I'm hosting Christmas dinner for the first time this year, and I want to serve a meal that is traditional but uncomplicated to make. To start, I'll offer my signature appetizer: shrimp. This time I'm salt-roasting them and pairing them with a lemon-pesto. For the main course, I'm skipping the honey-baked ham and roasting a whole beef tenderloin. It's served alongside a roasted red pepper and Read more

Recently I had a fun idea: I would make roast chicken, come up with two different ways of using the leftover meat, and share the whole thing with you! Since stuffing is an Autumnal favorite, I selected this recipe for roasted chicken halves with sage stuffing. It's seasoned with fresh sage and paprika and cooked on a bed of homemade croutons, celery, onion, and garlic. The finished dish is Read more

If the middle of the week has got you down, why not cheer up with cheeseburgers? This recipe for meatball sliders seasons the beef with breadcrumbs, sage, and lots of parmesan cheese. They're quick to put together and fun to eat. The smaller size means you can indulge without the guilt. Serve the sliders with salad greens, couscous, or grilled potatoes. Want the recipe? Get it right here. Read more

Eggplant is an ingredient I rarely cook with. Since it's currently in season, I'm trying to use it more. I'm starting with this classic Italian preparation, known by some as pasta a la Norma. The sauce is made from fresh tomatoes and shallow-fried eggplant. It's seasoned with basil leaves and lots of cheese. I plan on serving mixed greens on the side and a full-bodied, unoaked Chardonnay. Want Read more

Tonight, treat your family to a trip to China with this delicious pork dish. Although the ingredient list may look long, many of the components — like shredded carrots and sliced mushrooms — can be purchased from the store to save time. The actual cook time is quite quick, thus it's important to have everything prepped in advance. Once you heat the wok, the meat, veggies, and seasonings are Read more

If you're looking for a simple but versatile vegetarian recipe, stop your searching! This roasted vegetable wrap recipe is quick, uncomplicated, and totally adaptable. All you do is roast some veggies, layer 'em in a wrap, fold, and voilà, dinner is done. Use whatever vegetables you prefer and if you dislike mayonnaise, skip the garlic mayo step. For additional flavor and heft, consider adding Read more

While reading the February issue of Bon Appétit, I was surprised to learn that buckwheat, the fruit seed used to make soba noodles, is in season. Since I didn't even realize that it was seasonal, I've decided to cook with it more. This quick and simple recipe turns soba noodles into a healthy vegetarian meal. The noodles are topped with tofu, bok choy, and green onions. This dish would also be Read more

Although chicken enchiladas can sometimes be heavy, this recipe lightens the classic Tex-Mex favorite. The filling is a mixture of mushrooms, red peppers, onions, fresh herbs, and sautéed chicken chunks. Skim-milk ricotta cheese binds the stuffing together, and whole-wheat tortillas make the meal more fit-friendly. To save time, use a store-bought enchilada sauce. For a fiesta-inspired feast, Read more

When I order Chinese food, one of my preferred dishes is broccoli beef. I love the slippery sauce, the chewy beef, and the crisp broccoli. However, I rarely enjoy this combination at home. When cooking Chinese, I prefer to make healthier variations of my restaurant favorites. That's why I'm excited for this recipe of chicken with broccoli. It combines skinless, boneless chicken breasts with Read more

There are many ways to season fish, but one great technique for super juicy salmon is to use both a marinade and spice rub. This recipe does just that: it gives the salmon a double dose of seasonings. First, the salmon is soaked in a bath of orange juice, olive oil, and thyme. This mixture seeps into the fish and ensures a moist interior. Next, the salmon is rubbed with brown sugar, paprika, and Read more