I am unashamed to say that if you put spinach artichoke dip out at your party, I will live right next to it for the duration of the night. Where are my fellow dip lovers?? Spinach artichoke dip is one of my favorites, but I have a lot of opinions on textures. This crab-packed recipe...
All Recipes
Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake (aka Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese)
Are you one of those people who has proudly (or sheepishly) announced that you could eat a whole pot of spinach artichoke dip if left alone with it too long? If so, I understand. I might be one of those people, too... Which is why I love this spinach artichoke pasta bake so much. It...
Green Pea Pasta Sauce (Easy and Vegan!)
One of the easiest and most delicious ways to dress cooked pasta is with a quick pesto. This springy recipe is one of my particular favorites. Rather than using dark leafy greens like spinach or kale, this is a springy, pastel green pea pasta sauce. The cheerful flavor of fresh peas is given some extra...
Springy Green Pea Pesto with Fresh Basil
If you've ever brought home a big bag of snap peas that turned out to be woody and tough, or if you subscribe to a CSA and have ever found yourself swimming in more peas than you know what to do with, this green pea pesto recipe is for you. Or, maybe you just love...
Cheesy Cauliflower and Broccoli Tart with Tomatoes
Savory pastries are one of my favorite treats, so it's no surprise that vegetable tarts and galettes are one of my favorite types of meal. This cauliflower broccoli tart has a simple filling, just piles of vegetables and a shower of cheese. But don't let that simplicity fool you! When baked in a buttery crisp...
Easy Creamy Baked Polenta
Creamy polenta, a pillar of classic Italian cucina povera, has a reputation for being fussy and labor-intensive. But it doesn't have to be that way! Instead of standing over a hot stove, stirring and stirring, you can pop a skillet in the oven and make easy, creamy baked polenta. While your polenta gently cooks in...
Oven-Baked Goat Cheese Polenta with Smoked Trout and Eggs
Oven baked polenta probably brings to mind hearty winter meals, with rich braised meats and red wine. This creamy goat cheese polenta with smoked trout, however, is rustic and hearty while also feeling springy and fresh. The slight tang of goat cheese paired with vibrant fresh lemon and dill is reminiscent of pasta alla primavera....
Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Olives, and Garlic
I like to think of this recipe for pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, olives and garlic as a grown-up's buttered noodles. Just as comforting and easy, but with a bit more sophistication! It's a simple and quick method that highlights some of my favorite pantry staples: briny, buttery green olives, savory-sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. At...
Pasta with Smoked Trout, Shaved Fennel, and Tarragon
Smoky, meaty flakes of smoked trout are the foundation of this lively pasta. The savory-salty fish is like the bacon of the lake, with a mouthwatering umami that pairs beautifully with bright and springy flavors. Fresh fennel and shallot tangle and twirl with the linguini, all lightly coated with a silky and herby sauce of...
Salmon Croquettes with Feta and Fresh Herbs
Crispy, crackling croquettes stuffed with morsels of salmon and salty feta. The soft interiors are spiked with a touch of mustard and fistfuls of fresh herbs, perfectly balancing the natural fattiness of salmon. It's the perfect nibble for serving to guests with crisp beer or something fizzy. Or, coming in at just over 30 minutes,...
Blistered Tomato Pesto with Toasted Almonds and Anchovies
This luxurious-yet-easy tomato pesto recipe draws from two classic Italian recipes: pesto alla trapanese and pasta alla puttanesca. It’s mouthwateringly savory thanks to a few key umami workhorses, but using fresh tomatoes instead of canned or sun dried tomatoes keeps this red pesto vibrant and alive. It’s perfect for coating long twirly noodles like spaghetti,...
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Chilies and Herbs
Shrimp. Shrimpies. Skrimps. Whatever cute name you may have for them, they are a tasty crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe for garlic butter shrimp is so tasty and versatile that it has quickly become one of my go-to methods for an easy seafood dinner. The butter and garlic are rich and delicious, but a small hit...
The Best Super-Savory All-Purpose Tofu
I firmly believe that all of the best cooks you will meet, restaurant or home or catering etc, will have some specific go-to recipes or techniques that function as springboards for a meal. These springboards are second nature, so the only creative effort needed is customization. That takes a lot of pressure off when faced...
Easy New England Clam Chowder (Gluten-Free)
I'm not sure when I became a clam chowder lover, but whenever it was the transformation came with OPINIONS. Creamy without being gloopy, plenty of clam flavor without overpowering the potato, and yes please to the crispy bacon on top. Unfortunately, a lot of recipes are just too...something. And often that "something" is bland. Yes,...
Kale Salad with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Parsnips
The days are longer and the weather is warming. A simple salad for lunch or dinner feels very spring-like, but what if you're not quite ready to give up the cozy oven-roasted flavors? A bit of coziness is still in order, after all, to keep the chilly spring rains at bay. This wonderfully easy kale...
