complete meal, offer this speedy beef-and-vegetables meal over a bed of steamed rice or cooked soba noodles. Get the recipe now.