It makes the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for the weekend and the leftovers serve as a great light lunch during the week.The best part: You get the full-on flavor without the bloat-inducing sodium in traditional restaurant versions.
Ken Oringer believes chefs need to make a point of eating healthy dishes when they can, so he includes protein-rich quinoa in his diet at least three times a week. Here he mixes the grain with black beans, onions and peppers to make a hearty and very satisfying side dish that's a fun variation on prosaic five-bean salad.
I originally got this recipe from a coworker who brought it to work for our office Christmas party. The punch has a nice cinnamon flavor and a rosy red color that is pleasing to almost everyone.—Patricia Dick, Anderson, Indiana
Pepperoni provides the zip in this pizza-flavored casserole that kids of all ages will enjoy. "Serve it with a tossed salad and garlic toast, and you'll have a winner every time," assures Nancy Scarlett of Graham, North Carolina.
Cowboy Caviar starts with a spicy base of black-eyed peas, tomatoes, corn, and avocado. Scoop it up with tortilla chips for an appetizer, or add cabbage and it becomes a coleslaw.
Roasted butternut squash makes a delicious side, satueed spinach is a classic dinner companion, and caramelized onions are perfect on burgers or to give some depth to soups and sauces. Enjoy!
Our snowman is made of vanilla ice cream rolled in coconut. His eyes, mouth, and buttons are licorice candies, his carrot nose marzipan, and his hat a toasted marshmallow atop a chocolate cookie.