MINCED CHICKEN & LAP CHEUNG IN LETTUCE CUPS by Linda Tay Esposito

There are so many versions of Chicken in Lettuce Cups. This recipe features the classic trinity of chicken, lap cheung (Chinese wax sausages) and dried shrimp. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, get the Wycen lap cheung (Washington/Stockton or Clement/7th) . They make their sausages locally and offer extra lean 100%…

Brett & Bart's favorite spaghetti by jeanne templeman

This is an old Italian recipe that I've been cooking for 30 years, and my boys and husband all love it. I got this from my good friend and extraordinary cook Jeannie Puente. The trick for the old Italian flavor is that you cook it for 2 days in a crockpot. I don't leave it on at night for safety. Delicious!

Romaine Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing by John Spottiswood

The crisp inner leaves of romaine lettuce goes wonderfully with this light and creamy basil-infused dressing. We served the same dressing the following night with a more traditional mixed green salad with lettuce, avocado, tomato and cucumber, and that was delicious too. If you're looking for a tasty alternative to a caesar dressing,…

Homemade Refried Beans by John Spottiswood

I'm ashamed to say that though I LOVE refried beans, this is the first time I've ever made them myself. It's just so easy to buy them in a can, or at a mexican restaurant, that I haven't bothered. But this recipe is simple and it is definitely worth the effort in my mind. I figure my kids are the true test, since they aren't that…

Stuffed Mushrooms with Feta & Spinach by david spottiswood

I adapted these mushrooms from a bon appetit recipe. They are delicious and always a crowd pleaser. They have a little zing from the crushed red pepper flakes. Great served as a passed hors d'oeuvre. We've taken these to other people's houses as an appetizer (just baking the last 10 minutes there) and they always get rave reviews.

angle food cake desert with pineapple by bob winters

simple low cal desert

Potato and Sweet Potato au Gratin with Herbs by Nancy Miyasaki

This is not the lightest recipe I've made, but it's a real treat when you are having guests and want to splurge. I love the flavor and color combination of the sweet and gold potatoes. It's a wonderful twist on a classic French standby.

Tagine of Beef and Sweet Potatoes by John Spottiswood

This is an amazing tagine/stew. The flavor is just amazing. It's not as spicy or as powerful as many Moroccan tagines, but it is wonderful.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Sesame Sauce by John Spottiswood

This is a delicious healthy grilled side or main dish. In Korea, this is commonly served by street vendors, especially during the bitter winter. I enjoy it just as much during the summer. In Korea they dip the sweet potato into the sauce. I typically just split the sweet potato like a regular baked potato, and spoon the sauce over…

Three Sisters Soup (Beans, Corn and Squash Soup) with Crock Pot Option by Salad Foodie

“Three Sisters” refers to the three main crops of Native Americans: beans, corn and squash. The crops are planted close together and in this way benefit from one another. Corn stalks provide the structure for beans to climb, beans provide nitrogen to…

Apple Custard Pie with Oatmeal Crust by Catherine Pappas

Adapted from: Vegetarian Times Magazine. This is a simple and delicious dessert. Enjoy and Have Love in Your Heart, Catherine

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Cupcakes by Margarita Wyld

A decadent brownie cupcake with a Reese's Peanut Butter cup baked inside!

Ginger-Marinated Pork Tenderloin by Nancy Miyasaki

This pork tenderloin was super moist and was wonderful with the rich sauce over it. Our whole family loved it. I used the leftovers for a make shift fried rice the next day, and that was delicious too.

Peruvian Roast Chicken by John Spottiswood

This is a fantastic recipe that I adapted from the Cook's Illustrated Cookbook. I was looking for a new family favorite to rival my Cumin Chicken recipe, and this came darn close. The flavors in this recipe blend together very nicely and don't overwhelm the flavor of the chicken. Everyone in our family enjoyed it. We served it…

Cracker Barrel's Hash Browns Casserole by Pattie Berriman