I've been obsessed with Dungeness crab this year, and although the latest catch has been plentiful, the season's started to wind down in favor of other Spring seafood like shrimp and tuna. So to make the most of what's still around, I've been buying up crab left and right, incorporating its tender meat in various fast and easy dinners. My current fave is this rustic meal, which comes from the Read more

It's the middle of Summer, and chances are you've gotten into your seasonal routine. Why not shake things up a bit by planning a casual and fun party? Invite friends to join you for a movie screening (or outdoor concert) in a park! Pack a picnic, watch the film (or the stars), and enjoy a leisurely night out. Select a versatile menu that can be made in advance and will feed everyone's dietary Read more

During the Summer, I love making salads that can be tossed in the fridge and eaten later in the week. In order for me to do this, the salads have to be hearty and durable; they can't be mayonnaise- or greens-based salads. The obvious salad that comes to mind is pasta. And since basil is at its peak during the warm months, pesto pasta salad has quickly become my favorite. I like to think of this Read more

As much as I love experimenting with exotic flavors and different grill techniques, the last time I enjoyed barbecue was in October, and at the start of the grilling season there's only one thing I crave: all-American favorites. I'm talking about grilled succulent shrimp, finger-licking-good chicken with sticky-sweet-smoky barbecue sauce, and hearty warm weather salads. This Memorial Day, my menu Read more

I started my BBQ season early this year by inviting some friends over last weekend. I tried out this new recipe that's a twist on peanut noodles, but it's also made with salsa so it's lower in fat and has a sweeter kick. It was a huge hit and I'll definitely be making it again. To find out how you can impress your friends at your next BBQ with this recipe, read more Read more

Every year I attend the Butter and Eggs Day parade in my hometown. Since 2006, I've hosted a brunch before the parade. However, this April I'm doing something different and will invite everyone over for a big seafood barbecue after the parade. We'll start with grilled garlic shrimp and flatbreads with caramelized onions, sausage, and manchego cheese. The stars of the show are oysters and Read more

Whenever I'm cooking for a crowd and need a recipe that's portable, I always consider pasta salad. It's filling and easy to make a large batch. While sometimes I assemble a Mediterranean pasta salad with orzo and feta, I also like to make this recipe with tomatoes and mozzarella. What provides this salad with incredible flavor is the sun-dried tomato dressing — it's so good I've enjoyed it Read more

Tonight go green with this substantial vegetarian pasta salad. It's not only full of green vegetables, but it conserves energy by only boiling one pot of water. The recipe highlights the fresh flavor and crunchy snap of green beans. The peppery bite of arugula and the salty tang of parmesan cheese play supporting roles. A simple lemon vinaigrette combines everything together. Serve this Read more

On Saturday, Aug. 22, my parents will celebrate their 33rd year of marriage. I hate to say it, but I've never thrown them an anniversary party — until now! I've invited over a bunch of my parents' friends for a pool party and barbecue. The event will be festive, but casual, so I'm selecting a menu that reflects this vibe. Things will kick off with mini peach and pesto pizzas. For the main Read more

Mediterranean-style pasta salad has quickly become one of my picnic staples. It's super easy to make a huge batch and tastes better after the flavors have mixed for a few hours. When making pasta salad, I prefer to employ orzo. There's something about the small, rice-like shape that makes the salad seem modern and more glamorous. This recipe is my own invention: it uses two types of tomatoes, Read more