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Versatile, healthy, and endlessly customizable, these loaded black bean stuffed sweet potatoes are vegan, gluten free, easy, and make a fabulous stand-alone lunch or dinner or a side dish.

Creamy, savory, light, this Italian sauce or ragu made without any tomatoes, is inspired by our recent trip to Umbria, Italy. The traditional trinity of onion, carrot and celery adds flavor and the salty pancetta and rich chicken thighs combine to create a luscious and tasty entrée.

Bright Mediterranean inspired flavors, nutritious veggies, lean protein and a creamy yogurt sauce all combine to create the ultimate meal prep or satisfying quick dinner. These Greek inspired meatballs (keftedes), are paired with typical mezze components to create a healthy meal.

Tender shrimp, aromatic lemongrass, rich coconut milk and Thai curry come together inside a parchment packet to create amazing flavor with little effort. Cutting open the parchment packets releases the wonderful fragrance of the aromatics and coconut – heavenly!

Simple, tasty, filling, this iconic Spanish dish is often served as a tapa or for brunch, a snack or even breakfast! Spanish tortilla has nothing to do with its Mexican cousin and instead is closer to a potato stuffed omelette than any variety of bread.

Soft, fluffy and packed with warm holiday spices in every bite, this gingerbread cake with a delicious maple glaze is perfect for the holiday season.

This easy, semi-homemade approach to jam and oat bars are ready in about 20 minutes and taste fabulous. I love the buttery yet savory and fruity taste of the oatmeal crumble and the versatility of changing out the flavors of preserves or even using lemon curd to easily make a variety of bars.

Candied Pecans are a personal favorite – sweet, delectable, a great snack and a fabulous home-made edible gift for the holiday season. Toss them in salads, garnish pies, add to oatmeal or sprinkle on a charcuterie board.

Simple, seasonal, healthy and satisfying these sautéed apples sweetened with high-quality maple syrup are piled onto a toasted piece of rustic bread. Add a smear of Almond butter for some filling protein, and breakfast couldn’t get simpler.

  Store bought pie crust, canned pumpkin puree, Holiday Spice flavored maple syrup and just a tad more spices create this irresistible smooth, creamy pie that is amped up further by a Bourbon Barrel aged maple syrup whipped cream. AAAH, my tastebuds are in heaven!

Spicy, with a tang of vinegar, this highly seasoned vindaloo sauce is a delicious and distinctive seasoning on salmon, changing up that weeknight dinner.

Smoked salmon, bagels and cream cheese go so well together, especially when topped with some sliced red onion and capers. But what if you are hosting vegetarians – well I decided to make a tomato lox marinated in tamari, smoked EVOO and kelp powder to replicate those wonderful flavors.

  Cauliflower rubbed with a chakalaka mix characterized by a spicy seasoning of crushed chili and fragrant spices is a delicious, distinctive and a fabulous addition to your dinner table. Paired with a cooling mint sauce, you can serve this as a side or as I have with couscous, to make a healthy dinner.

  Decadent, earthy and certainly a special occasion side dish, this truffled cauliflower gratin kicks the idea of a side dish up a few notches.

  A warm, roasted potato salad is a next-level potato side dish that is perfect for holiday feasting or just a great side for any meal. There is flavor-loaded goodness in every bite!

  Creamy rich whipped ricotta cheese mixed with Cinnamon Vanilla maple syrup is piled into ramekins, and given the crème brûlée treatment for a luscious, fancy dessert that is ever so easy!

  Tender black pasta cloaked in a garlicky, chunky diced tomato sauce that is ready in less than 20 minutes but tastes like it has simmered much longer thanks to the dehydrated Arrabbiata spice mix. Add a burst of fresh basil to the party, and your tastebuds will be dancing tonight!

  Moist with a tender, crumbly texture and a spicy flavor tamed by a drizzle of Peach honey, this Jalapeño cornbread is a perfect side for your next tailgating party.

  Garlicky, spicy, sweet and slightly smoky, this chicken is mouthwateringly delicious. Quick, easy and it’ll fly off the platter, so make enough!!

