Hot ‘n Sour Kale Stir-Fry: Monday, October 12 , 2026
This kale dish is based on a favorite Hot ‘n Sour Soup from a Seattle restaurant. Tonight we skip the soup part and add more vegetables…in this case, kale. This cozy, comfort-food version of stir-fry combines hot, savory, sweet and sour flavors with lots of texture.
If using homemade marinated grilled tofu and if needed, make Marinated Grilled Tofu (Extra Recipe Info.) during the day today. You’ll need to thaw some frozen, ultra-firm tofu this AM.
Autumn Penne Pasta with Sicilian Pesto: Friday, October 9, 2026
My wife and I were exhausted after a long day of walking and sight-seeing in Venice. We stopped for dinner and ordered a plate of pasta with Sicilian Pesto. We were thrilled with the flavors! We asked the waiter about the herb combination and he explained that the addition of marjoram and substitution of almonds for pine nuts made it Sicilian-style. After a little experimentation at home, we landed on this version.
Here’s a perfect pasta for a fall evening. It’s loaded with newly harvested zucchini, summer squash, peppers and mushrooms. The Sicilian Pesto turns it into a special pasta experience.
Finish the week with a smile.
Swiss Chard with Pear and Feta, Wednesday, October 7, 2026
We are almost at the end of local fresh pear season. It’s time to take advantage of this fruit at the peak of its freshness. Savory lightly sautéed chard with tree-ripened pears and sliced Chick’n Strips over quinoa makes up tonight’s meal. Each serving is dusted with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
Greens with Tzatziki Sauce, Tuesday, September 29, 2026
We’re revisiting greens with Tzatziki Sauce tonight! It’s a must while cucumbers are in season. I love the crisp freshness of this version of greens. The chard, tzatziki sauce and sliced tenders will be served over nutritious quinoa.
Here’s a satisfying, comfort-food flavor combination, and it’s easy to put together.
TLT Sandwich and Leftover Umbrian Bean Soup: Friday, September 25, 2026
This traditional Soup and Sandwich meal features a delicious and healthful version of a “bacon lettuce and tomato” sandwich. It’s made with smoky tempeh and therefore called a TLT.
You’ll accompany it with a bowl of the leftover Umbrian Bean Soup from Sunday. Here’s the good news…that soup just gets better sitting in the fridge.
Pasta Puttanesca: Monday, Sept 14, 2026
There are a number of versions of how this classic pasta dish originated. Some say that Puttanesca was first made in the Spanish Quarter brothels of Naples. Other stories include chef Sandro Petti of Ischia (just west of Naples) creating the recipe when asked to cook for friends late one night. His pantry was a bit exhausted from a busy weekend and he only had olives, capers and sauce ingredients remaining. He created Pasta Aulive et Chiapparielle (pasta with olives and capers), or Puttanesca.
Wherever it originated, this dish is a favorite in my home kitchen. It works with any combination of vegetables you have on hand.