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7/2/15 - July 4th Menu.

6/25/15 - Appetizer Bites.

6/18/15 - Chilled Summer Desserts .

6/11/15 - Healthy Lunches.

6/4/15 - Vegie Patties/Cakes.

5/28/15 - One Pot Dinners.

5/21/15 - Picnic Recipes.

5/14/15 - Summer Salads.

5/7/15 - Super Salads.

4/30/15 - Cinco de Mayo.

4/23/15 - Sausage for Supper.

4/16/15 - Steak Marinades.

4/9/15 - Spring Vegetables.

4/2/15 - Quick Dinners.

3/26/15 - Make Ahead Easter.

3/19/15 - Easy Bake Items.

3/12/15 - St. Patty's Day.

3/5/15 - 15 Minute Appetizers.

2/26/15 - Spaghetti Squash.

2/19/15 - Chicken Thighs.

2/12/15 - Breakfast Treats.

2/5/15 - Valentine's Day for Two.

1/29/15 - Healthy Super Bowl App's.

1/22/15 - Best Dinners.

1/15/15 - Winter Squash.

1/8/15 - Healthy Lunches.

12/24/14 - New Year's Eve for Two.

12/18/14 - Christmas Brunch.

12/11/14 - Christmas Eve Dinner.

12/4/14 - Edible Gifts.

11/26/14 - Thanksgiving Leftovers.

11/20/14 - Thanksgiving Sides.

11/13/14 - One Pot Dinners.

11/5/14 - Stews.

10/30/14 - Slow Cooker.

10/23/14 - Halloween Treats.

10/16/14 - Fresh Apple Recipes .

10/9/14 - Fall Side Dishes.

10/2/14 - Soups.

9/25/14 - Buffalo Flavored.

9/18/14 - Pumpkin Baked Goods.

9/11/14 - Game Day Recipes.

9/4/14 - 15 Minute Dinners.

8/28/14 - Labor Day Picnic.

8/21/14 - Fresh Tomatoes.

8/14/14 - Fresh Blueberries.

8/7/14 - Fresh Peaches.

7/31/14 - No-Bake Desserts.

7/24/14 - Summer Squashes. Summer squashes are plentiful and cheap!

7/17/14 - Main Summer Salads.

7/10/14 - Grilled Pork Chops. Bone-in pork chops are my new favorite grilling item.

7/3/14 - Summer Party Food. The Corn Tomato Salad comes together in a snap without any cooking!

6/26/14 - Summer Party Salads. You can make these summer salads in a snap for your own party or to bring to a pot-luck.

6/19/14 - Strawberry Desserts. When the strawberries are in season try one of these delights.

6/12/14 - Healthy Sides. You have to try the Sweet Potato Salad, so simple and delish!

6/5/14 - BBQ Menu. BBQ is a bit time consuming, messy and delicious! Check out these recipes for your next grilling session.

5/29/14 - 30 Minute Suppers. A 30 minute or less supper leaves you plenty of time to do what you want to do outside.

5/22/14 - Grilled Chicken. Simple and good for you.

5/15/14 - Picnic Salads. Finally...we made it through the long winter. It is time to celebrate the nice weather and plan a picnic.

5/1/14 - Vacation.

5/1/14 - Cinco de Mayo Recipes. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th by serving a spicy Mexican entree.

4/24/14 - Think Spring Salads. The Spring vegetables are popping up at the grocery store. Try a lighter side dish to celebrate the start of the nice weather.

4/17/14 - Easter Desserts. Easter is a major holiday so you can eat what ever you want...including dessert!

4/10/14 - Easter Entrees. It's time to decide...what's for Easter dinner?

4/3/14 - Easter Sides. Easter is fast approaching!

3/27/14 - Veggie Bundles. I'm getting ready for a big gang at Easter and love the do ahead recipes. These vegetable bundles are all simple and look so festive. Make a day or two ahead of time and reheat.

3/20/14 - Healthy Main Dishes. Spring really is just around the corner!

3/13/14 - St. Patty's Day Drinks. Drinks to go with the recipes that bring out the Irish in you.

3/6/14 - St. Patty's Day. Recipes to bring out the Irish in you.

2/27/14 - Appetizer Bites. Looking for new appetizer recipes? Check these out.

2/20/14 - Hot Veggie Sandwiches. The veggies make it healthy and the cheese makes it delish!

2/13/14 - Chicken Dinners. You can't have too many recipes where chicken is the star.

2/6/14 - Crock Pot Soup. Soup is just the ticket for these cold winter days and the crock pot makes it easy.

1/30/14 - Valentine's Day Recipes. Valentine's Day is a good time to reward your favorite honey bunny with a delicious dinner.

1/23/14 - Super Bowl Recipes. Get ready for the big game with some BIG recipes.

1/16/14 - Protein For Breakfast. Most of what I have read lately regarding healthy eating promotes protein packed breakfast items. Try one of these as you head out into the winter cold.

1/9/14 - Citrus Recipes. The citrus from the fall Band Booster sale got me thinking about different ways to use it. These recipes are fresh and light, perfect for January dinners.

12/24/13 - Elegant Appetizers. Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to all.

12/19/13 - Holiday Dinner. These recipes just sounded plain yummy! Happy Holidays!

12/12/13 - Holiday Breakfast Casseroles. These are a few different versions of a breakfast casserole. It is a delicious, easy way to start your holiday celebration.

12/5/13 - Gifts to Make. These recipes are simple and great to give as gifts.

11/27/13 - Thanksgiving Leftovers. If you happen to have leftovers, these are fast, easy recipes to make.

11/21/13 - Thanksgiving Desserts. Desserts are essential at Thanksgiving and these are pumpkin, but not just that same old pie.

11/14/13 - Thanksgiving Sides. Here come the side dishes for your Thanksgiving dinner. These are super easy and round out the regular turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

11/7/13 - Thanksgiving Starters. The countdown to Thanksgiving dinner has begun. These recipes are to start your meal off right.

10/31/13 - One Pot Wonders. It's so nice when you don't have to wash a sink full of dishes after making a nice meal.

10/24/13 - Stuffed Appetizers. Hearty, stuffed appetizers are good for a Halloween party, tailgating or a potluck.

10/17/13 - Soups. The weather is in full Fall mode and I have vowed to make a different pot of soup each week. Leftovers can be frozen into individual servings and used for lunches, saving you time and $$$.

10/10/13 - Acorn Squash. Acorn squash contains 145% of the daily recommended requirements for Vitamin A. It also contains Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, folate (folic acid), and 15% of the omega three fatty acids necessary to good health. All that in just one cup!

10/3/13 - Butternut Squash. Butternut squash is so good for you, full of very high levels of beta-carotene (which your body automatically converts to vitamin A), vitamin C, fiber and it has anti-inflammatory properties.

9/26/13 - Brussel Sprouts. You may think you hate brussel sprouts but it's time to give them a try again. Put on your big boy/girl pants and give one of these recipes a whirl.

9/19/13 - Slow Cooker Suppers. It's time to dust off the slow cooker. When the weather gets a bit chilly, it is the perfect way to warm you from the inside out.

9/12/13 - Tailgating Recipes. You may be going to the game at the stadium or staying home to watch on tv...you still need deliciousness! These do ahead recipes are all from my new favorite website Pip & Ebby and are easy on the pocket and your time.

9/5/13 - Kid Friendly Breakfast. The kids are finally going back to school. Send them off right with a fun and protein packed breakfast.

8/29/13 - Party Dips. Hard to believe, the end of the summer season is upon us. These party dips are good for your Labor Day weekend shindigs and also for the football game gatherings.

8/22/13 - Summer Casseroles. As I just got invited to a potluck, and summer vegetables are in abundance, I found some new recipes to try.

8/15/13 - Slow Cooker Desserts. My sister showed me an intriguing recipe made for a slow cooker so I went and found more!

8/8/13 - Summer Fruit Desserts. These desserts are user friendly, short list of ingedients and super easy instructions.

8/1/13 - Family Reunion Recipes. I am looking forward to lots of out-of-towners in the month of August. That means lots of parties and recipes that will feed a crowd.

7/25/13 - Surprising Zucchini. Zucchini is plentiful and cheap but can be BORING! Try one of these recipes for something different.

7/18/13 - Easy Grilling. Those of us without central air have been trying to stay away from heating up the kitchen. These grill recipes are simple to put together and cook in no time outside!

7/11/13 - Couscous. Couscous is a versatile ingredient that works well for potluck, dinners and leftovers for lunch.

7/3/13 - It's The Berries. Berries are just plain all American and perfect for dessert at your July 4th festivities.

6/27/13 - July 4th BBQ. Have an easy bbq menu to start the summer off right. All recipes can be made ahead of time so after the parade you can just relax!

6/20/13 - Summer Pasta Salads. It is that time of year when you need a potluck item for a gathering. These salads are easy to make, can be done ahead of time and do not need to be refrigerated once you get to where you're going.

6/13/13 - Pan Fried Deliciousness. You can have crunchy fried flavor without all the guilt. These recipes use olive oil sparingly to give you that deliciousness.

6/6/13 - Father's Day Menu. Lately I have been busier than a one-armed paper hanger! Prom, graduation, spring clean-up etc., has left me no choice, I am bringing back some recipes from the vault. These recipes for Dad will make everyone happy!

5/23/13 - Summer Salads. Enjoy the kick-off to summer weekend and God bless our active and veteran soldiers.

5/16/13 - Stuffed Stuff. Lots of flavorful items mixed up and plopped into a edible vessel, how fun is that!

5/9/13 - Mother's Day Desserts. A sweet mom deserves a special dessert on Mother's Day, try one of these.

5/2/13 - Cinco de Mayo. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with zippy drinks and spicy food.

4/25/13 - Salmon Suppers. The experts on nutrition stress the health benefits of salmon. Try one of these simple salmon recipes this week.