  A lively, herby oil drizzled over a protein packed crab and white bean salad is the perfect end of summer salad. Serve it over toast points or crackers for an elegant yet portable appetizer.

  Crunchy and colorful, this harissa spiked pickled cabbage is filled with sweet, tangy and spicy flavors that are a perfect complement to so many dishes.

  Gazpacho, a chilled tomato soup from Spain is the perfect cold food for a hot summer day, especially right now with all the delicious, juicy, flavorful tomatoes in season.

  Sweet and spicy, tangy ground chicken studded with crisp celery, crunchy cashews and a yummy flavorful teriyaki lime sauce makes an easy, healthy, weeknight dinner or meal prep dish.

  Easy baked cinnamon crisps are made from flour tortillas that are magically transformed into crunchy bites of yumminess. Served with fresh delicious fruit for a healthy twist along with delectable drizzles of almond crème, pistachio creams AND the sweet tang from a hazelnut vinegar reduction, this dessert balances decadence without over-indulgence.

  This scrumptious picnic approved layered sandwich is a hearty meal sized feast that is perfect for lunch or dinner, while on a picnic, hike, or just sitting in your home.

  This tender, flavorful chicken breast is the perfect start to a fiesta-inspired bowl. Add crispy and salty tortilla chips, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce and my Carrot Fiesta rice.

  Combine hearty portobello mushrooms, al dente cooked zucchini, and crisp sweet red bell peppers, with garlicky oil, zesty Tuscan spices, creamy lemony hummus and tangy and sweet red onion vinegar to create a delicious tartine.

  Fiesta Carrot rice is really not rice at all, but finely riced or grated carrots to which sweet corn, protein-rich black beans, aromatic garlic and onion, and citrusy cilantro are added. It is all drizzled with a not to be missed Jalapeño crema that is addictive!

  This cherry, blueberry and pine nut salad packs some serious flavor and is a perfect color combination for your July 4^th celebrations.

  Simple, snackable, tender and remarkably easy, these slow-cooker ribs have just the right combination of sweet heat. Easy to make and finished under the broiler, this is the perfect way to get that BBQ taste all year long!

  Full of the flavors of summer, this potato side goes well with everything from steaks, grilled chicken, and even burgers. The fresh feta adds a saltiness and tanginess to this creamy dressing that balances perfectly with the hint of spiciness from the arugula, garlic and radish.

  Indian-style scrambled tofu makes a quick brunch, breakfast or side dish. Gluten free, vegan but tastes just like seasoned scrambled eggs!

  Perfect to serve to a crowd, a great picnic sandwich and a fabulous make-ahead item for a summer party – this vegetarian Muffuletta is absolutely delicious – but bring lots of napkins, this is one messy but lip-smacking, scrumptious sandwich!

  Exceptionally light, delicate and delicious, these muffins are airy and moist. Served toasted with a thick and delicious slathering of lemon curd, they make the best breakfast or brunch item, as well as a nice addition to a summer high tea.

  Bright ingredients, tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy vinaigrette produce a vibrant, colorful pasta salad that will be a hit at summer picnics, potlucks and parties!

  This vegan version of ice cream is made from four simple ingredients, comes together in less than 15 minutes and is a decadently delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without any guilt. Serve it to company and listen to them rave!

  These easy, low carb, stuffed zucchini boats are brimming with Italian flavors and are a perfect healthy and quick dinner that satisfies my cravings for a hearty, meaty Italian meal.

  A hint of char on the asparagus adds fantastic flavor and complexity to this simple spring salad. Paired with spicy arugula, the richness of a boiled egg and the creamy tang of our Club sandwich sauce enhanced with fresh herbs - and voila, a perfect salad!

  Avoid skipping breakfast or worse still, eating a sugary doughnut, with these easy, healthy and delicious egg muffin cups. Perfect breakfast or brunch meal prep idea, these are endlessly customizable to your taste.

  This lime and coconut tres leches cake may not be the healthiest recipe I’ve made, but even on the Mediterranean Diet, you can indulge occasionally in a small piece of these indulgences.

