Roasted Broccoli by John Spottiswood

This roasted broccoli recipe, adapted from the Barefoot Contessa, is really wonderful. It has a lot of flavor. We served it with a mild pasta, and it was just a wonderful combination. Don't be worried by the lemon juice and zest. They impart a subtle flavor that adds a nice dimension to this dish.

Brussel Sprouts Sauteed in Garlic & Olive Oil by John Spottiswood

This is a simple, tasty side dish to add to your menu. I've adapted it from Marcella Hazan's recipes for other vegetables. It tastes GREAT with Brussel Sprouts. Broccoli is good too.

Lemon & Garlic Green Beans by John Spottiswood

It is rare to have a side dish which everyone keeps reaching for instead of the main dish. That's especially true if its a fairly simple green vegetable side. But these green beans were truly that good. We used packaged, thin french cut green beans from Trader Joes. They are tender and tasty on their own, but I've never had them taste…

Pasta with Butter and Parmesan Cheese by John Spottiswood

I've been cooking this recipe for so long, and it is so simple, that I have often overlooked posting it. We had it with our grilled chicken this week, and finally I'm putting it online. Marcella Hazan says this method of cooking pasta has eclipsed all others as the favorite amongst Northern Italians. And I must say it's among the…

macaroni and cheese by Carol Teng

A delicious, easy to cook meal.

Roman-Style Spinach by John Spottiswood

This is a great new way I've learned to cook spinach. I wouldn't have thought of adding sweetness to spinach, but I really like the way the currants and pine nuts contrast with the slight bitterness of fresh spinach. This is a new winner that I'll be cooking frequently in the future!

Spinach and Ricotta Balls - Gnudis by John Spottiswood

I've been looking for tasty ways to cook spinach and wild greens because they are so healthful. This one is fantastic. These are called Gnudis in Florence because they are "nude", e.g. missing the pasta on the outside. These are sort of like a spinach ravioli without the pasta. If that doesn't sound all that flavorful to you, wait…

Roasted Asparagus and Parmesan by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a simple and delicious Italian recipe adapted from the Barefoot Contessa. We leave out the egg and sometimes the lemon (depends on what you are serving this with).

Bean Gratin by John Spottiswood

This delicious and healthy recipe can be made with any variety of white bean, dried or canned. I used dried cannellini beans. Great Northern beans or other white beans will work too. I served this with a delicious Pork Stew, but I think it would go well with any hearty meat or poultry dish. It took me back to our summer visit to…

Butternut Squash Risotto by Kelly Sheeman

Thanks to the Simply Recipies blog...wonderful! I loved this dish. I could sit down and eat cups and cups and cups of this dish. It was a wonderful side, and an easy main for a vegetarian. Thanks to Simply Recipies blog...wonderful! I used extra butternut squash and it worked really well, I also found that I did not need to add…

Plum tomatoes roasted with fresh basil by Nancy Miyasaki

When plum tomatoes are on sale this summer, grab a bagful and make this simple and delicious side dish. It goes great with just about anything you will cook on the grill--steak, lamb, chicken or fish. Or just have it as part of a vegetarian meal. However you serve it, you and your guests will love it!

It's In The Bag. Perfect Potatoes In 45 Minutes...No, Really! by kathy gori

As most food bloggers, I'm always searching for the glamour shot. Not for myself mind you, that coal barge sailed a long time ago. I'm looking for sexy food. I'm looking for the glimmer on a tomato, the flash of a fishes' scales, the beady dew drop on…

Orzo and roasted vegetables with feta by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a light and healthy pasta salad that will have your family or guests begging for the recipe. It's a good side dish for grilled fish, meat or chicken, so it's great to take to a summer pool party! Tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make in advance.

Four Cheese Italian Macaroni by Jennifer Bass

Baked Farro or Pearl Barley with Asparagus by Nancy Miyasaki

We served this recipe with a Moroccan Lamb Shank last night. It was a delicious accompaniment. We had Farro for the first time served by an amazing chef at our cousin's wedding. Then too it was served with Lamb in a rich sauce. There is something about the combination of tender lamb with farro or barley, which are slightly more…