I loved to collect the mail when I was a child. The thought of a special letter or magazine waiting for me fueled the anticipation. Now, letter writing is practically an ancient art form and most of the mail goes directly into the recycling bin. But when a new cookbook arrives unexpectedly…now that’s a good…
When paired with a protein-rich egg, these slender green spears form the basis of a satisfyingly simple meal with “French country” appeal! Years ago, I marveled at the description of a meal with two basic ingredients: eggs and asparagus. The simple combination was described as very “French country.” I envisioned ambling up to a…
Dear Ann,I recently made and enjoyed some of your chia seed recipes. For quite a while I have been using another healthy ingredient in my morning oatmeal – flax meal. I was wondering, could you share some new recipes using this very nutritious food? The reader who issued this recent request was absolutely right in…
The flavor of homemade fried rice will rival your favorite takeout version and be healthier too. Make use of leftover rice and chicken for the easiest of meals. Leftovers seldom get the credit they deserve. Some meals, of course, really do improve over time, but perhaps the best way to forever change the perception of…
Avocados and bananas have a lot in common. When you need to buy them for immediate use, they always seem to be rock hard and green. And then, once ripe, plans sometimes change and they’re overripe before you know it. There’s a multitude of delicious ways to ensure overripe bananas don’t go to waste–and they…
Do you have a favorite community cookbook? I have a few, which I enjoy reading from time to time. The recipes are like a slice into someone else’s kitchen, and they’re personal in a way that many mainstream cookbooks are not. Recently, Stonyfield Organic sent me the Yogurt Cookbook, which is a compilation of recipes submitted…
A curious thing happened a few days after my Mango Chicken Chili recipe appeared in this column a few months back. The chili recipe included mango salsa as a key ingredient. Figuring this might not be a regular grocery list item for many readers, I mentioned two reliable brands. Several days later, I received…
A secret ingredient (that no one will guess) makes this cake delicious AND lucky…and who couldn’t use more luck in the New Year? Would you keep reading if I told you that there’s sauerkraut in this cake? When I see a recipe with an oddball ingredient or an offbeat method of preparation, I’m often…
Similar to a frittata, this baked omelet can be mixed in one bowl and requires no sautéing prior to baking. It’s a super speedy meal that is perfect with your favorite deli ham or leftover baked ham. There’s a special appeal to a recipe that mixes up in a single bowl. Who isn’t thrilled at…
The classic bran muffin meets a whole can of pumpkin in this wholesome recipe that the whole family will love! Bran muffins are a seemingly wholesome way to start the day, yet so many bran muffins rely on sugar and oil to create moisture and flavor… Enter pumpkin! These satisfying muffins offer the health…
Easy to make and delightful to eat, you may find yourself baking this pie well after the holiday season. For a pudding-like option, skip the crust and bake the filling in a lightly greased baking dish or individual ramekins. If I counted the number of times I’ve made this recipe for “testing”…
This all-in-one meal is as satisfying as it is easy! The ingredients mix up in a single bowl and may be prepared a day in advance. On a busy weeknight, meals that can be mixed up in one bowl or prepared in advance are especially helpful. This savory, protein-rich baked egg dish…