4/18/13 - Spring Desserts. Spring desserts tend to focus on lighter, brighter flavors. These are also on the light side as far as calories. Ok, the brownies are not light in the least but boy they looked good!

4/11/13 - Fast Weeknight Suppers. Our family loved the Garlic Pork recipe and it really was fast.

4/4/13 - Leftover Ham. If you happen to have some leftover ham from your Easter dinner, take a look at these simple leftover recipes.

3/28/13 - Spring Produce. Bright green is a spring color and the color of spring produce. Make sure you get the freshest and don't overcook.

3/21/13 - Easter Dinner. Easter Dinner should be bright and cheery with fresh flavors. These recipes are special, yet easy to prepare.

3/14/13 - St. Paddy's Day. Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with a delicious dinner.

3/7/13 - Winter Produce. I really feel that Spring is in the air, but it is still cold enough to enjoy the comfort foods of winter. All of these recipes use what are typically called winter produce.

2/28/13 - Healthy Sides. The experts say half of our dinner plates should consist of vegetables. Since I found myself in a vegetable rut, I went in search of new side dishes that can jazz up weekly dinners.

2/21/13 - Pantry Cooking. Take a good look through your pantry and freezer, it's time to start clearing them out. This will not only save you $$$ at the grocery store for the next couple weeks but will also tidy the spaces. Be flexible, canned for fresh, chicken instead of ham, etc.

2/14/13 - Mardi Gras Recipes. Cajun food is comfort food with a big zing. Try one of these recipes to jazz up your families supper.

2/7/13 - Chocolate Pies. Another holiday coming up! Valentine's Day is a food holiday in my book. Check out these chocolate pies to make for your sweety.

1/31/13 - Game Day Goodies. The Super Bowl is like a holiday, calories are null and void!

1/24/13 - Noodle Bowls. Zippy Asian flavors and simple to make.

1/17/13 - Healthy Lunch . Packing a healthy lunch for school or work is not only good for your body, it's good for your wallet!

1/10/13 - Healthy & Quick Breakfast . Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Try one of these quick, healthy breakfasts to start your motor running.

1/3/13 - Healthy Dinners . It's that time of year! Eating healthy is one of most everyones new year resolutions. Add in some exercise and you're on your way to a better you. Use your band fruit and make the grapefruit sauce, it is yummy!

12/27/12 - On vacation! Have a very happy New Year!

12/20/12 - Christmas Eve Dinner . Simple ingredients can be transformed into a delightful dinner. Splurge on the extra butter and cream and do not forget the Champagne!

12/13/12 - Gifts To Make . These easy recipes would make anyone on your Christmas list jolly!

12/6/12 - Fast & Easy Appetizers. With the holidays approaching, fast, easy appetizers are good to have on hand.

11/29/12 - Easy Holiday Cookies. These cookies start with refrigerated cookie dough and will be done in a snap!

11/21/12 - Leftover Turkey. You won't even recognize these recipes as being your leftover bird.

11/15/12 - Skinny Dips. The upcoming holidays are filled with lots of tempting, tasty treats. These recipes are slimmed down so you can enjoy big taste without lots of calories.

11/8/12 - Super Foods. A healthy diet incorporating a variety of so-called 'superfoods' will help you maintain your weight, fight disease, and live longer. Super Foods include beans, blueberries, broccoli, oats, oranges, pumpkin, salmon, soy spinach, tea, tomatoes, turkey, walnuts and yogurt.

11/1/12 - Healthy Chowders. Chowder is a great choice for supper this time of year. Just add a salad and hunk of bread to fill out your menu. These recipes are lower in fat and calories and the leftovers make a nice brownbag lunch.

10/25/12 - Halloween Party Fare. Having a Halloween party? Take a look at these spooky recipes.

10/18/12 - Pumpkin. Pumpkin desserts are another fall favorite. These recipes would be great for a bake sale, potluck or take to work to score points with the boss.

10/11/12 - Apples for Supper. Apples are so fall. Try one of these comfort food recipes when you are looking for a change of pace.

10/4/12 - Light & Low-Cost. These dinner recipes are not only low in calories and fats, but low-cost too.

9/27/12 - Casserole Recipes. Whether you are going to a pot luck or having a group over to watch the game, these recipes will feed a crowd.

9/20/12 - Crock Pot Recipes. Walking in the house after a long day and having your dinner ready is a wonderful thing!

9/13/12 - Beef Soup. The very lovely Mary DD brought in some delicious spicy beef soup to share last week. So good, I went looking for more!

9/6/12 - Hearty Ground Beef. Hearty, inexpensive ground beef is the ideal starring ingredient for comfort food meals. These zesty recipes make dinner fun and filling.

8/30/12 - Labor Day Bash. Celebrate the wonderful summer with an end-of-the-year bash!

8/23/12 - Chicken & Pasta. Two of my favorite ingredients to use for dinner are chicken and pasta. They are easy to use and adapt to many different recipes.

8/16/12 - Grilled Veggies. Grilled vegetables can be used in many dishes. While your grilling a batch, make extra to add to salads, sandwiches, even scrambled eggs and omelettes.

8/9/12 - Potato Salads. These potato salad recipes are not what your Gramma used to make. Thanks to Peggy McNulty for sending in the Taco Potato Salad recipe.

8/2/12 - Brown Bag Lunches. Bored with the same old brown bag lunches? These recipes will work equally well for mom, dad and the kids when they head back to school.

7/26/12 - Chicken Thighs. You can't beat chicken thighs for flavor and price. Try one of these recipes the next time you're grilling.

7/19/12 - Tomatoes. The lucky ones are picking their own tomatoes. If you are like me, without a tomato plant to call your own, head to the farmer's market and stock up. So good for you and so versatile.

7/12/12 - Corn on the Cob. The fresh corn has been available for a few weeks now. Don't miss out on the low prices and sweet flavor of fresh home grown corn.

7/5/12 - Vacation.

6/28/12 - Squash. Summer squash and zucchini on their own are pretty boring. With a few additions, this inexpensive and plentiful vegetable can shine.

6/21/12 - Grilled Entree. Beat the heat in your kitchen by grilling. The pork kebabs are super easy and delish!

6/14/12 - Feta. Just plain yummy!

6/7/12 - Chicken Salads. These low cal and low carb recipes are perfect for a summer supper.

5/31/12 - Burgers. Four burgers, all with a short list of ingredients, make your next cookout easy and delicious.

5/24/12 - Easy Cheesy App's. As an added bonus, all recipes are low-cal too, at under 100 calories per serving.

5/17/12 - Picnic Menu. Enjoy the beautiful weather by dining alfresco!

5/10/12 - Fennel Recipes. Fennel is a interesting change of pace as a vegetable side dish. Roasting and cooking makes the flavor milder, while using it raw keeps the licorice "bite".

5/3/12 - Cinco de Mayo. If you're feeling festive, throw a Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday.

4/26/12 - Pork Tenderloin. When pork tenderloin is on sale it is good to grab a few extra for the freezer. They are as versatile as chicken breast and easy to prepare.

4/19/12 - Strawberry Salads. Strawberries are in season, though not locally. They are sweet, delicious and good for you, fat free; saturated fat free; sodium free; cholesterol free; high in vitamin C and high in folate.

4/12/12 - Kabobs. Kabobs of any kind are an easy prep, low fat and fast cooking choice for dinner.

4/5/12 - Asparagus. Asparagus is in season and so good for you. Fresh asparagus spears are a good source of anti-oxidants and vitamin K, which promotes bone health and limits neuronal damage in the brain (Alzheimer's disease). Asparagus is also a negative calorie vegetable as more calories are burnt to digest it than gained.

3/29/12 - Spring Salads. These salads are hearty enough for dinner and would make great leftovers to brown bag for lunch.

3/22/12 - Light Desserts. Almost everyone occasionally gets a sweet tooth. The desserts listed are low in calories and fat so go ahead, enjoy!

3-15-12 - St. Patrick's Day Irish recipes tend to be of the comfort food, rib-sticking kind. Try one of these recipes to celebrate the St. Patrick's day weekend.

3/8/12 - St. Patty's Day Beverages. St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year; so plan a party and offer these Irish influenced cocktails.

3/1/12 - Broccoli. Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange and it has almost as much calcium as whole milk. Broccoli contains selenium, a mineral that has been found to have anti-cancer and anti-viral properties. With all those wonderful qualities and the fact it is inexpensive, broccoli is a great addition to your menu planning.

2/23/12 - Light & Healthy Dinners. Light and healthy dinner recipes are featured this week.

2/16/12 - Chowder Recipes. The recipes this week are for hearty chowders. Any of the recipes would make a great dinner paired with a salad and a slice of fresh bread.

2/9/12 - Valentine's Day Chocolate. Make your sweetie a chocolate treat for Valentine's Day. The recipes are quick and easy as they use store bought mixes as the base.

2/2/12 - Super Bowl Snacks. Even if you don't care who wins the Super Bowl, it's a great excuse for a party and snacking foods. Although, after Brady's comment...Go Giants!

1/26/12 - Fish Packages. We are all supposed to be eating more fish, as much as twice a week. My problem with that is the smell seems to linger a long time. Try cooking the fish in parchment or foil packets, it tones the smell down a bit.

1/19/12 - Healthy One Dish Meals. Only two more weeks of "healthy", then we can hit the death by chocolate category. I can't wait!

1/12/12 - Low Calorie Slow Cooking. Lots of flavor is achieved simply by slow cooking. These recipes can help you stick with your New Year's resolutions to eat more healthy.

1/5/12 - Low Calorie Soup. Soup is a great choice for dinner this time of year. These soups are all low in calories, yet hearty.

12/29/11 - New Year's Brunch. Savory or sweet, New Year's day brunch is a great way to start the new year.

