With record-breaking temperatures, it’s nice to have on hand the makings for a cool, crisp meal requiring only a bit of assembly. Whip up a double batch ahead of time to provide for delectable lunches and snacks to have on hand for a few...

The contents of my fridge inspired this lunchtime recipe, but ingredients are easily interchangeable with whatever you have on hand. My version incorporates five different food groups, providing a balanced meal in itself. This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors marry, so make a...

What to make with canned tuna, besides a classic tuna salad? This salad works well for cookouts, camping, and keeping a cool kitchen. The recipe is from my husband Steve’s mom adapted by him to make it healthier, with a few of my own touches thrown in....

The first “serious” cookbook I ever bought was Sauces by James Peterson, a James Beard Cookbook of the Year. I was enrolled in the culinary basics boot camp in culinary school at the time, and was following the recommendation of the class instructor. Nine years later, I couldn’t...

 Healthier restaurant saladOne of the biggest reasons we get into trouble when eating out are the larger than life portion sizes. Even if the ingredients in the dish are healthy, the menu item can contain twice as much energy (calories) as our body needs,...

 You needn’t be vegan to enjoy this stir-fry Edamame, or young green soybeans, are wonderful eaten straight out of the pods, and I love them with Friday night sushi takeout. I buy shelled edamame for recipes to save prep time. My taste testers sampled this...

I have an insatiable desire for Mexican food. The chips and guacamole. The smoky, sultry seasonings. The oozing melted cheese. But it can weigh you down if you opt for enchiladas and chiles rellenos all the time. I work taco salad into my menu...

Servings: 6 Prep time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained 1 can garbanzo beans (15 oz), drained 1 can whole kernel corn (15.25 oz), drained 1⁄2 cup onion, finely diced 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup red bell pepper, diced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded...

Natural and golden raisins add perfect balance to this spicy chicken salad. Recipe courtesy of loveyourraisins.com. Serves: 10 INGREDIENTS: 3 whole (6 split) chicken breasts, bone-in and skin-on* Olive oil, as needed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; to taste 1-1/2 cup low calorie, low sodium mayonnaise 1/3 cup dry white wine 1/4...