Persimmon Jam by Elena Jimenez

This is an easy recipe, and you can store it in a glass container and keep it in your fridge!

African Chicken in Peanut Sauce by John Spottiswood

I first had this in graduate school when a classmate from Ghana cooked it for an International progressive dinner. I fell in love with the combination of sweet peanuts and pungent spices. This is not a flavor you will easily forget, and it will keep you coming back for more!

Vanilla Custard Sauce (British) by Marlin Rinehart

This sauce is served over steamed puddings, fruit crisps (crumbles), and any dessert that would be enhanced by a creamy vanilla sauce. It's the perfect homemade replacement for Byrd's Custard powder. One warning, however: 1) use a small, "thick-bottom" saucepan, and 2) cook over low heat and don't allow the mixture to boil or it will…

Simple Cuban Black Beans & Rice in a Rice Cooker by John Spottiswood

I've loved cuban black beans and rice ever since I lived in Weehawken, New Jersey and ate at the Unica Cafe. This recipe takes some short cuts and uses a rice cooker, but I still think the results are delicious. Try this under any caribbean grilled meat, fish or stew and you won't be disappointed!

Italian Spinach Soup by John Spottiswood

Suprise, surprise. Another amazing recipe adapted from Marcella Hazan's Essential's of Italian Cooking. This is one of my bibles. Not only did I love this spinach soup, but all four of my kids did too! Everyone had mutiple servings. We served it with simple sourdough toast, though Crostini (Italian croutons) is what Marcella…

texas date loaf candy by Marlin Rinehart

This is a delicious old-fashioned Texas recipe similar to fudge but is shaped into a log and sliced. I was surprised to learn from a Mexican cookbook it is also made in old Mexico.

Homemade Pelmeni by John Spottiswood

Unlike Oleg's store-bought, no-good, cheater recipe, this is the real thing. You gotta taste it to believe it!

Harira Soup by John Spottiswood

This is the traditional soup served at sunset to break the daily fast observed during the 30 days of Ramadan. Recipes vary from family to family throughout Morocco and the rest of North Africa. I'm particularly fond of this version. If you have not had this before, you MUST try it. It is truly delicious!

MANGO PUDDING by Linda Tay Esposito

A newer addition to the dim sum repertoire, the mango pudding is influenced by Western desserts techniques (since the Chinese are not too big on desserts! "Not too sweet" is always a sign of a good dessert for the Chinese!). Instead of heavy cream, you can substitute with coconut milk to give it a more tropical flavor.

Classic Cioppino by John Spottiswood

This is a traditional Cioppino base recipe for you to play with. Cioppino is a simple and hearty fish stew originally cooked by Italian fisherman on the California coast. Don't worry too much about what sort of fish or shellfish you put in it. Just keep it simple with these basic ingredients. The easier the better...so you'll be…

"Wrapped children" (Dominican Traditional Dish) by Arturo Féliz-Camilo

Traditional Dominican dish. First of all, let me clarify this dish has nothing to do with child abuse!! It’s just a funny name this dish acquired who knows why! What I do know is that children love it! This is a typical recipe of my family and traditional of the Dominican Republic. My mother created a tradition of cooking our…

Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes by Mary Joseph

Curried Lentil Stew with rice by Nancy Miyasaki

This curried lentil stew is an awesome winter dish. It will warm you and sooth you with its soft texture and rich flavor. Vegetarians can leave out the bacon and ham. Those who relish Indian flavors can double the tumeric, cumin, ginger, and cloves.

Killer Shrimp by John Spottiswood

Nancy and I loved eating at this hole in the wall restaurant in Marina Del Ray called Killer Shrimp. It was in a strip mall and didn't have much character, but their "killer" shrimp drew a loyal crowd. I recently heard that it had closed, so I've tried to recreate it with help from a few others who have tried. I think what most the…

Simple Pasta with Garlic & Olive Oil by John Spottiswood

This is a classic recipe that is so simple to make but always delicious. You can serve this as a side dish to any grilled meat or vegetable entree. It can also stand on it's own or be paired with a salad for a light lunch or dinner. It's a great, easy recipe to add to your list of staples. Using a good olive oil is key here. I…