Summer basil salad tossed in a sweet rice vinegar and Dijon dressing with fresh veggies, herbs, and golden raisins. Serve it over fusilli, brown rice, or couscous for a light, vibrant side dish.
Diced bass mixed with tomato, onion, thyme, and bay leaves, wrapped in mashan leaves and steamed. A traditional Guatemalan fish tamale (tashmul) that's rustic, aromatic, and ready in 40 minutes.
Maryland crab cakes pan-fried golden with a pound of crab meat, Italian breadcrumbs, dry mustard, and Worcestershire. Simple seasoning that lets the crab shine.
Open-faced oven-baked hamburgers spread on buns with mustard, onion, and ground beef. Ready in 20 minutes and freezer-friendly for quick weeknight dinners.
Fresh summer salad with ripe tomatoes, chickpeas, sweet Vidalia onion, and basil tossed in a tangy Dijon red wine vinegar dressing. No cooking, no oil, ready in 15 minutes flat.
Spinach and crumbled bacon baked in a rich custard with pecans, cheddar cheese, and half-and-half. A Southern-leaning quiche with nutty crunch in every slice.
Toasted cumin, chili powder, enchilada sauce, beans, and corn simmered into a bold Southwestern sauce served over pasta with melted cheddar on top.
Southern-style baked crab casserole loaded with buttery pecans, cream of celery soup, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Hearty, nutty, and ready in under an hour.
Old fashioned macaroni and cheese layers cooked elbows with sharp cheddar in a milk-and-egg custard, baked under a paprika-dusted cheese crust. No bechamel, no shortcuts.
Recipe can easily be cut in half. This may be prepared ahead of time, covered and refrigerated.
Escarole soup with creamy white beans, garlic, and a hit of olive oil simmered in chicken broth. The classic Italian-American minestra di scarola, ready for crusty bread on the side.
Garlic shrimp crostini on toasted French bread rounds with a garlicky cream cheese spread, cherry tomato halves, and fresh parsley. Makes 24 bite-sized party appetizers.
Pan-seared beef tenderloin topped with melted blue cheese and sweet balsamic caramelized onions. A simple, elegant steak dinner that's ready in 40 minutes.
Salmon fillets buried in shredded potatoes, foil-roasted until tender, then broiled for a crisp golden crust. Served with a silky beurre blanc sauce.
My good friend Amy made this for me when I went to visit her in Connecticut. I was in love, and no other quiche could compare.
Bright honey lemon salad dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, scallions, and a splash of dry sherry. Whisk it together in 10 minutes, chill overnight, and shake before drizzling.