Poached Pears with Strawberry Sauce

Poached Pears with Strawberry Sauce

This simply beautiful dessert satisfies in any season! Use Riesling if you like your desserts very sweet; otherwise, chardonnay is a fine choice. Serves 8 Ingredients • 1 bottle (750 ml) white wine • Zest of 1 lemon, shaved off with a vegetable peeler in strips • 8...

Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes

Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes

If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with a mixture of all-purpose flour (just shy of 3⁄4 cup) and 11⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch. Makes about 16 cupcakes Ingredients • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate squares • 1⁄2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter • 6 large...

Mango Sorbet

Mango Sorbet

To give this sweet treat a burst of heat, add a very small amount of finely chopped chile peppers to the mix. Serves 4 Ingredients • Juice of 3 limes • 1 tablespoon freshly grated fresh ginger • 3 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest • 1 cup...

Eggplant and Tomato Sauté

Eggplant and Tomato Sauté

A variation on a traditional ratatouille, this can be served cold or warm, and by itself or alongside a grain salad or crusty baguette. Serves 8 Ingredients • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), cut lengthwise into 8 wedges • Kosher salt • 3 tablespoons olive oil,...

Baby Bok Choy in Black Bean Sauce

Baby Bok Choy in Black Bean Sauce

Once you learn how to make this delicious dish, which transforms bok choy into a special treat, you won’t have any need to visit your local Asian restaurant. Serves 4 Ingredients • 8 heads baby bok choy • 2 cups vegetable or mushroom stock • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1...

Green Bean and Asian Eggplant Stir-Fry

Green Bean and Asian Eggplant Stir-Fry

If you like to cook stir-fries, you will want to invest in a good quality wok. They transfer heat better and this method is all about quick cooking at high temperatures. Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1...

Barley Pilaf

Barley Pilaf

Barley flakes have a consistency reminiscent of rolled oats, and have a nutty flavor. Barley also happens to be high in fiber, so eating it often helps promote colon health. Serves 4 Ingredients • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1...

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Soup

You can, of course, use fresh ingredients in place of any of the dried or frozen ingredients listed here and you’ll get a bigger wallop of vitamins and nutrients in the process. Serves 10–12 Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 medium onion, chopped • 2 ribs...

Mango Soup

Mango Soup

Slightly sweet, slightly sour, and absolutely satisfying, this dish pairs wonderfully with a cumin-heavy green lentil dish and warmed garlic naan. Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 cups mango cubes, preferably fresh • 11⁄2 cups mango nectar • 1 cup coconut milk • 1⁄2 cup sour...

Smoky Pumpkin Soup

Smoky Pumpkin Soup

If you can’t find baking pumpkins, you can use 2 cans of plain (unsweetened) pumpkin puree in this recipe, but you’ll end up with a soup with a thinner consistency. Serves 8–10 Ingredients • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1⁄2...

Spicy Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Spicy Fried Tofu with Peanut Sauce

Seeking out ingredients you need to make this traditional Thai peanut sauce may involve a trip to an Asian or Indian market. If you can’t find tamarind juice, pour boiling water over a mashed piece of tamarind concentrate and strain for a similar effect. Serves 4 to 6...

Udon Noodle Salad

Udon Noodle Salad

Many grocery stores are now carrying packaged broccoli slaw, but you can also make it easily yourself by either shredding or putting your broccoli stems into your food processor. Ingredients Serves 4 • 1 (1 pound) package fresh udon noodles • 6 ounces broccoli slaw •...