Chicken cacciatore, literally “hunter’s chicken,” is a classic Italian braised dish. This easy oven-braised chicken cacciatore uses tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, garlic and fresh herbs. Because much of the cooking happens in the oven, it requires minimal active time while developing deep, layered … Read more

Breakfast is one of the day’s most important meals for good reason. A nourishing morning meal sets the tone: skip it and you’re more likely to overeat later. Regular breakfast eaters also tend to succeed more often with weight-management efforts. If you’re wondering which breakfast works best, aim for high protein. Protein promotes satiety and … Read more

This Lebanese cucumber salad with yogurt is cool, creamy, and refreshing. Crisp cucumbers combine with tangy plain yogurt, garlic, dried and fresh mint to create a simple, classic Lebanese side dish that takes only minutes to prepare. Quick and versatile, this cucumber and yogurt salad works as an appetizer, a light meal with warm pita, … Read more

Leftovers are some of my favorite meals — reheating or recombining them is quick, flavorful, and prevents waste. Fried rice is one of those dishes that often benefits from using day-old rice; its slightly drier texture helps the grains stay separate and absorb flavors better. If you must use freshly cooked rice, be sure it … Read more

Back on the right side of the country (I mean that literally), I’ve had a moment to reflect on the whirlwind that is Natural Products Expo West. Here are my observations and initial impressions from the show. Expo West is a phenomenon: part trade show, part party, part intense business summit. It’s where new products … Read more

This Sweet and Sour Chicken features bite-size pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast cooked with bell pepper, onion and pineapple in a tangy homemade sauce. It’s an easy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in about 15–20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a complete meal. … Read more

This Lavender Collins is a light, citrusy update on the classic Tom Collins. Bright gin (or non-alcoholic gin for a mocktail), fresh lime juice, and a touch of lavender simple syrup are topped with club soda or sparkling water for an aromatic, refreshing drink. Choose a clean London dry gin for a crisp finish or … Read more

Zucchini is an excellent plant for beginners. They are sturdy, easy to grow, require little maintenance and, best of all, they produce a lot of food. With proper care, a zucchini plant can keep producing until the first frost. I recommend them for gardeners with any amount of space—even balconies with a planter will do. … Read more

On a hot summer evening I wanted something light and refreshing for dinner. I already had about a pound of cooked whole wheat pasta in the refrigerator, so a chilled noodle salad seemed ideal. Combine the dressing ingredients in a large bowl and toss the pasta in until thoroughly coated. I added a pound or … Read more

This olive feta sourdough is a bold, savory loaf loaded with briny olives and tangy feta. It bakes up with a crackly, golden crust and a chewy, open crumb, while fresh rosemary and a touch of olive oil give it a distinct Mediterranean character. This is not a subtle bread—the feta gives bright, salty hits … Read more