Best Turkey Stuffing by John Spottiswood

This recipe is a combination and adaptation of two great stuffing recipes found in the New Best Recipe cookbook by Cook's Illustrated (one of our favorites for traditional dishes). We took this to an early friend's thanksgiving party and it was a huge hit. There were three different stuffings served, and this one was by far the most…

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…

Quinoa and Fresh Corn with Scallions by John Spottiswood

This is a great side dish we served tonight with leftover chicken breast. I've been getting great vegetarian ideas from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison. I left the cheese out of this one to up the healthiness, and it tasted great without!

Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a delicious quinoa recipe that we served with our garlic lime grilled pork chops. This is flavorful enough that you'll want to serve it with a relatively simple grilled dish. It would go wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or steak. Or try it with the pork recipe linked below.

Quinoa with Vegetables and Herbs by Nancy Miyasaki

This was easy and a delicious side for the yogurt chicken I made the other night. My sister raved about this and my husband, who normally prefers bulgur and other grains to quinoa, really enjoyed it. If you haven't had quinoa before, this is an easy and tasty dish to start with! Feel free to substitute other vegetables you have on…

Bulgur salad with lemon and cranberries by Kimberly Lindstrom

So simple, but so awesome you will lick the bowl clean. Easy as pie to make, good hot or cold. In short, it's perfect.

Bulgar Pilaf by Yvette Bedrosian

Bulgar, cracked wheat kernals, makes a delicious and hearty side for lamb, vegetable, and hearty grilled fish like salmon.

Toasted Couscous Pilaf by Farrell May Podgorsek

Israeli couscous makes a great hot pilaf and goes well with so many dishes. This is my husband's favorite grain side dish. I know it's more of a pasta, but we think of couscous as a starch, but not like pasta. The spices can be varied to change the flavor. It is quick and easy, and popular with kids. You can make this vegetarian by…

Tabbouleh Salad by Micheline

A refreshing, low calorie, garlicky, tasty bulgur salad.

Quinoa with Fresh Corn and Mint by John Spottiswood

This is a great quinoa dish to serve alongside fish or chicken. I have grown to love quinoa, and it is perfect for this dish. But this would also be great with Israeli cous cous, regular cous cous, pearl barley or even jasmine rice if you are not a fan of quinoa. The mix of flavors is amazing! Try this when fresh corn is cheap and…

Simple Cornbread Dressing with Sage by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a simple cornbread dressing that is lightly but perfectly flavored.

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…

Farro with fresh herbs by John Spottiswood

I had Farro for the first time recently at a party at a winery. I thought it was fantastic served under grilled lamb. It's a little crunchier than barley, and has a subtle nutty flavor. You'll love it with grilled meat! It's a little hard to find, but try an Italian supermarket or Whole foods. You can also substitute "spelt", but…

Lemony Couscous copyright 2011 art of living,PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati by maria liberati

Risotto alla Fragole (risotto with strawberries) copyright 2011 art of living,PrimaMedia,Inc/Maria Liberati by maria liberati