For maximum heat, leave the seeds and membranes in the pepper; habanero will be much hotter than serrano. Ever touched your lips or eyes after chopping hot peppers? Avoid those burns by wearing gloves to prevent the pepper's heat from penetrating your skin.
Currant-Glazed Lamb Chops with Pistachio Couscous is definitely a company-worthy entree, but it's also easy on the cook. The slow-cooked flavor of these lamb chops will have guests thinking you've been in the kitchen all day--not 20 minutes.
Shrimp and Grits, a low-country favorite, makes a hearty, one-dish dinner and is table-ready in 30 minutes. Sustainable Choice: Buy Pacific white shrimp farmed in recirculating systems or inland ponds.
Quinoa works just as well as the traditional bulgur, and it takes less time to cook. We prefer curly parsley here, but flat-leaf parsley or a mix of other herbs would also be delicious.
Yes, you can always use instant. But food editor Margo True swears by steel-cut: "I love it because it has a chewier texture than instant or ordinary rolled oats and a deep, nutty flavor." It also freezes well (add the fruit after defrosting), so make a big batch on the weekend.
A smooth, delicate cheesecake. Lemon zest in the crust brings out the tang of the cheese. Prep and Cook Time: 1 1/2 hours, plus at least 4 hours cooling and chilling time.
Every year for his birthday, Tim Hollingsworth's mother makes him cheesecake with canned cherries on top. In his clever version, he substitutes goat cheese for the cream cheese and glazed cranberries for the cherries.