12/22/11 - Sweet Treats. Delicious, no-bake treats for your friends and family.

12/15/11 - Christmas Dinner. This Christmas dinner will be a snap! Try these easy recipes that can be made ahead and finished at the last minute. Happy Holidays!

12/8/11 - Noodle Bowls. Noodle Bowls are hearty, healthy and quick to fix. Perfect for this hectic time of year.

12/1/11 - Festive Holiday Cocktails. These cocktail recipes will be the icing on the cake at your holiday party.

11/23/11 - Leftovers. If you would like to disguise your leftovers from Thanksgiving, this week's recipes should fit the bill.

11/17/11 - Turkey Dinner. Have a happy Thanksgiving holiday.

11/10/11 - Pumpkin Desserts. This week is dedicated to putting a new dessert on your Thanksgiving table.

11/3/11 - Thanksgiving Appetizers. The count down is on...plan ahead and this Thanksgiving holiday dinner will be a breeze!

10/27/11 - Slow Cooker Fast. These slow cooker recipes come together fast. A little preparation makes your family happy campers.

10/20/11 - Spooky Party Menu. If you are planning a Halloween party, these recipes might be a creepy/gross additon.

10/6/11 - Halftime Chow. The Buffalo Bill's are back on the watch list(are you kidding, Cincinnati!), so you have to plan a halftime menu that is ready to eat. Start with one of these recipes as your base, and add some bread and butter for a quick, easy meal.

9/29/11 - Turkey Breast. Turkey breast was on sale last week, so I went hunting for some new recipes to try. These look really good.

9/22/11 - Boneless Pork Chops. As versatile as boneless chicken, try boneless pork chops and fruit for a great combination.

9/15/11 - Ravioli. Frozen or refrigerated ravioli is a great base to build on. Try one of this week's recipes for a change of pace.

9/8/11 - Anytime Eggs. Eggs are a great base for any meal. Check out these recipes for dinner and brunch ideas.

9/1/11 - Labor Day Picnic. We have had a beautiful summer in Western New York. Enjoy your last, long summer weekend with a cook-out.

8/25/11 - More Zucchini. Zucchini is everywhere and cheap, disguise it and even the kids will eat it!

8/18/11 - Easy Asian Flavors. Spicy, sweet, tart, you name the flavor, Asian food has it. Try some of these easy recipes to shake up the dinner table.

8/11/11 - Sweet Corn. Fresh sweet corn can't be beat. Try something different while it is plentiful, and freeze some for later.

8/4/11 - Lasagna Like . These recipes use lasagna noodles to get the same great taste of the traditional dish in a fast and easy way.

7/28/11 - Fresh Tomatoes. There will be a lot of fresh, inexpensive tomatoes coming soon. Be ready!

7/21/11 - Cucumber Recipes. Thanks to long-time reader Peggy Hooper for the heads-up on cucumbers this week.

7/14/11 - Stir-Fry. An easy option for summertime supper is a stir-fry. It cooks up fast and gives you a break from all that grilling.

7/7/11 - Zucchini. Zucchini is a very inexpensive and versatile vegetable which is available in abundance this time of year.

6/30/11 - July 4th. Happy July 4th weekend!

6/23/11 - Show Stopper Trifles. Trifles are beautiful to look at, easy and are made ahead of time. To wow your family, try one of this week's trifle recipes.

6/16/11 - Grilling Sides. Looking for side dishes to go with your grilled supper? This week's recipes are the perfect accompaniment.

6/9/11 - Sandwiches from the Grill. Sandwiches hot off the grill are featured this week. Pair them with a salad and your supper is complete, without heating up the kitchen.

6/2/11 - Asparagus. As this is asparagus season, the best prices are to be had. Shake up the dinner table by trying it in new ways.

5/26/11 - Pork Tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is quick to cook, low fat and soaks up the flavors of whatever you season it with. A real go-to entree selection when you want something fast and tasty.

5/19/11 - Rhubarb. Rhubarb is one of those seasonal ingredients people either LOVE or could care less about. The tartness of this fruit/vegetable/herb makes it so it is usually used one part rhubarb to two part fruit. *The disrepancy in category depends on which country you are from.

5/12/11 - Leftover Wine. I've had some leftover wine in the fridge for a while, and as I hate to throw anything out, I found these recipes that looked good enough to eat.

5/5/11 - Mom's Day. Cooking for mom doesn't have to be fancy, just tasty! It's the thought that counts.

4/28/11 - Strawberries. In addition to being low in fat and calories, strawberries are naturally high in fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium and antioxidants.

4/21/11 - Salads For Supper. Now that it is slowly warming up, we gotta start thinking about bikini weather. Salads for supper are a good way to lighten up, get lots of vitamins from fresh vegetables and be ready to hit the beach.

4/14/11 - Easter Dinner. Happy Easter everyone!

4/7/11 - Lamb For Dinner. Spring is a great time for lamb. I'm not sure why, maybe it's the butter lambs or chocolate lambs you see at Easter.

3/31/11 - Dinners on the Cheap. The recipes I found this week are not only inexpensive at less than $3 per serving, but good for you. All of dishes were found on the Eating Well website.

3/24/11 - Spring Green Veggies. Even though the weather is not cooperating, it is Spring. Watch for fresh spring vegetables at the grocery store such as artichokes, peas and asparagus.

3/17/11 - Low Fat Potatoes. It's almost swim suit time....well not quite, but these potato recipes are tasty and low fat.

3/10/11 - Meatloaf. Meatloaf is the perfect weekday dinner entree, easy to put together and quick to cook.

3/3/11 - Oven Cooking Bags. After rediscovering the beauty of Oven Cooking Bags while making a 18 lb. turkey, I went in search of more recipes.

2/24/11 - Light Appetizers. These appetizers are packed with flavor, not fat and calories.

2/17/11 - Easy Oriental. Healthier than take-out and no msg!

2/10/11 - Dinner for Two. Ship the kids to gramma's house and make these recipes for a romantic and light Valentine's Day supper.

2/3/11 - A Better Breakfast. Everyone should have a good breakfast to start the day. These recipes are good for you and provide energy to make it a great day!

1/27/11 - Super Bowl Party. Make your recipes the day before and you won't miss any of the game.

1/20/11 - Baked Fish & Seafood. The experts say we should all eat more fish. Here are some recipes to try. Butter is a little heavy in a few of the recipes. You could try cutting back amount, using olive oil in place of, or mixture of butter and olive oil.

1/13/11 - Mexican Dinners. A little bit of spice can help your head cold as hot, Mexican foods are good congestion busters. Thanks to Kim Kalman for the Chicken Chili recipe, fast, easy and delicious!

1/6/11 - Italian Dinners. Our family is crazy about Italian food, so when I see some new recipes, I gotta give them a try. Bellissimo!

12/30/10 - Healthy 20 Minute Meals. I always try to start the new year in a healthy way. These recipes are healthy and quick, because of course, you will need time for all that exercise you're planning on doing!

12/23/10 - New Year's Traditions. There are many different food traditions around the world on New Year's Eve. Here are a few to increase your chances of good health and wealth in the coming year.

12/16/10 - Christmas Dinner. For the biggest holiday of the year, treat yourself to a delicious beef tenderloin and all the trimmings.

12/9/10 - Christmas Cookies. If you haven't started your baking, better get to it! Times a wasting.

12/2/10 - Winter Vegetables. I've been stuck into the same old rut when using winter vegetables at mealtime. I looked around and found some interesting recipes to use the inexpensive vegetables currently in season.

11/24/10 - Healthy Slow Cooker. I love my slow cooker! With a little planning, you can have your crockpot ready before you leave for work and come home to a delicious meal.

11/18/10 - Thanksgiving Dinner. These recipes are better if made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave, except the turkey of course. Plan ahead and enjoy your holiday.

11/11/10 - Pies For Dessert. Thanksgiving doesn't have to be all about pumpkin, try a different kind of pie this year.

11/4/10 - Warming Soups. The weather is getting colder fast! Try a bowl of soup to warm your insides.

10/28/10 - Halloween Party. Halloween parties are alot of fun and don't have to be a chore. Take a look at these simple recipes that get you into the spooky spirit.

10/21/10 - Not Your Ordinary Stew. These recipes have different flavors and ingredients than the usual beef and vegetable stew. All get cooked in the crockpot.

10/7/10 - Tastes Like Pizza. Who doesn't like pizza. These dinners are sure to please the pizza lovers at your house.

9/30/10 - Chicken Thighs. Inexpensive and versatile, chicken thighs soak up the flavors you add and are moist and delicious.

9/23/10 - Healthy Salmon. The benefits of salmon and other types of fish make a very long list. Twice a week is recommended, I'm shooting for at least once.

9/16/10 - Kid Friendly Suppers. Kid friendly suppers that adults can enjoy are on the menu this week.

9/9/10 - Tailgating Recipes. Football season has arrived and the tailgating that goes with it. Take a look at this week's recipes for something new to bring to the game.

9/2/10 - Crockpot Recipes. The kids are going back to school next week, so begins a busy time. The crockpot can make your life a lot easier. Who wouldn't like dinner ready when you walk in the door?

8/26/10 - Pork Tenderloin. Pork Tenderloin is as versatile as chicken breasts and easy to prepare.

8/19/10 - Peaches. Peaches are at their peak this month, try a new recipe while they are perfect.

8/12/10 - Easy Travel Apps.. While looking for an appetizer that would travel well, I found these recipes that look great!

8/5/10 - Shrimp For Dinner. I happened upon the Recipe.com website and the shrimp dishes looked so darn good, I had to share.

7/29/10 - Cool Desserts. Make ahead ice cream desserts will wow your guests and families.

7/22/10 - Layered Salads. The beauty of layered salads is they can be made a day ahead of time and they look pretty as a picture.

