Cincinnati chili: thin, spiced ground beef sauce with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and a touch of molasses, simmered low and slow. Serve over spaghetti with cheddar, onions, and beans.
Pasta e fagioli simmers tender navy beans, canned tomatoes, and macaroni in a basil-and-oregano broth, with onions sautéed in balsamic instead of oil. A naturally lean Italian peasant soup.
Marinated tortellini skewers with mushrooms and bell pepper diamonds, threaded and displayed on an acorn squash for a dramatic party platter.
Creamy cheddar chicken enchiladas with green chiles, sour cream filling, and a chunky tomato sauce. Corn tortillas wrap shredded chicken for classic Tex-Mex comfort.
Gulf Snapper with Avocado & Tomatillo Salsa recipe
Mexican meatballs (albondigas) made with three meats, corn tortillas soaked in milk, cumin, and oregano, simmered in red chili sauce and beef broth. A traditional Southwestern appetizer or main dish.
Fettuccine tossed with melted goat cheese, roasted red and yellow peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers. A Mediterranean pasta ready in 25 minutes.
Grilled mustard-coated chicken breast sliced over a mixed bean salad with black-eyed peas, fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a balsamic vinaigrette. Served at room temperature.
Penne with eggplant, mushrooms, and red wine tomato sauce finished with melted mozzarella. A hearty Italian pasta ready in 45 minutes.
Hearty vegetarian chili with kidney beans, chickpeas, and bulgur wheat for meaty texture. Loaded with vegetables, chili powder, cumin, and tomato juice. Vegan and filling.
Greek beef saute: sliced sirloin with onion and red pepper in a red wine demi-glace spiked with orange zest and oregano. Restaurant flavors on the table in 25 minutes over couscous or rice.
Greek pizza topped with tomatoes, thin zucchini, tangy feta, black olives, and oregano on a crisp crust. A lighter, vegetarian pizza with bright Mediterranean flavors, ready in 30 minutes.
Light vegetarian lasagna with a from-scratch tomato herb sauce simmered two hours, layered with part-skim ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. No meat, no oil in the sauce, still deeply satisfying.
Pita Stuffed with Eggplant Salad & Feta Cheese recipe
Mexican vegetable soup with ground beef, kidney beans, corn, and tomato sauce seasoned with chili powder, oregano, and garlic. Topped with cheddar, sour cream, and nacho chips for a taco soup vibe.
Kansas City steak and spinach salad with soy-garlic marinated beef, fresh mushrooms, and orange sections tossed in a red wine vinegar-oregano dressing. Hearty and fresh.