  Versatile, slightly spicy, creamy tomato gravy from India, this Tikka Masala sauce makes a fabulous quick chickpea curry that I used to stuff baked potatoes, along with a drizzle of cooling, velvety Greek yogurt.

  This warm garlicky Asian inspired dressing on fresh spinach, mushrooms, radish and carrots is the perfect way to eat an early spring salad.

  The spicy, earthy taste of ginger pairs perfectly with rich salmon but the surprise flavor is the musky aroma of truffles from the Truffle Soy Sauce that converts this simple dish into a gourmet taste experience.

  Super cozy meal with a smooth, velvety potato topping and a saucy and flavorful mix of vegetables, this Veggie Shepherd’s Pie was the exact dinner I wanted to make for St. Patrick’s Day this year.

  I love oven roasted broccoli and we eat it often at our home. This version is topped with a zingy gremolata that takes it to a whole other level. I could eat just this for dinner!

  Creamy with a slow-cooked, mild garlicky flavor, this pasta dinner is a cinch to make. The secret ingredient is the amazing Black Garlic Sauce from Oil & Vinegar – who said a fancy dinner couldn’t be on the table in less than 15 minutes!

  Tangy capers, lemony dressing, crunchy bites of gherkin, chopped olives and red onion create a unique and delicious tuna salad that can be spread on grilled bread or buttery toast.

  These dark chocolate truffles are rich, sophisticated and decadent. A little hint of balsamic vinegar hits just the right note and is your secret ingredient!

  Delicious, juicy, tender and with a kick, this chicken recipe makes a great weeknight meal, and you can slice leftovers to serve over a salad or stuff into a pita pocket with some cooling Tzatziki sauce.

  This delicious carrot with sprouted lentil salad makes a great side, or stuffed in a pita bread it makes a great easy, healthy and crunchy lunch!

  A crowd pleaser, and I always make enough to have leftovers for me! This salmon with a mustard sauce is simplicity at its finest!

  Roasted sweet potato rounds topped with well spiced lentils and spinach are a perfect balance of earthy and sweet. This dish can be served as a hearty appetizer, side dish or an entrée.

  Simple salad, big flavor, all in under 25 minutes! This salad is a great filling dinner, packed with protein, crunchy veggies, briny olives, all tossed in a tangy and herby dressing

  Deliciously rich and intense with a balance of buttery flavor, sweetness and tang, these cookies made with Port Wine vinegar are a perfect after dinner cookie served with a glass of Port or Brandy.

  Coconut and chocolate – what a pair! These rich, chocolatey coconut truffles are easy to make and decadently delicious.

  Sweet, sticky, and a little spicy, these roasted carrots combine with chickpeas and arugula to make a fabulously textured salad.

  Melty cheese, savory crostini and a sweet and tart berry compote create a delicious and beautiful appetizer any time of year but especially during the holiday season.

  My favorite cookies are shortbread cookies -- tender, crispy, buttery – and in this recipe, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with a finishing salt -- simple shortbread perfection!

  I am absolutely in love with this Black Garlic Sauce from Oil & Vinegar! The less pungent, sweeter, more refined flavor of black garlic makes this sauce mild, soft, and adds tantalizing flavor to almost anything you put it on.

  Beetroot and Goat cheese alternatingly layered to create beautiful towers that are served with a slightly spicy and extremely flavorful Mojo Verde sauce and crunchy walnuts. Stunning!

  This incredible coconut ginger carrot bisque is so easy to make and has the most amazing slightly sweet and perfectly spiced flavor

  Indian flavors, Middle-Eastern hummus and Mexican tacos come together in a fusion of amazing flavors and textures that will excite your palate. Every bite leaves you wanting more!

  Super colorful and customizable, this salad can be tossed together for an everyday meal or elegantly plated for company.

  Dark and chocolatey, this cake looks dense and fudgy but is really light, airy, and deliciously moist.

  Creamy, smooth and full of flavor, this hummus is a perfect healthy snack and picture-perfect for your Halloween party!