7/15/10 - Corn on the Cob. The fresh corn is plentiful and delicious, check out these recipes to jazz it up.

7/8/10 - Too Hot To Cook. This week, lighter, main dish salads are featured with little or no cooking.

7/1/10 - Fourth of July. Take it easy and keep menu simple, hot dogs, couple of salads and ice cream for dessert. It's supposed to be a hot one!

6/24/10 - Grad Party Menu. Don't worry about what to serve for your graduation bash, try this menu full of big flavors.

6/17/10 - Quick Burgers. These burger recipes are short on ingredients but big on taste.

6/10/10 - Father's Day Menu. Dads like to eat well, without a lot of fussing. These recipes can all be prepped ahead of time, then all you have to do is a little bit of grilling.

6/3/10 - Grilled Appetizers. Grilling adds lots of flavor without fat, check out these recipes for party time.

5/27/10 - Easy Chicken Dinners. If you keep boneless chicken in the freezer, you can always put together a fast supper. Try one of these recipes for an easy, tasty, change of pace.

5/20/10 - Memorial Day. Memorial Day weekend is the official start of the too short, summer season. Have a picnic outside and start grilling!

5/13/10 - Skewers/Kabobs. Tis the season to grill! These entrees are easy to prep ahead of time and a snap to cook.

5/6/10 - Side Salad Recipes. This time of year, you have to be ready to bring a dish to pass or just have something different to serve with grilled meats at home. These recipes sound like they would fit in perfectly for either situation.

4/29/10 - Kentucky Derby Recipes. The first Saturday in May is a great time to be festive. Spring should be in full swing, summer is coming and celebrating the "fastest two minutes in sports" is a terrific excuse for a party.

4/22/10 - Strawberries. Strawberries are in season right now, so take advantage of the fresh crops and lower prices.

4/15/10 - Spicy Suppers. A little chipotle pepper goes a long way. A small can of peppers can make a week's worth of dishes.

4/8/10 - Asian Flavors. The zippy flavors of asian foods can perk up the same old, meat/poultry/vegetable ingredients you're tired of. These recipes are simple in design but big on flavor.

4/1/10 - Warm & Cheesy App's. Next party you host or have to bring a dish to, make it warm & cheesy. No one can ever resist the delicious gooeyness of melted cheese!

3/25/10 - Easter Brunch. Easter Brunch is always a nice option. This week's recipes cover all the food groups for a no fuss brunch.

3/18/10 - Side Dishes. It seems like the family gets bored with the same-old side dishes by the end of a season. I looked around to find something new to serve, and I think I found some tasty specimens.

3/11/10 - St. Patrick's Day. Everyone can pretend to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day and corned beef and cabbage doesn't have to be cooked in a pot. Try it on pizza or pasta for something different.

3/4/10 - More Spaghetti. I'm always looking for different ways to serve the kid's favorite pasta noodle. These are easy and look delicious!

2/25/10 - Less Than $10 Dinners. Dinner for four, under $10 and healthy? You betcha!

2/18/10 - Slow Cooker Beef. This week's recipes are slow cooker, beef based. Comfort food will help you get through the cold month of February.

2/11/10 - Valentine's Dinner Recipes. Happy Valentine's Day!

2/4/10 - Valentine's Treats. Kids love to help in the kitchen, young ones that is. For fun, make some treats to take to the classroom to celebrate Valentine's day this year.

1/28/10 - Super Bowl Recipes. Super Bowl is scheduled for February 7th, if you haven't already planned your menu, take a look at this week's recipes.

1/21/10 - Tasty Chicken Dinners. Due to everyone trying to be healthy in January, chicken breasts seem to be on sale at all the stores. Try something new, tasty and healthy!

1/14/10 - Fast & Healthy Dinners. It is January and those pesky resolutions are still front and center. This week's recipes are lower in fat and calories and a snap to prepare.

1/7/10 - Healthy Winter Soups. Baby it's cold outside! How about some nice rib sticking, heart warming, healthy soup.

12/30/09 - Slow Cooker Beef. It is the perfect weather for hearty, comfort foods. The recipes today are easy to prep, cook all day on their own, and greet you at the door with, mmmmmm, it smells good!

12/23/09 - New Year's Eve Party. Appetizers are the way to go for New Year's Eve gatherings and of course, don't forget the bubbly! Happy New Year everyone!!!

12/17/09 - Christmas Dinner. An enjoyable holiday is in the bag when you prepare ahead of time. This menu will keep you out of the kitchen, relaxed, and able to enjoy your Christmas holiday.

12/10/09 - Party Appetizers. Everyone has a party to go to and/or host which requires the making of an appetizer. Try something new and enjoy your parties! In three short weeks it will be the new year and all that "being good" stuff.

12/3/09 - Xmas Gifts To Make. This week's recipes are simple to make and are a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for family and friends.

11/25/09 - Leftovers. You are sure to have some sort of leftovers if you cooked on Thanksgiving. Take a look at this week's recipes for a little something different.

11/19/09 - Thanksgiving Recipes. Brining adds moisture and flavor to poultry and helps to keep it from drying out. Give it a try this year. You will need at least 10 to 12 hours (plan on 1 hour per pound of turkey), a container large enough to hold your turkey and enough brine to cover it. Rinse, pat dry and roast as you normally do. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/12/09 - Cooking with Orzo. Orzo is a rice shaped pasta that works well with lighter entree and side dish recipes.

11/5/09 - Weekday Dinners. Simple preparation, low cost ingredients and big taste!

10/29/09 - Pumpkin Season. Fall is pumpkin season and therefore pumpkin recipes are in order. Do yourself a favor and buy the canned pumpkin, unless of course you have all the time in the world to start from scratch.

10/22/09 - Halloween Treats. Halloween treats for dessert next week will get everyone in the mood for trick or treating.

10/15/09 - Apples For Dinner. By now you have made the apple crisps, cobbler, sauce, cake and cookies. Now try slicing them up and serving with your dinner.

10/8/09 - Spaghetti Pasta. On tap this week are different ways to enjoy the pasta called spaghetti. I know I use alot of pasta recipes in the column, but the kids and I just love it! Everyday would be fine by us.

10/1/09 - Big Taste - Low Cost. Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, you don't have to give up tasty dinners as a result. Take a look at this week's recipes using lower cost cuts of meat.

9/24/09 - Soup For Dinner. It may still be too warm to cook a pot of soup, but it won't be for long. These recipes looked interesting and rib sticking, add some fresh bread and a salad to round out your meal.

9/17/09 - Game Day Snacks. After watching the Bills and Patriots football game Monday night, I've become hopeful for a decent season and actually watching the upcoming games. This week's recipes would be good make-ahead fare to sustain you through all the excitement!

9/10/09 - Brown Bagging. If you are back to making lunches for the kids, or if you bring your lunch to work, take a look at these recipes for something a bit different.

9/3/09 - Labor Day BBQ. Gather up friends and family and say goodbye to summer with a weekend bbq.

8/27/09 - Zucchini. The enormous zucchini should be landing on your doorstep very soon from the zucchini fairies, if they haven't already. I received mine last week and went in search of recipes, as my family won't touch it if it looks like zucchini. I ended up putting a cup of shredded zucchini in my meatballs and making a chocolate cake, they didn't know the difference. I think you could add a cup to almost anything!

8/20/09 - Fresh Tomatoes. For the first time ever, I have numerous tomatoes growing in my garden so I went in search of new recipes. These recipes all looked very tasty, but don't forget, you still can't beat a BLT at lunchtime.

8/13/09 - Chicken Dinners. Chicken is easily the most versatile protein for your family's dinner. This week I've looked for an assortment of recipes using different parts of the chicken. As always, these recipes are not difficult or time consuming to make.

8/6/09 - Potluck Recipes. I'm always looking for new ideas when I need to bring a dish to pass to a function. The recipes this week looked interesting.

7/30/09 - Party Dips. When you are heading to a party or having your own, a party dip is just right to serve. Dips are an easy, make ahead of time offering that everyone enjoys.

7/23/09 - Grilled Dinner Packets. Wrap up your dinner ingredients in foil and you save time cooking and on the clean-up.

7/16/09 - Main Dish Pasta Salads. If the weather warms up and you want to take a break from grilling, try a hearty, pasta salad for supper.

7/9/09 - Burgers. Nothing says summer quite like burgers on the grill. This week's burger recipes are full of flavor.

7/2/09 - 4th of July Party. This complete, do ahead menu will have you all prepared for your party, after the parade and VFW picnic of course. Happy 4th of July!

6/25/09 - Lunch For The Kids. Yes, they are home for the next 10 weeks and we have to feed them breakfast, lunch & dinner. Frightening isn't it? This week I looked around for some different, yet healthy options for the little darlings. You can even have them help in the kitchen.

6/18/09 - Father's Day. The recipes this week serve up Dad's favorites in a very easy way. Happy Father's Day!

6/11/09 - Boneless Chicken. Boneless chicken breasts have got to be the easiest ingredient to work with when putting together a fast and tasty meal. Try one of these recipes for your family.

6/4/09 - Grilled Vegetables. Cook your vegetables alongside your grilled meats so you can enjoy the great outdoors, have less dishes to clean and get your daily vitamins.

5/28/09 - Strawberries. Strawberries are in season now, take the time to try a new recipe.

5/21/09 - Memorial Day. This super easy dinner menu will tantalize your tastebuds without keeping you too long in the kitchen. Welcome to summer!

5/14/09 - Easy As Pie. Just as in a casserole, load everything into the pie pan, top with baking mix or crescent rolls and presto....dinner is served!

5/7/09 - Grilled Appetizers. With the nice weather comes gatherings on the back deck. Grilling your party appetizers lets the host stay outside with the guests. Try some of these the next time you're enjoying the great outdoors.