Chocolate Stout Cake with Whiskey Buttercream and Candied Kumquats
We gush about chocolatey stouts, so why not stouty chocolate? This chocolate stout cake is a doodle to whip up (no creaming butter step!), and the extra complexity of the stout really sets the moist cake apart. The slightly boozy buttercream adds a nice flourish, but the lightly candied kumquats are the real highlight. If...
Mushroom and Bok Choy Rice Soup with Chicken or Tofu (Pao Fan)
Rice is nice. In all forms. I particularly like various types of soupy/creamy rice dishes in Spring and Fall. They're so cozy and warming, but not on the same level as long-cooked stews and braises. This particular recipe for mushroom and bok choy rice soup is a stalwart friend, the perfect companion to cozy nights...
Pasta with Cabbage, Caraway, and Dill (Russian Piroshki Pasta)
One of the first recipes I made as a teen was a Russian-style hand pie from a squat book called Edible Pockets for Every Meal. I completely fell in love with it, and credit it with my abiding love for cabbage in all shapes and forms. The filling is very simple, and I've taken to...
Turkish-Inspired Chicken and Orzo Tomato "Orzotto" Soup
Silky and sensuous, big bold flavors. Juicy shredded chicken nestled among bouncy, flavor-saturated orzo. Pops of brightness from fresh herbs, lemon, and creamy yogurt. A bowl of this one-pot chicken and orzo tomato soup is at once rich and vibrant, a perfect transition into warmer days that are just around the corner. A quick noodle...
Red Curry Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cilantro-Lime Gremolata
When I find myself more excited about a side dish than the main course, I naturally begin thinking about ways to turn that side into the main event. That's the origin of this whole roasted cauliflower--tender and almost buttery cauliflower, slathered in aromatic red curry and finished with a bright and herbaceous cilantro-lime gremolata. The...
Port Wine Braised Chicken in a Smoky Tomato Sauce
This is a recipe to warm the marrow of your bones. It's rich with deep flavors, so deep there's almost something mysterious and moody about it. The natural complexity of aged, fortified wines. The easy umami of tomatoes. The sweet smoke of bacon and pimentón. It all comes together as one to bathe tender chicken...
Pearl Couscous with Butternut Squash and Chickpeas
Folding caramelized butternut squash and hearty chickpeas into a steamy bowlful of squidgy pearl couscous is one of my favorite cozy meals. This is one of those in-between recipes. It's not a couscous salad, nor is it a soup. It's not saucy, nor is it dry. You could eat it with a fork or a...
Sweet and Savory Spiced Pecans with Rosemary
The only problem with this super crunchy and delicious spiced pecans recipe is that it's hard to not eat them all in one sitting. Candied spiced nuts make such a good party snack or host/holiday gift, but the fact that they are such a crowd-pleaser is exactly the problem. You can't have just one!! These...
Brothy Beef Soup with Watercress and Cilantro
When the skies are grey and full of constant, gloomy wet, I find myself yearning for the steamy comfort of slurpable soups like this brothy beef soup. There's something about its aromatic, savory broth that feels both comforting and rejuvenating. Like a winter stew, this beef soup will warm you to your bones. But unlike...
Simple Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
My version of Turkish mercimek corbasi, this red lentil soup is easy, simple to throw together, and almost painfully delicious. The simple combination of spices relies heavily on the earthy sweetness of paprika, but the final flavor is harmonious and balanced. It's cozy and hearty, but not heavy.
Spicy Dry-Fried Celery and Mushrooms
This is my riff on a classic Sichuan beef dish, packed full of deep umami and the addictive citrusy aroma and numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns. The crunchy-crisp celery and meaty texture of the mushrooms are deeply satisfying. And, thanks to the natural complexity of toban djan, a fermented chili bean paste, it takes no effort at all to achieve a deeply flavored, mouthwatering final dish! Serve with rice or toss with noodles and a splash of sesame oil.
Portuguese Greens and Rice (Arroz de Grelos)
When autumn rolls around, I start craving steaming bowls of cozy-yet-light dishes like this Portuguese braised greens and rice. It's just brothy enough to be warming and comforting, but doesn't tip into soup or stew territory. I would classify this as a side dish, but to be honest, topped with a fried egg, a bowl...
Polenta Soup with Kale and Crispy Prosciutto
Cozy and warming, but not as heavy as the long-cooked stews and braises of deep winter, this soup is the perfect transition recipe as chilly nights carry us into fall. Based on a Tuscan classic, farinata con cavolo nero, this soup makes a masterpiece out of humble beans, coarse cornmeal, and kale. Unlike hearty and dense creamy polenta, this soup is actually quite light. A quick finish of shaved cheese and crispy prosciutto provide and extra dose of coziness.
Seafood Risotto with Red Curry and Fresh Herbs
A lightly spicy red curry broth is the base for this easy seafood risotto. Finish with a shot of lime, a few pats of butter, and a handful of fresh herbs and prepare to become obsessed.