  I spent many years in Providence, RI and regularly visited a local, authentic Vietnamese restaurant where I always ordered Nime Chow -- Fresh Spring rolls, or Summer Rolls (among other things).  Not the fried ones but the light, delicate ones that are filled with fresh shrimp and crisp veggies.

  You’ll see a number of different slaw recipes on this site just because I love slaws. Not just the ones dressed with mayonnaise, but ones with an oil and vinegar dressing, some that are sweet or spicy, and others that are tangy or mild.

  No, I’m not a southern chef, and I don’t have a smoker, but I do love pulled pork, so here is my indoor, slow-cooker northerner’s version!

  Crispy polenta rounds are a delicious, gluten-free base for appetizers. I love searing pieces in a pan with a little oil and have even crisped them up in an air-fryer – so very yummy and healthy.

  This quick stir-fry recipe is healthy and flavorful with some heat, sweet, and crunch. It is a great way to use up lots of veggies, but mise-en-place is essential for the success of this dish.

  These cocktails are super fun to make, and absolutely terrific tasting. Prefer to go non-alcoholic? Just substitute the alcohol in these recipes with some club soda.

  Summer is fleeting – before it ends, I wanted to indulge in the ultimate summer dessert – grilled lemon cake with grilled peaches.

  My take on a Trinidadian Chow utilizes the fresh and juicy sweetness of pineapples, crisp cucumbers and tender shrimp. Served cold it makes me feel like I am lunching at a high-end spa!

  Raita is a type of dip or condiment that is kind of, sort of, somewhat like Tzatziki. Well, not really!!

  Fresh crab, juicy heirloom tomatoes, citrusy microgreens and creamy avocado crema create a light meal or appetizer that never fails to impress.

  I love grilled veggies all summer long – but occasionally I will add halloumi cheese to the grill too, and that is a game changer!

  This blend of grilled corn and peppers, creamy avocado, bright juicy tomatoes along with a smoky-sweet and tangy dressing is a palate-pleasing side to all your summer entrées.

  Juicy watermelon, plump blueberries and briny, creamy feta combine to make a healthy and delicious dish that is fabulous all summer long.

  Stunning, fresh, easy and beautiful, this salad comes together in no time and is rich with the flavors of Greece.

  Condiments enhance the flavor of anything you put them on – they are often pungent, zingy, sometimes spicy or creamy, but they always complement the flavor of the dish and add pizzaz!

  There is nothing fussy about olive oil cakes – they are simple, moist, keep well for days and just plain delicious.

  These black bean burgers are bold, hearty, high in protein and chock full of flavor! Added bonus, they are so very easy to make.

  Loaded with healthy ingredients and with completely customizable toppings this smoothie bowl can be an easy breakfast or healthy dessert!

  Fresh tasting, juicy and flavorful, this chicken is moist, tasty and soooo very easy to make. Only caveat – it is best if the chicken is marinated for at least 3 hours, but preferably 8-12 hours.

  Brightened with Lemon EVOO, lemon juice and zest and with the added nuttiness of poppy seeds, this is a fabulous addition to a brunch table, or just to a cup of tea any time of day.

  Simple ingredients, big flavors, and a dish that comes together in no time. Serve it as an appetizer, lunch with friends, or as your next home-made flatbread adventure.

  These Lentil Cakes are bursting with savory flavors, hearty texture and filled with healthy plant-based proteins!

  Piquant lime, crunchy cabbage, sweet and tangy mango, combine to make the ultimate summer slaw. Top it with this quick cooking zesty shrimp for a fabulous quick dinner.

  This meal takes less than 30 minutes to make and is a delicious way to change up your weeknight dinners.

  A traditional French composed salad is usually artfully arranged on a platter versus tossed, creating an elegant presentation. It is easy to make with much of the prep work done ahead of time, so it is a great salad for a dinner party or weeknight meal.

  How adorable are these granola cups – great on the go, or for a fancy brunch!

  Spiced potatoes and cauliflower with turmeric, cumin, green chilies, and ginger is one of my favorite Indian dishes and, for me the ultimate comfort food.

