[Photographs: Vicky Wasik] With notes of caramel from toasted sugar, the rich taste of dark chocolate, and earthy depth from Dutch cocoa, this hot chocolate mix is simple and sophisticated all at once. Thanks to the solubility of toasted sugar and Dutch cocoa, it’s also easy to dissolve in hot milk. If you like, try storing it with a vanilla […]

Walk through the aisles of Trader Joe’s and you’d be hard-pressed to pick the single wackiest grocery item. There’s the Carrot Cake Spread! The Pancake Bread! The Pickle Popcorn! And on a recent trip, I found yet another contender right there on the end cap with the other new items: Freeze-Dried Red Seedless Grape Slices. Huh? I was intrigued and […]

“A delicious, classic chicken dish — lightly coated chicken breasts braised with Marsala wine and mushrooms. Easy and ideal for both a quick weeknight entree AND serving to company.” Ingredients Adjust US Metric 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – pounded 1/4 […]

Mid-winter is ideal pie time, in my opinion. There might not be the swath of ripe berries and stone fruits of summer, but the weather is cool enough to justify cranking up the oven and making the most of winter citrus. And blind baking — or letting the pie crust bake for a bit on its own before you add […]

“It takes a little work, but it is worth it.” Ingredients Adjust US Metric 1 pound sweet Italian sausage 3/4 pound lean ground beef 1/2 cup minced onion 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste 2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 1/2 […]

“A chicken and spinach lasagna with a creamy white cheese sauce. Great for any kind of pot luck. My kids love it.” Ingredients Adjust US Metric 9 lasagna noodles 1/2 cup butter 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups chicken broth 1 1/2 cups milk 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided […]