Holiday feasts with the family call for large, important roasts — that's something I learned long ago from the late cookbook author Sheila Lukins. Make it something succulent and impressively large, like a beef Wellington or a rack of lamb, which can be shared and passed around the table. If you're not an expert at roasts, don't dish out valuable dollars on a piece of beef tenderloin that Read more

Chinese parsley, the crop of coriander, or plain old cilantro — no matter what you call it, the small, green leafed plant is not only delicious, but also chock-full of nutritional value. While some see it as a simple garnish, I look for nearly every chance to incorporate the tasty herb into my meals. After reading up on these benefits, you may, too. It appears that once a month, the ladies Read more

When I think of grilling, my first thought is always red meat, which I've flame-broiled a lot of lately. But the barbie isn't just limited to grilled meats and vegetables; it's also an outstanding way to enhance the flavor of soy products such as tofu. The key to a making a dish such as this one successful starts with using the right ingredients. Select the firmest tofu you can find; soft or Read more

This weekend, the weather in San Francisco was glorious, and I couldn't help but realize that Summer is just around the corner! The arrival of bikini season will be here before we know it, and there's no time like the present to start eating healthful and light meals in smaller portions. This scallop and snap pea stir-fry is an ideal figure-friendly dinner. Thanks to fresh lime juice, grated Read more

Why Sandra Lee is not evil. — Huffington Post Food Have you experienced the Indian tapa known as thalis? — Good Bite Learn how to sous-vide a chicken breast. — Serious Eats Prepare a menu with recipes from Top Chef Masters. — Chow What's the best burger in the Bay Area?— Eater SF The science behind cilantro hatred. — The Epi-Log The joy of cooking alone. — The Atlantic Guy Read more

I'm always looking for easy dinners that are tasty and fresh. Stir-fries are the perfect candidate for such a meal and this weekend, I pulled out the wok to make a simple shrimp and rice noodle dish. The shrimp required the most prep since I had to devein them. However, once all of the ingredients are prepped in individual bowls, the cook time is really fast. In under 15 minutes, I had an Read more

Skewers are quintessential Summer food. They cook quickly on the barbecue, keep the house cool, and bring everyone outside to enjoy the wonderfully warm weather! This recipe for ancho-chile-marinated pork skewered with mangoes is a perfect combination of spicy and sweet. The cilantro sprinkled on top adds freshness and flavor to the already complex dish. To keep the entire dinner finger- and Read more

Lately I've enjoyed vegetables as the focus of my meal in dishes such as Caprese and corn and cotija salad. But I spotted sirloin steak on sale at the supermarket, so this weekend, it's going to be all about the beef. Since my steak and pineapple salad was so well-received, I'm lighting up the coals for another salad tonight. Warm, sizzling sirloin sliced against the grain, served with smoky Read more

For the first 23 years of my life, I thought salsa was something purchased at the grocery store or enjoyed at a Mexican restaurant. Then one day, I realized I could make it at home using fresh ingredients and everything changed. The entire experience of eating salsa (with tortilla chips, of course) was enhanced. The juicy sweetness of tomatoes, the spicy heat of jalapeños, the subtle smokiness Read more