4/30/09 - Cinco de Mayo. Although Mexico doesn't universally celebrate May 5th, around the world Cinco de Mayo is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. I just love the spicy food that is Mexican in origin. Try one of these recipes for a zippier dinner some evening.

4/23/09 - Seasonal Greens. The "In Season" list is heavy on the greens right now. Choose from artichokes, asparagus, beans, peas, chives and many choices of lettuce.

4/16/09 - Under 30 Minutes!. These days are becoming busier with yard work and the kids back at the outdoor, spring sports. You can have a tasty, quick dinner before or after your activities.

4/9/09 - Easter Dessert. Easter dessert tends to be on the lighter side, using lemon, coconut or fresh berries. Another option is in the correlation between Easter, bunnies and carrots, you can't go wrong with a delicious carrot cake. Enjoy the first holiday of spring!

4/2/09 - Easter Dinner. We made it through the long, cold winter. Now it is time to celebrate Spring with a delicious Easter dinner menu.

3/26/09 - Spring Vegies. Spring is officially here and so are beautiful, green, spring vegetables. Brighten up your dinner table and palate with recipes that use the new seasonal offerings.

3/19/09 - Soups & Stews Finale. I believe this week is the end of winter and also the last of winter recipes. Just add some nice bread and perhaps a salad and you will be good to go. Let's start talking about grilling!

3/12/09 - St. Patrick's Day Lite. The nice thing about making the menu "lite", means you can treat yourself to a full flavored Irish beer. "May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live."

3/5/09 - Healthy, Kid Friendly Suppers. Sometimes it is tough to prepare a supper that is both interesting to your kids and also somewhat healthy. These recipes fit the bill. All recipes are from www.eatingwell.com

2/26/09 - Slow Cooker Beef. The crock-pot/slow cooker is a wonderful tool. Check out these beef recipes and with a little preparation you can come home to mouth-watering aromas and dinner ready for your family

2/19/09 - Winter Vegetables. It is still cold outside and will be for a bit longer. Warm your families with healthy and hearty winter vegetables at supper time.

2/12/09 - Valentine's Day Dinner. Dinner for two....wine, candles, flowers and great, simple food. Take a little time to make your sweetheart happy and romantic. The scallop appetizer can double as your salad for the evening. That's amore!

2/5/09 - Chocolate. After a month of being fairly good, it is time to break out the chocolate. Valentine's Day is just around the corner and a well deserved treat is necessary. Try out one of these desserts on your Valentine.

1/29/09 - Healthy Soups. The end of January is upon us, we are still freezing and maybe continue to think healthy thoughts. Healthy and hearty soups are on this weeks agenda.

1/22/09 - Healthy Comfort Foods . The cold weather makes you think of cozy, comfort food. In the spirit of good health and as this is still January, streamlined comfort food recipes are featured this week. Again, most of the recipes are found at the Eatingwell.com website.

1/15/09 - Healthy Lunches. Still on the eating healthy kick? Good for you! This week's recipes focus on bringing a healthy lunch to work without a lot of hassle. Most of the recipes were found at the Eatingwell.com website.

1/8/09 - Healthy Dinners. The new year always gets 'most' people into thinking about eating healthier and making time to exercise. The recipes this week are easy to assemble, healthy and 300 calories or less. All are from the Canadian Living magazine website.

12/18/08 - Christmas Brunch. A big, delicious Christmas breakfast is a well deserved treat after all your preparations for the holidays. Go ahead, live a little!

12/11/08 - Gifts To Make. This year is the perfect time to pare down your Christmas gift spending by making delicious gifts for your friends and family. All the recipes are easy to make and have a short list of ingredients.

12/4/08 - Cheesy Appetizers. Tis the season to attend or have a cocktail party. These easy, cheesy appetizers are just the ticket.

11/26/08 - Left-Over Recipes. If you're lucky enough to have leftover turkey after the holiday, check out the recipes this week. They can simplify your meal planning over the weekend.

11/20/08 - Thanksgiving Trimmings. The side dishes you serve at Thanksgiving dinner are key to a memorable meal. Try something different to add to your menu and always start with a glass of bubbly!

11/13/08 - One Pot Dinners. This time of year is damp and dreary, perfect for rib stickin', comfort food. These one pot dinners are easy to put together and will have you thinking cozy thoughts.

11/6/08 - Apple Recipes. There are a plethora of apples available in the fall. Try doing something different and remember an apple's skin should be shiny, not dull. This tip's important ... dull appearing apples won't be crisp and tasty.

10/30/08 - Leftover Candy Recipes. You know you are going to have leftover candy from Halloween. This year use the extras to make a scrumptious dessert.

10/23/08 - Halloween Recipes. These Halloween recipes are fun and simple to make for your big and little goblins.

10/16/08 - Pumpkin Recipes. Fall is here and pumpkins are everywhere! Recycle your jack-o-lantern and make some delicious desserts and breads or take the easy way out and buy a can of pumpkin at the grocery store.

10/9/08 - Root Vegetable Recipes. Root vegetables are full of vitamins and loaded with good carbohydrates and dietary fiber. Plentiful at the market and stores, they are the best of "comfort" side dishes.

10/2/08 - Quick & Hearty Suppers. Most of these recipes will take 30 minutes or less and are comfort foods, great for the change to fall weather.

9/25/08 - Slow Cooker Recipes. A great time saver, slow cooker or crock pot recipes are especially nice when you're too busy to cook a nice dinner.

9/18/08 - Drop-Off Dinner Recipes. There are times when a friend is under the weather and you want to make life easier for them. The dilemma is you really don't know what their family likes to eat. This week's recipes are easy, and should be enjoyable for all ages.

9/11/08 - Tailgating Recipes. Wikipedia defines a tailgate party as "a social event held on and around the open tailgate of a vehicle." Tailgating fare often is comprised of grilled meats, dips, salads and anything that can be made ahead of time. This week's recipes are just the ticket.

9/4/08 - Lunchbag Recipes. I was looking for something new to put in my kids' lunch bags this year and found some interesting ideas. Invest in a good cold pack and you can pack up almost anything!

8/28/08 - Summer Squash Recipes. At this time of year the squash fairy may be arriving at your door. If you don't have your own fairy, squash is very inexpensive at the markets. Try something new!

8/21/08 - Peach Recipes. The local peaches are now at their peak. You can enjoy a peach standing over the kitchen sink with the juices running down your chin or try a new recipe. Either way, enjoy!

8/14/08 - Tomato Recipes. Tomatoes are at their most scrumptious this time of year. Either from your garden or local market, make sure you taste them at their finest before it's too late!

8/7/08 - One Dish Dinners. Everything in one dish, add a salad and you are good to go.

7/31/08 - Cucumber Recipes. The cucumbers are here! My garden is full of them and so are the local farmer's markets and grocery stores. Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, manganese, folate, dietary fiber and magnesium and helps with digestion.

7/24/08 - Main Course Salads. The local produce is plentiful and inexpensive this time of year. Try a salad as your main course for supper, it's healthy, delicious and a nice change of pace.

7/17/08 - Quesadillas Recipes. Quesadillas are great for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Scrambled eggs with cheese, a little salsa and sour cream and your breakfast becomes a fiesta. Leftover meats, veggies and cheeses all taste great wrapped in a tortilla. Today's recipes can give you some ideas.

7/10/08 - Picnic Menu. When is the last time you went on a picnic? If you're like me, I can't even remember! Plan a day, gather the kids and a frisbee and just hang out. Good food plus great family time make for wonderful memories.

7/3/08 - Strawberry Recipes. Strawberries are at their peak and superior this year due to our rainy spring weather. The recipes this week are very simple to put together and have a short list of ingredients.

6/26/08 - Blueberries. It is berry time and it doesn't last long. Take the time to make something with fresh blueberries, they are delicious and very good for you!

6/19/08 - Quick Italian Suppers. In my book you just can't beat Italian food. As long as there are sauce and pasta involved, my kids will eat it up!

6/12/08 - Father's Day Recipes. Dads are so easy....grill something up, get a nice cold beer, let them watch their favorite TV show and encourage a nap and they are happy. Thank goodness!

6/5/08 - Appetizer Party Recipes. When the weather starts to get nice, my extended family gets the itch to gather together and hang out on the deck on the occasional Friday. Everyone brings the beverage of their choice and an appetizer to share. It is uncanny at times, one night we had three different kinds meatballs. Another night many brought pizza, and another night was heavy on Mexican fare, we must all be on the same wavelength at times. It is always fun and delicious.

5/29/08 - Broccoli Side Dishes. I've been looking for ways to entice the kids to eat their vegetables. This week I found some new ways to serve the ever popular, yet sometimes boring broccoli.

5/22/08 - Memorial Day Cook Out. The local weathermen say it will be a nice weekend for a bbq. All the recipes are make-ahead and just grill the kabobs at the last minute. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

5/15/08 - Healthy Brown Bag Lunches. If the kids are tired of the same old sandwiches for lunch and you're tired of eating leftovers from dinner the night before, give these healthy and tasty recipes a try. All will travel well to school or work.

5/8/08 - Easy Mother's Day Recipe. These recipes are easy for kids or dads to prepare. Or, mom preps ahead of time and relaxes while someone else cooks.
Foil-packet tips:
– It’s better to use several small packets than a single large packet.
– Heavy-duty foil holds up well.
– Wrap loosely for better heat circulation.
– Use double 1-inch folds when you bring up the sides and on each end.
– Steam vegetables by adding a couple of ice cubes to the wraps.
– Be careful as you open the packets so you don’t get burned.
– Use nonstick oil spray to prevent food from sticking.
– Use grilling tongs and oven mitts to turn packets. 

5/1/08 - Cinco de Mayo. The holiday of Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Militia's 5th of May, 1862 victory over the French army. It is a great excuse for a festive party and to serve different foods than you normally entertain with.

