One of my favorite “Ah-ha!” moments to see students have is when they realize “salad” doesn’t have to mean, “greens” and “dressing.” Pasta can be an excellent vehicle for veggies, by bumping up the greens. Take copious amount of herbs from your garden (or let’s be real, the grocery store/farmer’s market) and toss with thin asparagus, just barely steaming them in hot pasta water. Breadcrumbs add an unexpected and delightful crunch. Toss with cheese and serve family style with wine.

I have to share this recipe from Lemon & Salt ASAP. It's not only beautiful but it's a forgiving bread ... so if you're looking to "step up your game" try it, you won't be disappointed. Then Instagram it and tag #lemonandsalt #culinaryrevelry. Cheers!

Mom's don't always have the time to "treat" themselves. So what better way to do so than with ... sweets. Always a favorite food group. Here are the only three sweet-tooth inspired recipes Mom will need this Mother's Day. 

This is a show stopping side for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Slice thick and serve with a steak knife, it is sure to impress cauliflower virgins. 
 

Any meal that encourages alcohol and dessert before a meal is an A+. Here's the only thing you need for your weekend's boozy brunch. 

Okay, so I lied. This isn't exactly a "hot dog" recipe but it tastes pretty darn similar. Here's an exclusive look at one of my favorite recipes from the cookbook, available April 1st. 

Pork really is the new white meat. In fact, I’d gander that pork tenderloin is this decade’s boneless chicken breast – but better. By better, I mean more flavorful. What I love most about this recipe is that it mimics the flavors of a hot dog (quite possibly my favorite food) but in a healthier and dinner setting. Bam!

Easter = spring. These are the only three recipes you need for tackling spring cooking. Simple, impressive and oh so chic. 

Pork is the new white meat. I enjoy it loined, chopped or as bacon, duh! Here’s a winter warm that calls for one pan and as little as five ingredients, (hint: you can omit the butter, garlic, shallots). 

Turkey Meatballs. Tip: Corny, but using your “pizza parlor” spices (aka dried oregano and red pepper flakes) easily creates the nostalgic taste of Italian-American comfort food without fuss or time. 

Poached eggs mystify people and they shouldn’t. Prep ahead (yep you can do this) and reheat in a water bath in a low oven for the perfect ta-da! brunch dish that will make you look like a superstar.

Like I mentioned, I'm a December baby. And as much as I love wine ... I'm a Sweet Tooth at heart. This is one of my favorite cakes to celebrate anyone's birthday. Simple, indulgent and classic. Kinda like me. 

Cranberry sauce is the dish to experiment with. Cranberries are friendly, lending themselves easily to sweetness, spices or savory.

 In the past we've been gifted with Indian Summers and tomatoes and eggplants through October. 

October is one of the best months. For me, it rivals July partly because there's plethora of celebrations without standardized holidays. In particular, birthdays.