“Since we’ve been cooking more at home, we have more energy, we’re saving money, and we are having fun making our meals together.”

“I never really thought of myself as a cook before, but this has turned into my special culinary hobby.”

Chef’s Favorites

Pasta Prima Vera Aglio e Olio: Monday, March 2, 2026

Pasta Prima Vera Aglio e Olio: Monday, March 2, 2026

This time of year prima Vera vegetables are simply what you can find in the produce aisle. The mix in this recipe will probably be available in most stores.  We’re serving this pasta in garlic and olive oil which some call the “Mother Sauce.”   It is one of the most simple sauces to carry off and is fabulously delicious! You can substitute nearly endless variations of herbs and vegetables to this pasta dish if you wish.

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Caesar Salad with Chicken Strips: Friday, February 27, 2026

Caesar Salad with Chicken Strips: Friday, February 27, 2026

You may have thought it was named after the emperor, but Chef Caesar Cardini invented the Caesar Salad on a busy 4th of July weekend in 1924 when he was running low on ingredients at his restaurant in Tijuana. The salad was so popular it became a regular menu item.
I offer this salad with a terrific eggless Caesar Dressing. We’ll throw some browned Chick’n strips (or optional sliced chicken) on the salads to add extra interest.

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Chef’s Salad with Sweet Potato: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Chef’s Salad with Sweet Potato: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

 Chef’s salad, which is considered one of the great American dinner salads, is presented tonight with the standard sliced deli meats and salad makings. You’ll also add bell peppers, cabbage, fennel and marinated sweet potato to this mix. If you prefer not to use the sweet potato, the salad stands just fine without it, but, this marinated sweet potato is really good.

This Chef’s version, also replaces the meats or cold cuts, normally associated with Chef’s Salad, with plant-based choices. The salad is dressed with a low-calorie Creamy Basil Dressing.

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Stroganoff with Red Cabbage, Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Stroganoff with Red Cabbage, Tuesday, February 17, 2026

History suggests that this main course dish was designed by a French Chef in the employ of a wealthy Russian family in the 1890’s. It is thought that the thin strips of meat were part of the meal design because the head of the household had bad teeth. The guy with bad teeth is long gone but this recipe is a classic.

We’re adding a German version of Red Cabbage or Rotkohl (pronounced “wrote coal”) to round out this meal. Delicious food is one example of how cultures can happily come together.

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Festive Enchiladas: Sunday, February 8, 2026

Festive Enchiladas: Sunday, February 8, 2026

This recipe was inspired by a recipe in Vegetarian Times. I’ve engineered some of the fat out of the recipe. It’s a great celebration meal for family or company.

This dish presents a festival of colors and flavors by combining rich orange garnet yam, tender zucchini, multicolored sweet bell peppers and bright yellow fresh mango. The flavor profile is finished with fresh cilantro, basil and lime juice. They’re served with homemade guacamole and low-sodium salsa. Buenos!

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Hazelnut Tortellini, Friday, February 6, 2026

Hazelnut Tortellini, Friday, February 6, 2026

Something special is in store tonight. You’ll start with a simple cheese tortellini and then wrap it in a rich-tasting, toasted hazelnut sauce.

The dish is topped with chopped tomato and shredded Parmesan. Add dressed greens to the plate and this meal is finished. It’s easy, but it tastes like a complex gourmet meal.

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