Classic French coq au vin: chicken browned in butter, then simmered with red wine, brandy, pearl onions, and mushrooms. A rustic red wine chicken braise streamlined for the microwave.
Spicy black-eyed pea soup with bacon, jalapenos, tomatoes, and melted Swiss cheese in a beef bouillon broth. A smoky, cheesy, and spicy Southern-inspired bowl.
Pine nut dressing with sauteed ground beef, onions, and toasted pine nuts tossed with orzo pasta. A savory, Middle Eastern-inspired stuffing ready in 20 minutes.
Chilled salad soup with diced tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and celery in tomato juice with vinegar and oil. A no-cook gazpacho-style cold soup.
Salmon fillets baked in foil between layers of shredded potato, then broiled until the potato crust turns golden. Served with a white wine and shallot butter sauce for an elegant, French-inspired dinner.
A rich treat for mushroom lovers. This is wonderful as a main dish served over rice, noodles or fettucini Alfredo.
Chunky garden gazpacho with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and celery in a tomato sauce base with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and honey. A no-cook chilled soup.
Trout almandine with milk-dipped, flour-coated fillets pan-fried in butter and topped with toasted chopped almonds. A classic French bistro dish ready in 20 minutes.
Red bean dip made with kidney beans, black pepper, and Tabasco blended smooth. A 4-ingredient, 10-minute dip served hot or at room temperature with chips or crackers.
Turkey fajitas marinate cooked turkey strips in lemon, garlic, and oregano, then top corn tortillas with a sweet-tangy onion relish and grated cheese. Lighter Tex-Mex weeknight dinner.
Mama Blue's shrimp patties: Gulf shrimp bound in a thick béchamel with green onions, hot sauce, and paprika, then breaded and pan-fried golden. A Lowcountry shrimp cake with a rich, silky center.
Fresh corn, tomato, and okra stew sauteed in butter with green onions and garlic. A Southern summer vegetable stew made with produce straight from the garden.
Grilled butterflied leg of lamb marinated in red wine vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes, served with a briny olive relish. A Mediterranean centerpiece for spring entertaining.
Spinach and prosciutto wrapped in golden puff pastry with Swiss cheese, black olives, and a garlic-Parmesan marinade. An elegant make-ahead main course.
Stuffed zucchini blossoms (kolokytholouloutha yemista) filled with rice, fresh mint, parsley, tomato, and olive oil, then simmered in water. A traditional Greek vegetarian appetizer.
Grilled butterflied leg of lamb rubbed with crushed rosemary and marinated in red Burgundy wine, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. No mint, just herbs and smoke over mesquite charcoal.