Thinking of St. Patrick’s Day, here’s an Irish-inspired quick dinner to savor the flavors of the Emerald Isle.

Guinness adds a rich flavor to the dish. The meal tastes great the next day, so can be made ahead and rewarmed. Open a bag of washed, ready-to-eat salad to go with the stew.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Any type of quick cooking steak such as...Read more

I was hungry for an Asian-inspired quick dinner and thought of this dish. Lo Mein, which when translated means mixed noodles, is a staple of Chinese cooking. It’s served at birthday dinners, because the noodles represent long life.

It takes a few minutes to prepare the ingredients, but only 5 minutes to stir-fry. Fresh snow peas and bean ...Read more

Here’s a warm and inviting, vegetarian winter stew.

It’s made with lentils and sweet potatoes. Lentils are a good source of protein and don’t need presoaking. Smoked paprika adds a smokey flavor. I like to keep this paprika on hand to give an added boost to vegetable, rice and pasta dishes. To speed up the cooking time, I started the ...Read more

Using thin chicken tenders for this recipe cuts meal cooking time to 10 minutes. A touch of lemon juice brightens the garlicy sauce for this dish.

I added broccolini to orzo for a simple side dish. Broccolini is similar to broccoli but has smaller florets and is sweeter than broccoli. It also cooks faster. Orzo is rice-shaped pasta that works ...Read more

I recently ate at a Peruvian steak restaurant and loved the big flavors and sweet/hot spices. So, I decided to recreate these flavors in a simple, homemade stir-fry.

Aji Amarillo, a hot yellow pepper paste, is one of the ingredients used in this style of cooking. You can buy it in a jar at many markets. If difficult to find, use any hot pepper...Read more

With Super Bowl weekend coming up and the game being played in New Orleans, I couldn't help but think of a classic Cajun/Creole dish, Shrimp Étouffée.

This iconic dish features the "Holy Trinity" of vegetables—onion, celery and green bell pepper—forming the aromatic base of its rich flavor. It's thickened with a roux, a fundamental ...Read more

Here’s a simple dinner that provides a warm charm, with tender medallions of pork covered by a silky, lemon-wine sauce. Each piece is lightly browned, offering a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green of steamed spinach.

The tangy zest of lemon mingles with the briny notes of the capers. The spinach is combined with ...Read more

Here’s a quick and easy dinner that will brighten up your winter table. Golden seared scallops rest atop a vibrant, garlic-tomato sauce, their delicate sweetness complemented by the tangy flavors of the sauce.

Beside them, a bed of nutty, slightly chewy brown rice mingles with fresh, peppery arugula, adding a hearty and earthy contrast to ...Read more

This dish brings together tender chicken in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet glaze of honey, mustard, and soy sauce. I paired it with penne pasta infused with garlic and fresh parsley. It’s a perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.

The chicken is seared locking in its juiciness, while the sauce provides a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

...Read more

I was looking for a perfect antidote to a wintry evening. A comforting bowl of winter squash soup paired with golden cheddar cheese toasts is the perfect answer. The soup, made from butternut squash, boasts a velvety texture and a sweet, earthy depth spiced with curry, cinnamon and cumin. Beside it, crisp slices of bread with warm melted, tangy ...Read more

I wanted a festive meal for this time of year but was very busy. So, I created this easy colorful dinner. The pork is cooked in a skillet and is removed, and the sauce is made in the same skillet. The sauce takes only about 6 to 7 minutes to make.

The fettuccine and broccoli cook together and are flavored with caraway seeds. The seeds come from...Read more

Enjoy this holiday season with a special sweet and savory treat. Honey, soy sauce and spices flavor quick cooking flank steak. Mushrooms cooked with shallots and topped with fresh chives make a perfect side dish with the steak. Open a bag of washed ready-to-eat salad to complete the meal.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Onions can be used instead of shallots. ...Read more

Here’s a way to keep boneless, skinless chicken breasts moist. I saute the chicken and then cover the skillet and finish the cooking in the oven. So the chicken has a nice crust and the steam from the skillet keeps the inside moist. The sweet chili sauce with walnuts adds texture and a sweet tang.

I wanted to make barley for a side dish and ...Read more