4/24/08 - Low Cal Dinner. Every so often I feel compelled to collect healthy and low calorie recipes to share. Although they are not as popular as say desserts or comfort foods, we all need to think healthy and these recipes fit the bill.

4/17/08 - Earth Day Recipes. Founded in 1970, Earth Day is a time to promote environmental awareness around the world. These recipes are representative of earthy flavors, the sea, fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. Think GREEN, our world depends on it!

4/10/08 - Garlic Galore. Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague! There is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels according to Garlic Central. It can even be effective as a natural mosquito repellent. I just love the taste!

4/3/08 - Baby Artichokes. Baby artichokes actually are not immature in the sense of baby carrots or miniature pattypan squash; they are fully grown versions of regular artichokes, but are no more than 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Although they still need to be trimmed, true baby artichokes have barely developed chokes, which can be eaten, and a greater proportion of edible light green leaves. The artichoke is an antioxidant superfood, its properties include anti-aging, anti-cancer, heart healthy, immunity-boosting and choesterol-lowering attributes. They have more antioxidants per serving than the traditional foods such as cranberries, blueberries and pecans.

3/27/08 - Asparagus. A harbinger of spring, asparagus has been enjoyed since the third century A.D. It is a good source of folic acid, potassium, dietary fiber, and it is also believed to be a aphrodisiac!

3/20/08 - Easter Dinner. As always, simple and delicious. Happy Easter everyone!

3/13/08 - St. Patrick's Day. St. Patrick's Day is coming up and getting with the spirit(s) is fun after this long winter. Try something different from the usual corn beef and cabbage.

3/6/08 - After School Snacks. These days you hear a lot of talk about childhood obesity. When the kids get home from school have snacks available that are high in fiber and contain fruits and vegetables. Granted, it takes some preparation but these snacks provide more energy and will help them hold off from the "junk" until dinner.

2/28/08 - Pork Chops Quick. This week try a new pork chop recipe. Boneless pork is as versatile as boneless chicken as it soaks up the flavors you add to it just as well. There is a reason it is called "the other white meat."

2/21/08 - Chicken-Super Easy. At a Super Bowl party I attended, another guest mentioned she liked to check out the recipes here when she was stuck for a dinner idea. Also, that most were quite easy. Here are some more quick, easy recipes based on boneless breasts.

2/14/08 - Soups & Stews. We are still in the icey grip of winter and will be for a while longer. The recipes this week will warm your insides, just serve with a salad and nice crusty bread and you will be good to go.

2/7/08 - Chocolate. If there is any day of the year more suited for chocolate eating than Valentine's day, let me know! In the meantime, this week's recipes are sure to tickle the fancy of your sweetheart.

1/31/08 - Super Bowl Sunday. If you're having a small or large gathering for the Super Bowl, you don't want to be standing in the kitchen during the game. These recipes for the main course and salads are do-ahead and uncomplicated.

1/24/08 - Rolled Oats/Oatmeal. Steel-cut oats is unrefined and most closely resembles the natural oat grain. Rolled oats (regular or old-fashioned) are oat groats that have been steamed and rolled, reducing the cooking time to approximately 15 minutes; but more importantly the digestion and absorption time of the carbohydrates contained in the cereal. Quick oats, are groats that have been cut into pieces and rolled even finer to cook faster, about 5 minutes. Old-fashioned and quick oats can be interchanged in recipes. Instant oats are NOT interchangeable. Oatmeal has been proven to lower cholesterol, reducing the risk for heart disease.

1/18/08 - Ground Turkey/Chicken Recipes. Try replacing ground beef in your recipes with ground turkey or chicken. It is leaner and just as tasty. Most recipes for ground meat have so many other ingredients that you won't notice a difference.

1/10/08 - Heart Healthy Fish Recipes. Fish is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly – one or two servings weekly – may reduce the risk of diseases ranging from childhood asthma to prostate cancer. Healthy ways to enjoy fish include baked, poached, grilled and steamed.

1/3/08 - Good For You. Orange and yellow-hued veggies like winter squash, carrots and sweet potatoes and leafy greens contain carotenoids, a pigment our body converts to vitamin A. Eating lots of these vegetables will help maintain healthy skin and hair, protect against prostate cancer, promote healthy vision and even provide protection from sunburn.

12/27/07 - New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve celebrations come in all shapes and sizes. If you're thinking of staying home, these recipes will provide a delicious, rich menu for 2 (with yummy leftovers) or for a gang. All do ahead! The pie is delicious and so easy. Happy New Year, may it be healthy and prosperous.

12/20/07 - Christmas Dinner. A traditional Christmas dinner is on the menu this week. As always, I focus on easy and delicious recipes that won't have you running to the market for every ingredient. Happy Holidays to all.

12/13/07 - Appetizer Recipes. Everyone can always use a new appetizer recipe to bring to a holiday party. Here are some that look easy, without a lot of crazy ingredients.

12/6/07 - Top 5 Christmas Cookies. The top five rated Christmas cookies at www.christmas-cookies.com are listed this week. Two of the recipes are extremely similar and all look delicious.

11/29/07 - Chicken Dinners. Chicken has always been a go-to as most people like it. There are 4+ weeks until Christmas so plan accordingly and you can make some of these dishes ahead of time and relax after your shopping marathons.

11/22/07 - Thanksgiving Leftovers. Depending on how hungry your guests are, you could have leftovers for many days. Here are some different recipes to clear out the fridge.

11/15/07 - Thanksgiving. Turkey and all the trimmings done "light", so you won't have to wear your fat pants for the weekend.

11/8/07 - Crock Pot Recipes. These crock pot recipes are healthier in design and lighter in calories. They are all from Linda Larson of "Your Guide To Busy Cooks".

11/1/07 - Healthy Pasta Recipes. I think all kids and adults like pasta, even if you throw good stuff (healthy) in with it. This week take a look at some recipes that are lighter in fat and calories, but still have plenty of flavor.

10/25/07 - Halloween Recipes. If you are having a Halloween party or just staying home with the kids, here are a few spooky snacks to make the event more festive.

10/18/07 - Casserole Recipes. Life is just too busy most of the time, so try to make some dinners ahead and you can relax when you need it most. Double it up and freeze one for the future. Plus, casseroles are yummy, comfort food, perfect with the recent cooler weather.

10/11/07 - Apples. My sister and her family have made the trip out to Murphy's Orchard for 25 years to pick apples. This year my family and some friends joined her on the trek. With the enticement of a huge, delicious breakfast at Gordie Harper's Bazaar beforehand, we whined our way thru the northern counties. We always get lost, but have a full stomach and a huge bag of apples for $3.50! Now it is time to cook those apples, enjoy.

10/4/07 - Meat Loaf. Comfort food recipes will be needed at some point soon. Despite all this wonderful, summer like, weather, just around the corner is fall with the need for cozy, comfort food and sweaters! This week a few "different" meat loaf recipes are included in the list.

9/27/07 - More Easy Dinners. I don't know about you, but there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. The entrees this week are quick and easy and full of flavor. Try something new, it's nice to treat yourself at the end of the day to a delicious family dinner.

9/20/07 - Roasting Beef. Getting into the comfort food in spite of the warm weather this week. Roast beef is perfect for a Sunday dinner and the leftovers can cover a few meals later in the week.

9/13/07 - Hearty Soups. Take some time over the weekend and make a pot of soup. You can serve it for dinner with a nice green salad and some crusty bread, then save the leftovers for a quick supper during the week. Also, it is great to freeze and save for a rainy day.

9/6/07 - Brown Bag Lunch. Back to school means making lunches for the kids. Cafeteria food is usually higher in calories than what is good for you and not balanced as far as fruit and vegetables are concerned. This week's recipes are for the main course of your lunch bag, add a fruit and vegetable and your kids will be happy and healthy.

8/30/07 - Labor Day Picnic. It is hard to believe, Labor Day is here. Sometime over the weekend, sit back and reflect on a terrific summer and serve one of your last picnic meals. It is time to start thinking about crockpots, soups and comfort meal menus.

8/23/07 - Summer Produce. The abundance of fresh summer produce won't be with us much longer. Hit the vegetable stands to gather up inexpensive fruits and vegetables before they are all gone.

8/16/07 - Steak Recipes. August is here and along with that are cooler evening temperatures. It is not too far in the future that nightly grilling will be a thing of the past. The recipes today are for different cuts of steak and delicious marinades.

8/9/07 - Broccoli. The leafy green vegetable contains a chemical that may block stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Broccoli is versatile and kids generally like it. Especially when cheese is involved.

8/2/07 - Feta Cheese. Feta cheese is a rich and creamy soft cheese of Greece, authentically made of whole sheep's milk, although many are now made with goat's milk or a mixture of the two. Feta cheese will keep in its brine (refrigerated) for a very, very long time (up to a year).

7/26/07 - Zucchini & Summer Squash. Local zucchini and summer squash are plentiful this time of year. Try some new recipes for your family, you just might be surprised, they might like them.

7/19/07 - Strawberry Recipes. Berries are in their prime right now, so try to take advantage of the somewhat lower cost, but especially their health benefits and perfect sweetness.

7/12/07 - Cool Desserts. It has been so hot recently that I've been looking for ways to keep cool, especially in the kitchen. Here are some very cool, no bake desserts, all use one of everyone's favorite ingredients, ice cream!

7/5/07 - Grilled Turkey Breast. If your looking for something different to grill, give turkey breast a try. Great for a smaller gathering.

6/28/07 - Goat Cheese Recipes. Goat cheese at the supermarket is fairly expensive so I don't usually buy it. but just recently I was shopping at the North Tonawanda Farmer's Market and found it at the cheese stand for CHEAP! The cheese is creamy and delicious and can be used in many different ways.

6/21/07 - Eggplant Recipes. Eggplant is yummy in many different ways. Some recipes call for salting, draining, rinsing and patting dry before using, others you don't have to bother. The salting draws out the moisture so your eggplant doesn't become mushy while cooking.

