Green Beans with Basil and Tomato by John Spottiswood

This is an attractive and tasty side dish. The butter, basil and tomato adds a nice flavor boost to the green beans. I've made them with garlic salt and regular kosher salt, both are delicious. If you want to spice it up, add more black pepper or substitute crushed red pepper for the black pepper.

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) by Nancy Miyasaki

I love spanakopita, but it's too much work. This is a great way to make spanakopita for a crowd. And it's really yummy, too! Just remember the filo has to be defrosted overnight or for 5 hours before assembling.

Cauliflower & Potatoes ~ Indian style by Amos Miller

I have never been a really big fan of cauliflower, but I love potatoes and spices. This dish, known as 'Alu Ghobi', has long been a favorite vegetable side dish in my kitchen. It is simple, easy to make and very healthy for you. One seldom finds a cauliflower dish on the average restaurant menu. But you need not be a…

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!

Squash In A Spice Paste Done Pronto! by kathy gori

This has been one hell of a week, one of those 7 day stretches that includes everything on lifes' smorgey...except dental. Of course the week's not over yet. It's been a week of some nerves, some loss, some traveling, some stress and the general sense of just being unable to catch up. That said, I can't wait for Monday to start the…

Honey-Ginger Glazed Carrots by John Spottiswood

This is a standard side dish for us when we're serving an asian-inspired meal. It's also great with any grilled meat. The honey brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and the ginger gives a bit of spice to balance the sweetness. Orange zest and juice gives a nice acidity to the dish. If you make this, it will likely become…

Four Cheese Italian Macaroni by Jennifer Bass

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…

Glazed Carrots by Nancy Miyasaki

I made these carrots to be a sweet, vegetable side to go with the Caribbean Pork we made tonight. I wanted something that would be sweet like plantains, and these did the job perfectly. I adapted this from a Cook's Illustrated recipe, and I think the technique is a good one. They'd be nice as a a side with any grilled meat.

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…

Crunchy Green Bean Salad by Jennifer Bass

Green Bean Casserole by Cathy Spivak

I can't do Thanksgiving without this side dish. I like it with 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese added to it.

Hawaiian Crest Salsa by Smokinhotchef

I came up with this recipe at the spur of the moment to accompany the shrimp recipe I was preparing for a late lunch get-together with several of my sisters and my brother Ken. I had just visited the supermarket, so I had lots of fresh ingredients on hand. My sister Gayle said this recipe reminded her of Hawaii and crisp freshness…

Yellow Garlic Rice and Broccoli by Smokinhotchef

I make this all the time for a quick and easy side dish. Alternately, this can be a main dish by adding 1 lb. of chicken, beef, or pork. my daughter Genesis loves it and enjoys this recipe as her main dish with no meat added. I feel great knowing my children can be satisfied with a meatless meal and still be happy!

Cooler Corn by Glenn

Large gatherings of people who like corn on the cob requires a couple of lobster pots or a wash tub and a lot of boiling water and patience. Not anymore. Thanks to tailgating technology there is a simple way to make dozens of ears of corn for the hungry revelers.