
Sometimes the simplest of dishes can be the most rewarding. Take the classic margherita pizza, for example. With its crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, it's far from complex, yet it's probably the world's most well-known pizza!

Like many of you, I find myself pressed for time, but still crave a somewhat sophisticated meal. This week I came up with a recipe for Mediterranean chicken that didn't cramp my schedule or my style. It's also wholesome, with the Peruvian grain
quinoa, which has a high protein content.

If fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce is one of your favorite bar foods, you're going to love this recipe! Smoked mozzarella is breaded and pan-fried in a shallow pool of oil.
A fresh tomato-basil mixture replaces the marinara sauce.

A few weeks ago, I raved about a new Italian cookbook called
A16 Food + Wine that has a delicious (and unique)
meatball recipe. Well, I'm still learning great things from it. This week, I made a
panzanella with tuna and capers, another item on the menu at the
launch party.

A delightful alternative to the classic caprese salad, these skewers are bite-sized pieces of heaven. The recipe couldn't be easier, and the simplicity highlights the pure flavor of ripe tomatoes and fresh cheese. To make these easy appetizers, I tossed pieces of bocconcini, or mozzarella balls, with homemade pesto.

As much as I love complex cooking techniques and innovative recipes, sometimes I crave a pure, simple, delicious meal. A dish with no frills or exotic ingredients. A dish like this comforting bread and tomato soup.

Mrs. Meyer's has just released a new collection of
basil-scented aromatherapeutic household cleaners, including shower cleaner, window spray, automatic dishwashing liquid, scent diffusers, bar soap, and toilet bowl cleaner. Prices range from $4.99 to $34.99.

When I saw this recipe for pancetta-wrapped peaches in the July issue of
Food and Wine magazine, I knew I had to make it. The recipe takes four simple ingredients — peaches, pancetta, basil, and balsamic vinegar — and turns them into one incredibly delicious, perfectly balanced dish. The peaches are sweet and juicy, the pancetta is crisp and salty, and the basil is fresh and fragrant.

Fresh eggplant is the star in this delicious vegetarian pasta. The purple vegetable is pan-fried and seasoned with dried oregano. The sauteed eggplant acts as the base of the thick, tomato-y pasta sauce.

Take advantage of Summer's bounty of fresh basil with this fragrant recipe. If you have access to different types of basil, use both classic basil and lemony Thai basil. To make this quick meal chicken chunks are cooked with garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and Asian fish sauce.