6/14/07 - Dad's Day. Men, no matter what the age, meat and potatoes is never a problem. A potato, hunk a meat and some grilled clams to start. That is all you need.

6/07/07 - Entree Kabobs. Kabobs are always nice for a dinner party. Make them up ahead of time and you can sit back and enjoy your guests.

5/31/07 - Recipes with Lemon. Lemon is the freshest ingredient, add it to most anything to give it a zip.

5/24/07 - Springtime Vegetables. The grass, the trees and even the vegetables are green this time of year. Enjoy the freshness of these spring recipes. Remember the Farmer's Markets are in full swing and the prices are low!

5/17/07 - Summer Salads. Get the season started with some new salads to serve your family or bring potluck to your next BBQ.

5/10/07 - Party Fare. My sister came up with a BRILLIANT idea 6 weeks ago, Friday night cocktail parties. Our family loves to gather together, eat great food and perhaps have a cocktail or two. Each week we bring a different appetizer, our chosen beverage and have a great time. This week's recipes are for some appetizers to try.

5/3/07 - Mother's Day Brunch. This Mother's Day plan on treating your Mom to a special brunch. Brunch is a fairly easy and do-ahead meal that works well for Dad and kids in the kitchen. Mom will be delighted and probably won't mind making supper that evening.

4/26/07 - Grilled Dinner. Last weekend blessed us with the weather we live for in WNY. If you haven't gotten your grill cleaned up and propane filled, you best get crackin'. It is time to enjoy the outdoors and the grilling season!

4/19/07 - Light and Tasty. The sun is out, so let's start thinking of shorts and bathing suits. The recipes this week are from Shape magazine and are less than 350 calories per serving. Can be served for lunch or a light supper.

4/12/07 - Spring Flavors. Spring seasonal foods include green veggies such as peas, asparagus and green beans. Also rhubarb and strawberries herald that Spring has arrived. It is time to give up the "comfort" foods and get on the light track.

4/5/07 - Quick Dinners. There is a magazine published in Canada titled Canadian Living. It is visually beautiful and full of delicious recipes. The recipes this week are light, with few ingredients and can be made quickly.

3/29/07 - Easter Recipes. We made it! Spring is here and it is about time. The Easter recipes are simple to prepare and all are do-aheads. Enjoy your holiday.

3/15/07 - St. Patrick's Day. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! Get your crock pot off the shelf and have the corned beef cooking while you're at the parade. It will warm your bones when you get home.

3/8/07 - Orange & Yellow Veggies. Yellow-hued and orange vegetables like winter squash, carrots and sweet potatoes contain carotenoids, a pigment our body converts to vitamin A. Eating lots of these vegetables will help maintain healthy skin and hair, protect against prostate cancer, promote healthy vision and even provide protection from sunburn.

3/1/07 - Whole Grain Recipes. Whole grains contain antioxidants, minerals, folate, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium and fiber. All of these things are super good for you, plus grains are inexpensive. If you have trouble finding the grains at your grocer, check in the organic or special diet section.

2/22/07 - Blueberry Recipes. Blueberries are so good for you, forget about the price and dive in. The fact that they are believed to enhance brain function stands out on its own. But throw in that they are kind to the waistline and high in antioxidants and they should be found in your grocery cart every week!

2/15/07 - Salmon Recipes. All fish are great sources of protein and low in saturated fat. But cold-water fish, like salmon, mackerel and herring, are premiere sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. These are fats our bodies can’t produce, so it’s essential we include them in our diet. Omega-3s offer many benefits. They reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They minimize the symptoms of arthritis and inflammatory diseases. They contribute to healthy skin and hair. They may help with depression. Salmon is an easy fish to obtain. Most grocery stores and many restaurants carry it. It's also easy to cook. The high fat level makes salmon perfect for grilling, roasting or sautéing without sticking or drying out. Although wild salmon can be pricey, it has an amazing flavor and higher levels of omega-3s than farm-raised fish. Look for fresh wild salmon in spring and summer, and farm-raised salmon year-round.

2/8/07 - Valentine's Dinner. The list is long for so called aphrodisiac foods. It includes aniseed, asparagus, almonds, arugula, basil, chocolate, chicken, carrots, coriander, figs, garlic, ginger, honey, licorice, mustard, nutmeg, oysters, pine nuts, raspberries and strawberries, vanilla and wine. For your Valentine's Dinner choose from these "love" foods to help you and your Valentine enjoy the day.

2/1/07 - Super Bowl Recipes. That is it! You have been fairly good with your eating healthy regime throughout January. Super Bowl is the day to kick up your heels and eat what is not so good for you. Chips, dips, wings, gooey sandwiches...all the good stuff. Go ahead enjoy yourself, but remember to jump right back on the wagon.

1/25/07 - Legumes Recipes. The inexpensive legume family, which includes beans, peas, peanuts and lentils, has priceless benefits. Legumes are rich in folic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc and antioxidants. Their high protein and complex carbohydrates provide steady energy that lasts for hours. They are especially high in soluble fiber, and a daily serving of cooked beans may lower blood cholesterol by as much as 18 percent, decreasing the risk of heart disease. Most legumes also contain protease inhibitors, compounds thought to suppress cancer cells and slow tumor growth.

1/18/07 - Citrus Recipes. Citrus fruits have many wonderful attributes. The juice contains flavonoids that lower production of cholesterol and inhibits blood clot formation. They also have soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, and helps you to manage your weight. Oranges and grapefruits are in peak season during the winter, while lemons and limes are available year-round.

1/11/07 - Greens Recipes. Green vegetables are low in calories, fat free and full of fiber. Greens also keep your bones strong as they are full of calcium. Broccoli and spinach are very high in potent anti-cancer compounds. Try to eat a few portions of greens each day for better health.

1/4/07 - Healthy Entrees. After spending time with my mother in the hospital over the New Year's holiday, I realize eating healthy is imperative. It is also not so easy. Healthy eating takes a bit more time because it is generally a start from scratch meal. In the coming year I will be focusing on healthy eating, with a splurge for special occasions.

12/28/06 - Make Ahead Appetizers. I find myself a bit burned out at this time of year, but still want to celebrate the New Year in a special way. These recipes are all make ahead so you can enjoy your evening with family and friends. Happy New Year 2007!

12/21/06 - Christmas Dinner. If ever there was an occasion to go all out, it is Christmas. A nice roast beef and champagne punch will help put everyone into a festive mood. Happy Holidays!

12/14/06 - Shared Recipes. A couple of weeks ago an email came around for a recipe exchange. I have never had it work before but this time I actually received some recipes and they sound good!

12/7/06 - Holiday Cookies. If you are not normally the baking type, but would like to try your hand at it for the holidays, try one of these simple recipes. There are not many ingredients and very few steps involved.

11/30/06 - Quick Dinners. From now until Christmas Eve, you are going to be very busy. Don't always resort to take-out, which is unhealthy and expensive. Try some of these quick, nutritious recipes instead.

11/23/06 - Thanksgiving Leftovers. If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers after everyone has that essential late night turkey sandwich, put some of these recipes to the test.

11/16/06 - Thanksgiving Dessert. This week I've included "different" dessert recipes for the Thanksgiving holiday. Almost everyone has to have the old standby....pumpkin pie. But why not serve something different with it?

11/9/06 - Mac & Cheese. Everyone loves macaroni and cheese, especially the kids. For something different, try one of these recipes that jazzes up the basic version.

11/2/06 - Veal Scaloppine. Scaloppine comes from the French word escalope meaning a thin slice of meat. In the recipes chosen, the veal may be referred to as scaloppine, medallion or just plain veal. All recipes are rich in flavor and are perfect for a special dinner.

10/26/06 - Halloween Treats. On Halloween, a normal family dinner isn't possible. Why not have a party with the kids after trick or treating with these special treats.

10/19/06 - Gametime Appetizers. Okay, so the Bills aren't giving you any thrills this season, but how bout them Sabres! And of course let's not forget the World Series coming up. If you're planning on some snacks while you're watching the games, take a look at this week's appetizer recipes.

10/12/06 - Comfort Soup/Stew. It's getting chilly outside and the best remedy to warm you up, beside putting on the heat (which I refuse to do until November), is make a nice pot of soup or stew. Add a nice hunk of crusty bread and you won't care what the weather is like.

10/5/06 - Tasty Chicken Thighs. Chicken thighs are a very versatile ingredient. They are super inexpensive, moist and latch on to any flavor they come in contact with. Give one of these recipes a try.

9/28/06 - Tailgating Sandwiches. Sometimes it's nice to just hang out when you go to a tailgating party, instead of setting up, cooking and cleaning up. Prepare these sandwiches ahead and all you have to do is set up your chair, pop a cold one, grab a sandwich and people watch until game time.

9/21/06 - Maple Walnut. Maple Walnut is the perfect fall flavor. This week's recipes include, muffins, bars, pie, sundae sauce and a cream cheese spread.

9/14/06 - Spaghetti. All-time favorite dish of my family is spaghetti and meatballs or meatsauce or alfredo or....you get my drift. This week's recipes are spaghetti with some form of meat sauce. Enjoy!

9/7/06 - Complete Fall Dinner. The bad weather over Labor Day weekend gave me a chill and got me thinking of the comfort of fall food. A reader then dropped by with a recipe for a potato casserole and that sealed the deal on recipes this week. This is a complete, make ahead, comfort food dinner that will take care of any chills or blues you may have from the change in weather.

8/31/06 - Fresh Corn Recipes. The corn is plentiful and delicious this time of year so take advantage of it. Take it off the cob and add to salads now or freeze some to add to soups over the winter.