  Sweet and spicy, fresh and rich, this Sweet Chili salmon is a great way to include heart-healthy fish in your diet.

  Indian Street food by some accounts is the hidden gem of Indian cuisine. I know I could eat nothing but street food from different parts of the country for every meal!

  Thai food is one of my favorite cuisine’s, and I loved a sesame noodle dish I ate when I visited Bangkok. This veggie version substitutes the noodles with spiralized veggies – delicious and healthy!

  A crisp salad paired with a crunchy breaded chicken cutlet drizzled with a fresh and herby dressing. A perfect balance of fried and fresh.

  This classic Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese combo is perfect sweater weather food. Ultimate comfort flavors with a gourmet twist!

  Rich, bold, savory and meaty this mushroom based sauce is the ultimate vegan Bolognese!

  Decadent and creamy – these chocolate crepes are a wonderful special occasion indulgence.

  Roasting vegetables caramelizes the natural sugars in them creating amazing depth of flavor, plus it is a super easy way to make delicious plant-based side dishes and entrees.

  A supremely tasty, healthy and nutritious dinner with minimal prep, easy clean up and ready in just about 30 minutes! Sign me up!

  Mulligatawny is the Anglicized version of a South Indian word for “pepper water” or a flavorful lentil-based dish that is usually served with rice and perhaps a vegetable side dish.

  I love to eat with my eyes first – so I always want to pick fruits and vegetables that taste good together, but also look pretty on a plate.

  A shrub (no not that beautiful bush in your yard) is a cocktail (or soft drink) made popular in the American Colonial Era that combines a fruit, vinegar and sugar, to which carbonated water is added, and to which you can also add alcohol if you choose.

  No matter your traditional holiday celebrations, I encourage you to fill the last few days of this year with tasty, delicious food, that is reminiscent of the best memories of your life.

  I love appetizers for dinner – and there is nothing better than the variety that a cheese and charcuterie board provides. No cooking needed, but oh so many flavors and textures to enjoy.

  The holiday season is heavenly for those of us with a sweet tooth!

  I love appetizers, and you can’t beat this one for eye catching layered appeal, filled with everyone’s favorite Italian flavors!

  Over thirty years ago, in September I arrived in Rhode Island as a graduate international student.

  This rustic, hearty, make-ahead combination of vegetables is a perfect fall and winter side dish or entrée.

  Growing up in India, this meal was one Mom made when we were having lots of people over. You basically make noodles, a coconutty Burmese gravy or sauce, and an array of contrasting toppings and accompaniments. Serve it family style and everyone customizes their bowl to their own liking

  Usually, at a holiday meal, the salad is the last thing to be eaten – we’re going to change that with this amazing slaw!

  This whole roasted cauliflower with an herby Peruvian inspired sauce is an easy and impressive, entrée or side dish.

  For those of you who know me, you know that summer is my favorite season. But, as soon as fall hits, I can’t wait to make this orange, cinnamon and all spice cake. Not only will you love the flavor, but you will also love how divine it makes the whole house smell.

  Portobello mushrooms make the best “vessel” for this pizza inspired filling, creating a juicy, grilled toothsome bite that is pretty healthy too.

  Not a fan of boiled or steamed cabbage? Me neither! But these caramelized, grilled cabbage steaks make THE BEST side or plant-based main course.

  When it comes to Hummus, fresh and home-made is as good as it gets – and so easy to make!

  I love meatballs, and in my quest to make them healthy, I have started making them with ground chicken or turkey. But the lack of fat in the meat means, that they need an additional punch of flavor.

  A Spanish chilled soup that is gazpacho’s lesser known, but thicker, creamier cousin! A fabulous no-cook option for a week night.

  Zucchini noodles -- zoodles, are a great way to mimic a traditional pasta dish but one that is low carb with a nutritional punch.

  Summer tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and basil tossed with toasted baguette cubes and then allowed to soak in a flavorful vinaigrette. I love it!

  Summer trifecta – zesty lemon, sweet corn, herby basil, plus al dente pasta all tossed in a luscious sauce of puréed corn. A perfect weeknight meal.

