What's better than roasting a whole chicken for busy weeknights? Ask Fresh Tart, and she'll tell you: braised Moroccan chicken. It is so ridiculously easy and delicious to braise a whole chicken that I do it almost every week, just to have on hand for last-minute meals. I've posted my recipe for chicken braised in coconut milk before, but not some of the other variations I play around with, so Read more

The weather in the Bay Area has been unusually foggy (and that's saying a lot), which has me craving a warm, soothing meal. If you're in a similar autumnal mood, try this tender, chipotle braised chicken tonight. The chicken is browned in garlic- and bay-leaf-infused olive oil, then braised in a spicy chipotle and onion mixture. Add a squeeze of lime and a handful of cilantro to the cooking Read more

In wine making, the harvest is one of the most crucial times of year. It's when the vintners pick the grapes and usually occurs between August and October. Since the harvest is such an important season, many wineries celebrate with a lunch or dinner. I think the tradition is the perfect excuse to plan a party! Just because you don't live in wine country doesn't mean you can't commemorate the Read more

At first blush, the humble root known as the radish may not look like much. But take a closer look (and taste) at these diminutive vegetables (which are in season across the country), and you'll discover they're just what you need to add flair to your springtime meals. Humble and plentiful, they impart a peppery, almost horseradish-like zing to anything from salads to sandwiches. Not sure what to Read more

Although it may seem impossible or just simply ironic, this quick braised chicken comes together in under half an hour. Traditionally, for a dish to be considered a braise, it must be browned and then slow-cooked for a long period of time. However, it's 2010, and if you want to braise flavorful chicken legs in a tomato, mushroom, and onion sauce for a mere 15 minutes, go right ahead! The recipe Read more

This weekend we change the clocks! That means the days will be lighter and longer. To celebrate the upcoming arrival of Spring, make this uncomplicated meal, chock-full of tender vegetables. Crisp potatoes, baby carrots, and meaty mushrooms are combined with March's most beloved veggie, asparagus. Seared boneless chicken thighs provide heft and make this single-pot dinner one that's sure to Read more

Photo: Sara Yoo Late-night infomercials seem to have the solution to every kitchen conundrum, but I learned quickly that buying into every zealous sales pitch meant cabinets full of single-use gadgets that receive only occasional use. So when I dove into my shelves of dusty equipment for a Spring clean-out, I found that several could go in the donation bin thanks to one multitasking pot: my Read more

This month, I've shifted my focus from Summer cookout food to something a little more soothing, but amidst a San Francisco Indian Summer, I'm not quite ready to plunge into full-blown Fall fare just yet. So in addition to treasuring those timeless staples, I've also looked for recipes that fall (pardon the pun) right in between those two seasons. One such gem is this slow-cooked dish of chicken Read more

Wings are a game day mainstay, but before you grab that bottle of Frank's RedHot, consider a version or two that journey beyond buffalo. This week, we tread the less-beaten path through wing-dom with a look at five recipes that shed new light on our favorite chicken part. Today, our wings get a south of the border kick with tomatillo-based salsa verde. Taking a page from the popular Mexican dish Read more

Although Winter doesn't officially start until Dec. 22, it sure seems as though the nights have become much longer, and the days, shorter. For me, the earlier sunset translates into not wanting to cook at night. Coming home to a pitch-black house and cooking dinner from scratch seems kind of daunting during these cold weather months. However, eating out every night can be harmful on our wallets Read more