Oysters Rockefeller, the New Orleans classic appetizer with fresh oysters on the half shell topped with a rich spinach, scallion, and anchovy butter and broiled hot.
Saucy meatballs simmered in a creamy cream-of-chicken and sour cream sauce with a whisper of nutmeg. Retro stovetop comfort food ready over noodles or rice.
Pappardelle smothered in a chunky red sauce with artichokes, roasted peppers, cannellini beans, and sun-dried tomato pesto. Hearty, rustic Italian comfort in 40 minutes.
Fragrant Spanish rice with sautéed mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, green pepper, garlic, cloves, cayenne, and a splash of sherry. A flavorful side dish ready in 30 minutes.
Whole wheat spaghetti tossed with sesame oil, crumbled blue cheese, and scattered with bergamot flower petals. A five-ingredient pasta that's elegant, earthy, and utterly unique.
Lentil tomato casserole simmers brown lentils with onion, carrots, herbs, and tomatoes, then bakes with a sherry-spiked white sauce and bread crumbs. A hearty vegetarian main dish.
Cold spinach dip loaded with fresh parsley and chives in a creamy mayo base, stirred together and chilled. A no-cook, herby party dip ready for crackers, bread, and fresh veggies.
Sweet and sour chicken saute with orange juice, white wine, raspberry vinegar, and rosemary, finished with fresh orange segments and avocado. Bistro-style chicken with bright pan sauce.
Chicken drumsticks cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and onions in one dish, finished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley. A complete harvest-style dinner for six made in the microwave.
Dad's shepherd's pie: ground beef with mushrooms, tomato and brown gravy, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes and baked until the crust turns golden brown. Sunday-supper comfort food.
Florentine-style fried chicken, marinated in olive oil, lemon, and parsley, then dipped in flour and egg and deep-fried golden. The original Tuscan take on fried chicken, long before Nashville hot.
Turkey burgers seasoned with Worcestershire and onion salt, topped with butter-sauteed mushrooms. A leaner burger with savory depth, ready in 30 minutes.
Master fish stock simmers whitefish bones with onions, leeks, shallots, and a thyme-bay aromatic base for a clear, gelatin-rich seafood broth. The base for soups, risottos, and sauces.
Louisiana red beans and rice simmered with a meaty ham bone, smoked sausage, the holy trinity, and hot sauce. Soaked overnight, slow-cooked, and served over fluffy rice with scallions.
Thick, stew-like chicken soup made from a whole chicken with carrots, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, herbs, and broken spaghetti. Simmered from scratch and freezer-friendly.
Kalamarakia me krassi, Greek squid braised in red wine with olive oil, sugar, and parsley. Just 5 ingredients simmered for an hour until the squid turns melt-in-your-mouth tender.