  A new look at a classic Italian bread salad, kicked up another notch with lemon pound cake!!

  Many of you have been asking about where my commonly used phrase “BE BRAVE” originated from. Here are excerpts from a letter my Mom wrote to me when I asked her for an explanation on why I was named -

  Let your taste buds take a tour of three European potato salads – a warm version from Germany, a zesty one from France, and a creamy and garlicky option from Greece.

  Grilled bread slathered with creamy, lemony ricotta and piled with sweet, garlicky, and juicy oven roasted tomatoes. A little drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar and I am in heaven!!

  Have you ever grilled pineapple? It is amazing. The high heat caramelizes the sugars and makes the pineapple just melt in your mouth.

  This recipe brings together the American concept of pizza with my love for Indian naan bread and mango chutney.  

  The buttery textured lettuce, crisp apples, crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and seared scallops pair perfectly with the bright citrusy flavor of this unique dressing  

  Take chicken salad to a new level, eliminating the typical dressing of mayonnaise and using creamy avocado instead. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself craving this all the time!

  When I first tasted this Citrus Grapefruit vinegar with its sweet and tangy notes and slight grapefruit bitter finish, all I could think of was – it will make an amazing summer cocktail!  

This easy, healthier alternative to ice cream has its roots in Sicily. Paired with an unusual and delicious sweet basil sauce converts this shaved ice treat into an elegant and sophisticated dessert for a hot summer day.  

Grilled chicken is one of my favorite healthy, and flavorful options for an easy dinner throughout the year. But there are some secrets to a perfect piece of grilled chicken.  

This easy, flavorful, make-ahead salad will keep you full for hours thanks to protein packed chickpeas, plus all my favorite fresh vegetables, in one tasty bite!  

This make-ahead strata is perfect for when you have overnight guests or are feeding a crowd for breakfast or brunch.

This dish makes a great, easy, delicious dinner – the rice adds some whole grains, the cabbage is nice and light, the edamame and peanuts provide crunch, but the shrimp and sauce, well, they are the stars!  

Crisp and lemony with a delicious sweetness from the Fig Crème vinegar and a little bit of a kick from crushed red peppers -- That’s how I love my brussels sprouts!

Parfaits are a dessert worthy, yet breakfast appropriate dish that consist of Greek Yogurt, fruit, and healthy add ins such as granola, toasted nuts, or dried fruit.

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse and fits perfectly into the Mediterranean Diet providing specific advantages that you won’t get from all fish.

Avocado toast is the trendy new item on restaurant menus, but it is so easy to make this “fancy” toast at home.

Carrots are a versatile, wonderful vegetable -- crunchy, tasty, highly nutritious --- high in beta-carotene, fiber, Vitamin K.

Coconut rice -- it was love at first taste!

Olive oil makes exceptionally good cakes particularly when you use a light, fruity oil such as Arbequina that adds flavor without too much pepperiness. If you’ve never made an olive oil cake, BE BRAVE and give this one a try – I think you will fall in love with how tender, light and moist it is.

Soup has always been something I enjoy making (and eating!). I love the fact that you can make a batch and have it for dinner, some lunches and it is so easy to make a double batch for a crowd or to freeze for later.

This fancy French culinary term translates to “in parchment” and sounds complicated and fussy, but is really easy, super-fast, healthy and oh so very tasty!

When I lived in Rhode Island, I knew a wonderful young chef Mark Garofalo who was a good friend of my sister.

In the cooler weather, this recipe is a staple in our home. It is one of my favorite Sunday dinners to make – warm, tasty, and relatively easy to make.

Romesco is a sauce originating in the Catalonian region of Spain and has a flavor profile of peppers and nuts. It is a nice bold, zippy sauce.

I love Navel oranges as a healthy snack, packed with Vitamin C and fiber, easy to peel and eat, seedless and juicy, but not too sweet. On a recent shopping trip, I planned to pick some up.

I was walking through the Farmers Market and saw some great looking bell peppers – yes, there were the traditional green, red, orange and yellow, but also these beautiful purple peppers.