Cool & Crisp Korean Wilted Cucumber Salad

This Korean cucumber side-dish is cool and crisp, a great accompaniment to any spicy meal. The recipe may seem complicated, but the steps are quite easy and this dish can be prepared with little effort while you are making the main part of the meal. Serves 4-6. Ingredients 5-6 small pickling cucumbers, OR 3 large

Black Bean Soup From the Box is Still Good on a Cold Night

Normally I am not a box-of-this, can-of-that type of cook, but sometimes you hit upon a shortcut that is truly tasty and healthy. And this black bean soup is one of those shortcuts for when we want soup, but haven’t soaked any beans. I hope you enjoy this as much and Rick and I have.

Kale Sautéed with Balsamic Vinegar is Easy and Healthy

This easy side dish is a great way to hike up the nutrient content of any meal without adding extra calories. You can also substitute other hearty greens such as collards, spinach, bok choi, or chard. Serves 4-6. Ingredients 2 large bunches kale (or other greens) 1 large white onion, medium dice 2-3 Tbsp. balsamic

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes Liven Up a Thanksgiving Tradition

I first had this horseradish mashed potatoes dish when Josh made it for he and his wife Lori’s pre-Thanksgiving party. It was so easy and delicious I had to make it again a week later. It’s a great twist on traditional mashed spuds — the perfect way to perk them up for the holidays. Serves

Thai Butternut Squash Curry with Basmati Rice

This Thai butternut squash dish is a fabulous recipe that works well served over basmati rice and with a nice cold beer. One can eliminate the seafood altogether or replace with tofu for a vegetarian version, although I personally have never tried it this way. This is adapted from a Nigella Lawson recipe, and you

Savory Vegetarian Gravy For Everyone

If you are a vegetarian or they are attending your holiday dinner, why not make a delicious gravy? This meat-free gravy is a hit that will please vegetarians and carnivores alike! Makes approximately 2 quarts of gravy. Primary Ingredients: 6 cups vegetable stock (if buying prepared broth, get a low-sodium or no-sodium variety) OR 6

Peanut Noodles with Kale is Simple and Spicy

This spicy peanut noodles with kale dish is fairly simple and a great way to get more kale in your diet! Serves 2 for a main dish or 4 for a side dish. Ingredients 1 large or 2 small bunches kale, washed and de-stemmed 1/2 lb. pasta (thin rice noodles or regular spaghetti) 2 Tbsp.

Mushroom Paprikash with Dumplings

Unlike most paprikashes or goulashes this dish has no meat in it. The dish can be made with the faux meat, or not, with similar results. Best served with a dark amber, porter or stout brew. Serves 4. Stew 1/2 cup sour cream 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt, or to

Zucchini & Pepper Frittata

Rick’s Aunt Mary (R.I.P. 2012) made this zucchini & pepper dish for us during a visit to Pennsylvania. It’s a quick meal that would be great for brunch or dinner, and works well with a side of roasted potatoes, or a crisp salad and warm bread. Serves 4. Ingredients 2 medium zucchini 2 medium bell

Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash

This versatile recipe is a nice change of pace from the usual side dish. It’s flavorful, cheap and easy to make. Look for a medium, but plump, butternut squash when selecting your gourd. Something not so shapely is preferable. Don’t worry about making too much of this recipe, as it can easily be re-heated or