Breakfast Burritos (or Tostadas or Enchiladas)

Here is an idea for a quick and easy meal that is so simple, it doesn’t even really need a recipe. Breakfast “burritos” are not just for breakfast, but can be eaten anytime. This is one of my favorite kinds of dishes because it fulfills the basic requirements for getting a good meal into you [...]

Really Great Guacamole

Guacamole is one of my favorite foods in the world. I could easily eat a whole bowl by myself, and if I see it on the menu of a Mexican restaurant, I have to have it — which is why I tend to avoid Mexican restaurants.

Yes, guacamole is high in fat and calories, because avocados [...]

Bean Cakes, a Versatile Classic

Bean cakes — or croquettes, if you want to get all French about it — are a wonderfully versatile dish. They work equally well as a side at breakfast, as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, on a sandwich or in a tortilla. Use any kind of beans you like, and vary the flavorings to [...]

Roasted Tomato Salsa (Salsa Ranchera)

Here is another salsa to add to the collection. This one is simply delicious on warm entrees like enchiladas and beans. It is also a good choice when the fresh tomatoes are not at their best, because roasting the tomatoes brings out all of their sweetness.
Roasted Tomato Salsa
Time to make: ~15 minutes
What you need:

4 plum [...]

Black Bean Salsa

Oscar night usually lends itself well to fun menus — movie-themed snack foods that can be eaten in front of the TV while ultra-thin stars parade down the red carpet. But this year I just wasn’t inspired. What kind of menu can you build around something called The Departed? I hadn’t even seen any of [...]

Dem Ol’ Sickbed Blues

Whatever it is, it hit me on Wednesday like a tornado, knocked me flat, and I am only just now beginning to recover. I spent two full days ensconced on the sofa with my Kleenex, Tylenol, cough syrup, VapoRub, books, laptop and TV tuned to the Food Network, HGTV and a marathon of Top Design [...]

Tortilla Soup (The Best 30-Minute Recipe)

Finally, after much searching, I’ve found/adapted a good recipe for Tortilla Soup. For me, a good Tortilla Soup should be spicy but not overwhelmingly so, chock-full of good stuff so it can make a meal, and simple enough to make on a weeknight after work.

I prefer to make my own tortilla chips rather than buy [...]

Spiced Nuts

Simple recipes like this one come in handy this time of year. They’re easy to make, easy to keep, and equally appropriate for the unexpected drop-in, cocktail party, antipasto tray or a homemade gift. Be sure to experiment with different nuts and spices.
Spiced Nuts
Time to make: ~20 minutes
Keeps: 5 days in a covered container
What you [...]

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos

Burritos are probably the easiest weekday dinner to throw together, and are especially good for using up bits and pieces hanging around the kitchen, such as the stray vegetable, chile, bit of cheese and leftover beans. I try to make healthier burritos than the kind you get in Mexican restaurants, with many more vegetables and [...]

How to Make Salsa

One of the most useful recipes you can have in your repertoire is salsa. Salsa is super-easy to make, can be varied as many ways as you like, and has 101 uses. Need a dip for a party? Salsa! Need a super-fancy garnish for grilled or broiled fish? Salsa! Need something to jazz up a [...]