roasted red peppers

While I do appreciate sugary gifts during the holiday season, I tend to prefer savory provisions filled with flavor. Things like marinated feta cheese get me all excited, which is why roasted red peppers with garlic make a wonderful present.

This edible gift is incredible easy to make, lasts up to a week in the refrigerator, and is a colorful and flavorful way to show somebody that you appreciate them. Roasted red peppers can be enjoyed on a fresh, crunchy baguette, in a sandwich, on a pizza — the possibilities are endless! Stuff your peppers into a pretty jar, label it, and decorate with raffia and sweet Christmas decorations. For the simple, savory recipe, keep on reading.

While I normally roast peppers following the traditional method (in the oven), sometimes I get lazy and simply throw them directly on the gas stove like I'm a Spanish grandma. Here's how you do it:

1. Turn the burner's heat up to high and place the peppers over the flame.
2. Let them cook, until blackened and charred, turning every couple of minutes to burn each part of the pepper.
3. The rest of the procedure is the same: once charred, place the peppers in a plastic-wrap covered bowl or brown paper bag to steam. When cooled, peel, slice, and use!

What's your technique for roasting peppers? Share it with us below in the comments.

The other day I had friends over for dinner, and since it was raining, I wanted to serve a comforting meal like soup and sandwiches. The classic soup and sandwich combination is tomato soup and grilled cheese, but I was in the mood for something a little different, something like roasted red pepper soup and grilled cheese sandwiches with prosciutto (stay tuned for that recipe!).

This easy soup, which comes together in about 45 minutes, consists of jarred roasted red peppers, fresh thyme, onions, and garlic. It's hefty thanks to one potato and creamy due to the dollop of mascarpone cheese on the finished product. Although the recipe doesn't call for it, I garnished the soup with a drizzle of Sriracha sauce. It gives the rich, velvety soup a spicy kick. Want the uncomplicated recipe? Keep reading.

Traveling the globe can be pricey, but trying out new worldly recipes in your own kitchen is an easy and inexpensive way to taste more of the planet. In our world traveler series, we are doing just that: exploring the earth one dish at a time.

Muhammara is a Syrian roasted pepper and walnut dip often served with crackers, on kebabs, or over meat and fish. The longest part of preparing the dip is roasting the bell peppers. Of course you could just buy a jar, but they are so much better fresh. If you have never roasted your own, check out this how-to slideshow. Once you have the roasted bell peppers, the dip is incredibly simple to make with the help of a food processor.

The sweetness from the pomegranate molasses and roasted bell peppers is balanced by the tart lemon juice and spicy kick of jalapeño. I served it with pita chips, but it would be great as a veggie dip or a sandwich condiment. Skip the hummus and the onion dip and give muhammara a try. Curious about the recipe? Keep reading.

It's just one week until Dec. 25, and between the Christmas cookies, edible gifts, and holiday cocktail parties, my regular diet has gone by the wayside. Tonight I'm taking matters into my own hands by making a healthy steak and couscous dish. Couscous is a simple ingredient and it's important to season it well. This recipe does so with a Moroccan-inspired mixture of spices — cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. The steak is rubbed with the same blend, resulting in a dish that is intensely flavorful. To get the straightforward recipe, read more