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Meet Your New Favorite Everyday Pasta

Susannah Chen — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:54:06 PST

There are some commonplace Italian pasta recipes that are so simple yet stunning that I'll find myself on a streak of making them two, three, six times a month.
Spaghetti cacio e pepe falls under this category. So do pasta carbonara and spaghetti aglio e olio. But after years of making these dishes, I didn't think there were many more minimalist pasta combinations to discover.

Then I stumbled upon my latest obsession while out on a dinner date at the Campania-centric Italian restaurant A 16, where I enjoyed a plate of linguine tossed with torn cavolo nero and dressed in a pungent elixir of Italian anchovy sauce, barely-cooked garlic, and spicy red pepper flakes. By the end of that weekend, I'd already come up with a version myself, using some of my latest pantry fixations.

Keep reading for a new favorite rustic pasta recipe.

Fast and Easy: Tropical Fruit With Arugula and Pickled Shallots

Lauren Hendrickson — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:40:42 PDT

Looking for a new fruit salad recipe? I've found one! This scrumptious salad combines the sweetness of tropical fruits with creamy avocados, peppery arugula, crunchy pistachios, and tart shallots. Once all of the fruit has been prepped, this salad is easy to make. If you have never cut a pineapple, don't fret it, just follow these simple steps. The vinaigrette is wonderfully complex. It's a blend of champagne vinegar infused with shallots, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Ready to try a new take on an old classic? Keep reading for the recipe.

A New Way to Eat Asparagus

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:07:31 PDT

If you love grilled, roasted, or sautéed asparagus, why not try Spring's most beloved vegetable a new way? I'm talking about eating it raw. Although it may seem crazy at first, raw asparagus is actually quite delicious - especially when you shave it into paper-thin slices and toss it in a salad with peppery arugula and nutty manchego cheese. This salad is my new favorite! It's light and wonderful on its own, but pairs with everything from roasted fish to eggplant parmesan. Interested in the uncomplicated recipe? Read more.

A Versatile Side That Takes Just 10 Minutes to Make

Katie Sweeney — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:12:00 PDT

Sick of potatoes and pasta? Then it's time to start experimenting with couscous! This incredibly quick-cooking grain (it's done in just five minutes), which can be found in most supermarkets, is native to North Africa and consists of coarsely ground semolina wheat that's typically coated in wheat flour.

Besides being superfast to make, couscous is great because it's like chicken: you can season it virtually however you want. This recipe combines golden couscous with lemon zest, scallions, and arugula for a fresh and delicious side that pairs with everything from garbanzo beans to lamb tagine to roast fish. Ready for the uncomplicated method you'll use over and over again? Then read more.

Savory Sight: Blood Orange and Avocado Salad

Yum Community — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:39:17 PST

If you've found this season's salads to be a bit lacking, take inspiration from this wintry mix that lauren recently prepared.I love trying out new salad combinations; this one is grapefruit, blood orange, avocado, arugula with a homemade basil dijon mustard vinaigrette.

Have a favorite version of greens? Share it with the rest of us by uploading it into the YumSugar Community's food photography group, Savory Sights.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Pork Tenderloin With Arugula Avocado Salad

Katie Sweeney — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:17:23 PST

If you're tired of the same old boring salad, I highly recommend you give this recipe a try. It combines pan-seared pork tenderloin with a hearty, delicious, and flavorful mixture of arugula, avocados, tomatoes, and olives. Feta cheese gives it a creamy texture and tangy saltiness. This dish comes together quickly, which is crucial for weeknight meals. While the meat cooks, put together the salad. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a healthful and satisfying dinner. Check out the recipe after the break.

Fast and Easy Dinner: Chicken Tacos With Greens

Lauren Hendrickson — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:03:42 PST

Taco night is a regular thing in my house since they are an easy weeknight dinner. However, I've gotten bored eating the same filling, so I started exploring more authentic options on Rick Bayless's website. The first one to catch my eye was this quick chicken recipe with a variety of greens including chard, spinach, and arugula - all topped with Mexican sour cream and freshly roasted poblanos. The recipe only calls for two chicken breasts, but the onions, greens, and poblanos bulk up the filling. There was plenty for my party of four and a little left over. I topped the tacos with chopped scallions and a squeeze of lime juice; next time I'll add cilantro. Spice up your taco night with this scrumptious soft taco filling and use the leftovers for amazing quesadillas or enchiladas. Get the recipe and see how the quesadilla turned out by reading more.

Killer App: Creamy Shrimp Crostini

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:00:35 PST

There are certain dishes that I'm obsessed with. Among them are shrimp appetizers and crostini, so imagine my delight when I came across Giada de Laurentiis's recipe for a shrimp crostini appetizer! The most important part of this dish is the bread; select a loaf that's sturdy and can hold the gooey thick topping. It's a mixture of plump pink shrimp, vibrant peppery arugula, and juicy fresh tomatoes. There's a slight creaminess thanks to the addition of mascarpone cheese that also provides a great richness. These finger-licking good hors d'oeuvres are excellent with a glass of crisp white wine. Ready for the recipe? Read more.

'Tis the Season: 10 Winter Greens Recipes

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 03:05:54 PST

It's hard to imagine that so many leafy greens can withstand the cold temperatures of Winter, but they somehow manage. Greens like kale, chard, spinach, arugula, and bok choy are abundant right now, which is a big win. These veggies are good for you and so versatile: they work in soups, salads, curries, and on their own. Keep reading to find out which Winter greens recipes we'll be making this season.

Love Trader Joe's? Then You've Got to Make This Recipe

Susannah Chen — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:55:11 PST

Since you've crowned Trader Joe's your favorite grocery store three years in a row, I've decided I'm long overdue to share something with you: my top TJ's product, and the definitive recipe to go with it.

I've always loved the half-healthy, half-indulgent quality of the chain's Cilantro & Chive Yogurt Dip. It's wonderful spooned atop silvers of smoked salmon and thick-cut chips, blended with buttermilk for a unique dressing, or as a dip for carrots and celery. But I can't take credit for the hands-down best way to enjoy this: in a sourdough bread and roast beef sandwich. That brilliant idea goes to my best friend, who came up with this simple yet amazing combo when she didn't have any condiments in her refrigerator.

This sandwich, which contains items that can be found at all Trader Joe's stores, may not sound like anything special, but make no mistake - it's amazing. I've had it for lunch every day this week. Want the recipe? Then read more.