Charred Broccoli Salad with Miso Vinaigrette
The base for this easy salad is roasty broiled broccoli. It gets an extra layer of flavor from a quick mix with nutty white miso, which caramelizes as the broccoli chars. Tossed with baby kale, fresh cilantro, and toasted nuts, each bite is slightly different, making it all too easy to accidentally eat the whole bowl!
Shaved Carrot Salad with Olives and Fresh Herbs
This beautiful shaved carrot salad is a less-sweet, more elegant version of a classic grated carrot salad. A warming savoriness comes from the combination of allspice and cumin. Briny pops of meaty olives and plenty of fresh herbs keep the flavors perky, while toasted pistachios add a welcome nutty crunch. Serve as a side to anything from summer veggie skewers to poached eggs to your favorite cold-weather stew.
Watermelon Tomato Salad with Basil, Mint, and Feta
This salad makes the most out of two summer favorites by combining the sweet crunch of watermelon with the savory-juicy tooth of ripe tomatoes. A bit of salty feta and a handful of fresh herbs and voilà! The perfect summer side salad: little bit savory, a little bit sweet, and endlessly refreshing. Serve with grilled bread or warm focaccia to sop up any lingering juices.
Cilantro-Lime Bean Salad with Fresh Corn and Avocado
With a strong amount of cilantro, lime, and plenty of fresh summer corn, this salad is a favorite in the warmer months. It's punchy and cheerful, and such a doodle to throw together! Heating the tender, creamy beans before dressing them helps to speed up flavor absorption. It's the perfect side when grilling, tucked into tacos, or simply served with a runny egg and crusty bread.
Steamed Mussels in a Spicy Coconut Curry Broth
A big pile of mussels doesn't have to be reserved for a seaside vacation! These coconut curry mussels are quick enough for a weekday meal, but decadent and complex enough to feel like a treat. Make sure to serve with something to sop up all the delicious curry broth!
Stir-Fried Mushroom Red Curry with Green Beans and Basil
Seared mushrooms and crisp-tender green beans get a slightly spicy treatment in this weeknight-friendly red curry. A simple, easy to remember method makes this aromatic and savory dish quick to make and easy to adapt for any number of veggies or proteins.
How to Make Mussels in Escabeche
A beloved addition to tapas nights and charcuterie boards, mussels in tangy escabeche are wonderfully easy to make at home. Not only is it radically more cost-effective, but it's fun to adapt and tweak the flavors to suit your mood.
Cheesy Summer Squash Galette with Tomato Vinaigrette
This easy, cheesy summer squash galette makes good use of two Small Pantry staples: Easy buttery pastry dough and tomato vinaigrette. The savory-tangy “vinaigrette” makes a perfect base for layers of thinly sliced summer squash and melty cheese. Wrapped in a no-fuss, tender pastry crust, it’s a wonderful blend of textures and savory flavors.
Warm Smashed Chickpea Salad with Miso-Lemon Dressing
This warm, lively salad is like a rustic cousin of hummus. Its chunky, slightly creamy texture makes a perfect bed for anything grilled, from steak to skewers. It's also a great addition to wraps or sandwiches--try stuffing it in pita with feta and roasted red peppers. I also highly recommend piling it on toast and topping it with a poached egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
Pan-Seared Cauliflower and Gnocchi in Lemony Miso-Butter Sauce
The star of this recipe is the bold miso- and garlic-based sauce. Its deep savory flavor is complemented by a bracing kick of lemon and plenty of fresh herbs, creating a mouth-watering and addictive flavor. When tossed with pan-seared cauliflower and pillowy gnocchi, it makes an incredibly satisfying meal. Vegetarian as-written, with vegan substitutions.
Crema al Mascarpone (Creamy Italian Mascarpone Mousse)
This incredibly simple dessert is my version of the Italian classic, crema al mascarpone. It's a breeze to whip together, and makes an elegant end to any meal. A dusting of cocoa is a lovely, simple garnish, but this dessert also is a wonderful base for fresh fruit, shaved chocolate, and toasted nuts. Get creative!
Lemony White Bean and Avocado Salad with Fresh Dill
This bean salad is what I think of as an "instant classic." With a strong amount of lemon and plenty of fresh herbs, the savory and creamy beans and silky avocado manage to be both cozy and refreshing. Wonderful as a side during grilling season, but also a great as a main event, topped with a poached egg and scooped up with crusty bread.
Bulgur Pilaf with Crispy Paprika-Spiced Chickpeas and Fresh Herbs
Nutty bulgur is rounded out perfectly with a classic combination of mint and dill, then further lifted with a squeeze of fresh lemon. The spiced crispy chickpeas are an easy way to level-up any dish, and come together easily while the bulgur cooks. The perfect summer side or easy-breezy main course!