By the end of each summer many people are hard-pressed to find new ways to prepare the seemingly endless gifts of squash that arrive on their doorsteps from overenthusiastic gardening neighbors. I relish the Mexican flavors of beans, chiles, and sour cream, and think...
When I want a stick-to-the-ribs dish I make these hearty enchiladas. Delicate wheat tortillas are filled with black beans and cream cheese and rolled, then topped with a flavorful tomato chili sauce and baked until bubbly. SERVES 4 1ВЅ cups dried black beans 2 medium...
Bean lovers take note: The gutsy sauce in this preparation makes these beans irresistible. This would be a good choice for a potluck or party dish, and it can be easily doubled. Serve as is or over hot cooked rice. SERVES 4 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 medium onions,...
Here two classic favorites are combined macaroni and cheese and cauliflower in cheese sauce to make a standout casserole that is rich and satisfying. SERVES 4 1 cup macaroni, cooked and drained (2 cups cooked) 1 small to medium cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets...
A myth has developed that says that eggplant must be salted before it is cooked in order to remove its bitterness and/or cut down on its absorption of oil during cooking. I have cooked eggplant in myriad ways and have experimented with both the salted and unsalted...
Here is an exquisite-flavored dish laced with rosemary, garlic, and red wine, and topped with a mixture of bread crumbs and more garlic and baked until crispy. Be sure to use the amount of garlic indicated; it mellows with baking and lends a subtle flavor to the...
Don't overcook the vegetables for this dish: The onions and broccoli should be crunchy. As with any stir-fried noodle dish you must use cold cooked noodles to prevent them from sticking together. Be sure to have all of the ingredients in front of you before you...
This is a hot and spicy pasta dish that is rather light and is usually served as is, though one may add a light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese if desired. This is the ideal dish to whip up when simplicity is paramount. SERVES 4 1 teaspoon salt 1 pound spaghettini 1...
Though technically not a pasta, this egg-shaped squash behaves just like it when cooked, the pulp separates like strands of spaghetti. It is delicious, has considerably fewer calories than spaghetti, and adapts well to most pasta sauces. I prefer it with a delicate...
This is a tasty dish to turn to when you want something light, low fat, and grainy. Leftovers are good cold and make a good portable lunch the next day. SERVES 4 1ВЅ cupsВ bulgurimage Вј cup oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 medium onions, diced 2 small to medium zucchini...
A delicious alternative to the traditional tomato sauce laden version of lasagna. In this dish strips of lasagna are covered with a flavorful kale and cheese mixture, then rolled, and finally topped with a delicate tomato cream sauce. The slightly crunchy texture and...
Risotto is a rice dish cooked in such a way that the rice makes its own creamy, rich sauce. Preparing it takes time and patience, but it is well worth the effort. It is important to regulate the heat so that you cook the risotto at just the right pace, and you should...