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!

Stir-Fried Broccoli with Chili-Garlic Sauce by John Spottiswood

My father-in-law has become an amazing cook, and he made this as part of our Easter lunch this year with the fabulous pork tenderloin recipe (see linked below). This version isn't gloppy with extra sauce like you find in many Chinese take out places. It's very flavorful but also relatively light and healthful. He made a TON of it,…

Red beans and rice by John Spottiswood

I've adapted this recipe from a number that I have used in the past. You can deviate from this and it is still delicious! Normally, I serve this with a jerk marinated chicken or pork, but it also goes well with grilled fish, steak and many other treats. If you serve it with something that isn't spicy, try adding some of the spices…

Carrot Cake the Ultimate by Amos Miller

What a way to eat your vegetables! I work hard, try to eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of exercise and watch my weight. I also absolutely love a great carrot cake, so what are ya gonna do...?. This looks like alot of stuff, but it is just some dry and some wet ingredients. Do not be deterred! Press on! This recipe…

Budwig Diet Smoothie by John Spottiswood

Someone turned me on to Dr. Johanna Budwig recently. I read a bit about her research and her diet online. While there isn't a lot of hard evidence behind it, she was definitely ahead of her time in recognizing the importance of good fats, and the harmful effects of bad fats, in our modern diets. She strongly encouraged the…

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…

Green Bean, Carrot and Mushroom Medley by Salad Foodie

A quick-to-fix green bean side dish or vegetarian main dish. I like to use my steamer for the beans and carrots, but they could also be boiled briefly and drained. This makes a beautiful presentation with interesting flavor combinations. The real trick is getting the seasoning right. Experiment with your favorite herb combinations,…

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.…

Bananarama Smoothie by erin de martini

Apple Crisp – Microwave Quick! by Salad Foodie

I haven’t found a quicker apple crisp recipe that tastes as good (or better) than oven-baked. Simple prep and fast cooking make this a perfect dessert when you’re short on time. Plus you can make it year round as the microwave won't heat up the kitchen.

Easy Fruit Cobbler by Nancy Miyasaki

This is a super simple dessert that's great for a large or small gathering. I generally use nectarines or peaches and some sort of berries, but cherries plums and apricots will work too.

Chile Rellenos Soufflé by Salad Foodie

If you're craving a chile relleno fix, give this light south-of-the-border layered soufflé a try. I looked at several recipes then came up with my own combination and it fits my need for a guilt-free alternative. To save time use canned whole green chiles, or char your fresh garden ones if desired. One batch makes 4 generous-size…

Cumin Rice by Joyce Leung

This rice is a delicious mix of cumin and cinnamon. It provides a nice, slightly sweet flavor, that is a perfect complement to any middle eastern dish. The only dishes I would avoid serving this with are sweet dishes with dates, figs, etc. I served it with my Braised Lamb with Beans. It was great!

Chinese Vegetable Soup by John Spottiswood

I love to throw this recipe together when I am in the mood for a healthy and spicy meal. Just about every time I go to an Asian grocery store I end up picking up the ingredients for this tasty soup. This is not from any book...just pieced together from the great bowls of soup I've had in hole-in-the-wall chinese restaurants in the…

Russian omelet by Pavel Nartov

It's very fast and delicious recipe