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!

Chick Pea Soup, Milanese Style by Dennis Biancuzzo

Easy Persian Rice in a Rice Cooker by John Spottiswood

Admittedly, this doesn't capture the crunch outside of the normal method of making persian rice. But if you are just looking for a fluffy and buttery rice to serve with a stew or tagine, this works wonderfully and is super easy.

Salzburg potato soup by Easy Cook - Laka kuharica

Smooth, nutritious and delicious.

Wisconsin soup by Easy Cook - Laka kuharica

Smooth, easy and cheesy.

Gnudi by The Accidental Chef

These are also referred to as "Naked Ravioli". They are like a Gnocchi made from ricotta cheese and a very small amount of flour. My recipe is for savory spinach & garlic but use your imagination, you can change it up. Perhaps butternut squash & nutmeg? (I forgot to take a picture. The one here is from the web)

Quick & Easy Fruit Compote with Vanilla Sauce (and a no-added sugar or low-sugar variation) by Salad Foodie

A fruit compote on the table in 15 minutes? Here's a dessert kids (and kids of all ages) will love. Start with a can of fruit cocktail, add some chopped fruit in season, and make a simple vanilla sauce to top it. (This dessert converts easily to a…

Italian Marinated Mushrooms With Pecan Smoked Garlic by Bob Vincent

These mushrooms and garlic make a great addition to an antipasti platter or as an additon to a salad. Add cubes of cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, sliced banana peppers, salami and a glass of wine to make for a perfect first course. Serve at room temperature as the flavors will be best then. Don't throw out the mushroom…

Southwestern Shell Pasta Salad by Salad Foodie

Chop, chop, chop and get your frustrations out making this pasta salad with south-of-the-border appeal. Choose your heat level by amount of peppers, hot sauce and chilies you add. This yields a generous bowl and serves 12-14. Make this ahead of time and chill ~ if you can wait and can keep everyone out too!

In-a-Pinch Cranberry Sauce made from Dried Cranberries by Salad Foodie

I serve turkey year round but forget to keep canned cranberry sauce on hand; even when I do it's hard to use up the whole can because not everone eats it. Recently the craving for cranberries with roast turkey breast was too strong. I grabbed the Craisin bag from the pantry and experimented making a small amount of cranberry sauce.…

Moroccan Split Pea Soup by John Spottiswood

This is a delicious and beautiful recipe I adapted from one in Paula Wolfert's beautiful book "the food of morocco". The split pea soup has wonderful Moroccan flavors, and it gets a beautiful touch when you drizzle homemade pepper oil on top. This is a super easy trick which adds a nice kick to the already flavorful soup. It's…

Lime & Mint Jelly by Salad Foodie

Tart and zesty, this jelly makes a nice gift for the holiday host or hostess. Lime is the predominant flavor, with a “hint of mint.” Serve it with crackers and cream cheese, or put it out when you serve lamb or other meats. Use it as you would marmalade, on toast or biscuits. If you like lime, you will love this lip-smacking sweet…

Chili Sauce by Salad Foodie

Chili sauce is one answer to that bumper tomato harvest. The perky piquant sauce can compliment many classic recipes like meatballs, meatloaf, cutlets, chops, tenders, eggs, potatoes, etc. This recipe is from Ball Blue Book of Canning (2010) and is what I’d deem a standard chili sauce for a wide variety of family uses. It is not…

Chicken, Tomatoes & Rotini Salad by Salad Foodie

Hearty pasta salad to help use up leftover roast chicken or turkey. I've a bumper crop of grape tomatoes which work well in this too. I try to go light on the seasonings, so follks can adjust as desired when served.

Mashed Potatoes and Cabbage (Colcannon) by Salad Foodie

A perfect way to boost nutrition in mashed potatoes, this is a favorite Irish side dish but can certainly appear at Oktoberfest in late September with bratwurst or sauerbraten. I like the subtle crunch and texture cabbage provides, and using red potatoes and leaving the skins on, adds extra color and nutrition. (An optional version…