Main Dish

Spring Paella, cooked in a Paella pan.

Spring Paella

Spring Paella is fragrant and appealing. It gathers a variety of fresh vegetables into a pretty rice dish that cooks on the stovetop. The rice is served all dente and the flavors are bright. This recipe works great for a weeknight meal and is festive enough for company. Once you have tried it, feel free to vary the vegetables and proteins to fit what you find available at its seasonal best.

Chicken and Dumplings in a Courier and Ives Ironstone Bowl with a white covered dish shaped like a nesting chicken in the background.

Family Heirloom Cookbook – Chicken and Dumplings

As a child I loved Chicken and Dumplings. I helped Aunt Hen roll out the dough on her small kitchen table and I could hardly wait until it was time for dinner. Now my children ask for Chicken and Dumplings too. A favorite, across the miles and the generations, my grandmother’s recipe still satisfies a hungry family.

Bacon, Squash & Chestnut Risotto

I just love Jamie Oliver. I used to watch Oliver’s Twist and I would get hungry just listening to him talk about food. (It’s probably the accent!) I can remember drooling over the risotto he cooked. It sounded so good that I even tried it myself, carefully watching and following […]

Rosemary and almond crusted Groundhog Day Meatloaf on a bed of spinach leaves with cherry tomatoes served on a rectangular platter.

Groundhog Day Meatloaf

Groundhog Day Meatloaf is both attractive and delicious. The flavor of roasted rosemary and the slight crunch of the toasted almond crust elevate this meatloaf to something special. The olives add just a touch of whimsy, suggesting a groundhog, without being fussy. Served on a bed of spinach and garnished with cherry tomatoes it makes an appealing family-style entrée that is perfect for this unique occasion.

A whole Herb Roasted Chicken on a bed of thyme.

An Herb Roasted Chicken in the Oven

Fresh lemon and a few sprigs of thyme add interest and texture to the delicious aroma of roasted chicken. Sheltered in my cozy kitchen that wonderful fragrance announces that a nourishing dinner will soon be waiting in the oven.

Ham and Cheese Bread, baked in a 9" x 13" pyrex casserole dish, is resting in front of a kitchen window with white curtains.

Ham and Cheese Bread

This vintage recipe is a great way to use leftover ham. Sprinkled with grated cheese and sesame seeds, Ham and Cheese Bread is pretty and versatile. It makes a great recipe for a casual dinner, a packed lunch or a tasty snack. Any leftover bread, sliced and toasted, works nicely as a quick breakfast.

A bowl of Northwest Cioppino filled with mussels, clams, and salmon, in a low white bowl.

Northwest Cioppino

Today I went shopping for Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas Eve is usually hectic around my house. People are taking care of last minute details…

Italian Supper Soup, made with orzo, white beans, and spinach in a vegetable broth, served in a shallow white bowl.

Italian Supper Soup

Easy to make on short notice, or even prepare in advance, Italian Supper Soup combines pantry staples with fresh spinach to create a warm and nourishing dinner option that accommodates a challenging schedule.

Spinach with Chickpeas served on a square plate with a piece of Tandoori Naan.

Meals for One – Spinach with Chickpeas

One of my favorite easy meals involves little more than a bag of spinach and a can of chickpeas. Add heat, a little olive oil and a few spices and in just a few minutes it is ready for the table. Enjoy Spinach with Chickpeas as a meal for one or an easy side dish. Serve with Naan or, if you have a heartier appetite, add grilled meat, rice or quinoa.