8/24/06 - Fresh Tomato Recipes. If you were lucky enough to have a successful garden this summer, you should be overwhelmed with tomatoes. If not, or you didn't bother with a garden, the produce markets are overflowing with all different kinds of the delicious fruit. Enjoy them at their peak!

8/17/06 - Cooking For A Crowd. After attending a family reunion last week, I thought some new crowd serving recipes are in order. Just remember, they really don't eat as much as you think they will!

8/10/06 - Salad For Dinner. Sometimes a lighter dinner is in order and for those occasions a delicious salad with meat or fish works out nicely. You can prep your ingredients ahead of time and have dinner on the table in a snap.

8/3/06 - Summer Squash. If you have a garden, you know it's time to start using the summer squash that is ready to be picked. Zucchini and yellow squash seem to be so much alike that they can substitute for each other in most recipes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in the garden, there is something special about preparing and eating something you have grown yourself.

7/27/06 - Savory Berry Recipes. Fruit is so delicious paired with meat or poultry. This week I have searched for entree recipes that use fruit of the season.

7/20/06 - "Good For You" Recipes. Maybe you need a break from all the party food and want to eat "right", this week's recipes are all lean and healthy.

7/13/06 - Strawberry Recipes. The berries are at their peak right now, so try a few new recipes and enjoy!

7/6/06 - Appetizer Recipes. There are lots of parties happening in the "good ole summer-time", and because of that I've gathered together some different recipes that you can serve at home or take to the next shindig you're invited to.

6/29/06 - July 4th Recipes. July 4th is always a busy day that starts very early if you are a parade attendee. The recipes this week are all make ahead, appetizer through dessert. Try one or all and free yourself from kitchen duty....it's much more fun to sit by the pool with a cold drink!

6/22/06 - Grilling Recipes. These recipes are mouth-watering. I love Rachel Ray and the Food Channel and these recipes are evident of that. I can't wait to try them and if you do, let me know...

6/15/06 - "Fruity Salad" Recipes. My good friend Katerina from Chicago sent some interesting salad recipes and I decided to use those as the basis of our recipes this week. Fruit and greens are a nice change up this time of year, so get adventurous, try something new!

6/8/06 - Asparagus Recipes. You cannot get asparagus any fresher or inexpensive as this time of year. Try something new with this tasty veggie, it can be added to almost anything from stirfry's to pasta and eggs.

6/1/06 - "New Potato" Recipes. The farmer's market is open and they have awesome produce, fruit and flowers. During a visit last week, I bought new potatoes which are in season and they are delicious. Made simply by boiling until tender and adding butter, salt and pepper, or with a few more ingredients. This is the time of year to buy these delights, inexpensively.

5/25/06 - Easy Camping Recipes. If you're headed out camping or to the cottage, the recipes this week are perfect for when you're hanging around the campfire. Please note: the black flies and mosquitoes are in high gear so make sure you take precautions. I'm going to try hanging repellent towelettes from my hair this year!

5/18/06 - Memorial Weekend. This is the kick-off weekend to what we hope is a long, hot, sunny summer. These recipes are meant to be prepared ahead of time and finished off on the grill while you sit nearby with a cold beverage. Enjoy your weekend.

5/11/06 - Anytime Eggs. Now, "they" have decided eggs are good for you. So for those who have sworn off eggs in the past, here are some interesting recipes that can be prepared for any meal. Great for a nice lunch or quick dinner.

5/4/06 - Cool Pasta. I love pasta, all kinds. At this time of year pasta salad is a perfect make-ahead dinner that is ready when you are. Make your dressing and do all your chopping the night before so all you need to do is cook your noodles.

4/27/06 - In Season Now II. Again this week we are going with in season dishes. The strawberries are great, greens are plentiful and everything seems to have a spring freshness. Try something different and healthy.

4/20/06 - In Season Now . There are many fresh vegetables in season at this time, greens, artichokes, asparagus, avocado, snow peas, lots of green stuff. If you're tired of the winter selection and want to try something new, take a look at the recipes this week and next.

4/13/06 - Greens . There are lots of fresh vegetables and fruits coming in-season this time of year. For the next few weeks we will give you some new ideas as you sometimes get stuck with the same old tried and true recipes. Greens are an inexpensive, so good for you, and versatile vegetable that are plentiful this spring.

4/6/06 - Easter Dinner . This week's recipes are all about spring, fresh and flavorful. Start with a very simple green salad, a couscous side dish, along with glazed carrots will complement your choice of lamb or ham steaks. Finish with a dessert with a surprise inside. This is mainly healthy, lite eating that won't wreck your quest to get into a bathing suit this year. Happy Easter!

3/30/06 - Grilling Recipes . The weather is getting so nice that my thoughts automatically turn to grilling. The marinades can be made the night before and be ready for your supper the next day. Another plus is there are very few ingredients involved and most you should have on hand. Get grilling!

3/23/06 - Pizza Party . While visiting my brother in Rhode Island last month, our large gang of family and friends had a pizza party. Everyone got their chance to create their own pizza that was then cut into appetizer size slices so we could critique each other's work. Every time you turned around there was another delicious morsel coming your way. The recipes this week will give you a few ideas for your own pizza extravaganza!

3/16/06 - Chocolate Dessert . It just seems like every once in a while I (and plenty of my co-workers) seem to get a chocolate jones. We've been very good for a while, salads, lite fare, chicken, etc. It is now time to give into temptation and unless you've given it up for Lent, live a little! I'm sure you can find something in this week's recipes that will reward you for all your good behavior.

3/9/06 - St. Patrick's Day . St. Patrick's Day is coming up next week so it is time to think of something festive to eat. The recipes this week are really Irish American, not truly Irish. From what I've read, the people of Ireland look at corned beef as processed food. Nonsense!

3/2/06 - Chicken - Light and Tasty . This week we are back to being healthy....or trying to be. Chicken is on the menu quite often as it is fairly inexpensive and versatile. These recipes are light, and you should have most of the ingredients on hand. Remember, summer is just around the corner....

2/23/06 - New Orleans! . In honor of Mardi Gras, Barry taught a cooking class at Martin's in Amherst Wednesday, February 22 featuring New Orleans recipes. Celebrate your own Mardi Gras by whipping up some of these down-home delicacies. You can always check out Barry's website to find out what's new and how to get his very yummy products!

2/16/06 - Blueberries . It seems the older I get the more interested I am in eating healthy. Scientific research shows that if you regularly eat lots of fruit and vegetables you have a lower risk of: Type 2 diabetes, Stroke, Cancer (in some forms), Heart (cardiovascular) disease and High blood pressure (hypertension). Just one-half cup of blueberries offers as much antioxidant value as FIVE servings of peas, carrots, apples, squash, or broccoli and may slow down and reverse some effects of aging. THAT is why blueberries are featured this week, and they taste great too.

2/9/06 - Valentine's Day Dinner . Valentine's Day....ah romance, chocolate, jewels, chocolate, flowers, chocolate. Don't even think about any type of appliance and no, a card alone doesn't cut it! Gals, all you have to do is provide the men with some meat, preferably red meat. So I've provided you with a couple of fancy yet uncomplicated filet dishes, very simple side dishes and a delightfully easy and chocolatey mousse. Enjoy this very special day!

2/2/06 - Low Fat Super Bowl Buffet . If you made some resolutions on New Year's hopefully you haven't given up. Mine was to live a healthier lifestyle. I'm still working on it, but here comes the Super Bowl. I looked around for interesting recipes that wouldn't blow your efforts so far. Enjoy the Super Bowl!

1/26/06 - Comfort Food . It will eventually snow and when it does be ready for it with the ingredients for one of these comfort dishes. Just picture being snowed in with your comfy clothes on, curled up on the couch watching old movies and smelling your delicious dinner cooking. I can't wait!

1/19/06 - Healthy Recipes . Even if you're eating lighter, it doesn't have to be boring. The recipes this week are good for you and have great flavor.

1/12/05 - Bear Man Recipes. Barry Conway and his "Bear-Man" products were featured at Premier Gourmet store on Delaware Avenue last Saturday afternoon. The recipes he presented for tasting are in today's column and are delicious. All his products are available at Premier Gourmet, Adventures in Heat located on Main St. in Clarence and at deSignet Jewelry, 1869 Whitehaven Road.

1/5/06 - Hearty Soups . The holidays are over and it's time to get back to the real world. A hearty soup is just the ticket to keep you warm and cozy this January. Make a pot over the weekend and have with your family for dinner one night, take the remainder to work for lunch.

12/29/05 - New Year's Eve Appetizers . Most of the time I look for easy recipes to make. The recipes today are no exception, super easy with few ingredients. Enjoy your self this week, next week it's back to broiled chicken and lettuce, at least for me!

12/22/05 - Christmas Brunch. This is a special occasion and it is not very often that the family gets to have a big breakfast together. Get a head start and make an egg casserole the day before and while you're opening gifts bake your breakfast.

12/15/05 - Holiday Gift Recipes. If you like to give a small token of appreciation to family, friends or neighbors at this time of year, home-made food gifts are always appreciated. You will find cold weather drink mixes, spiced nuts, candy and baked scones in the recipes this week. All are simple without alot of ingredients.

12/8/05 - Holiday Appetizers. This is my favorite time of the year....for food! All the different parties to go to and all the delicious food that is served. If you're having a party of your own or if your invited to one and need to bring an appetizer, check out the appetizer recipes this week. Cook's note: the Bacon Crisp Recipe was made by my friend Ingrid at a party last week and they were addictive! Enjoy the season.

12/1/05 - Christmas Cookie Recipes. 24 days until Christmas and it is time to start baking. Most recipes can be frozen for weeks so if you start now and make a batch a couple of times a week, you will have plenty to give to all your relatives. Everyone seems to be talking about the new Mexican restaurant on Grand Island Blvd., Jalapeno Loco, and 99% of the comments are great. We had a super dinner last week, definitely authentic Mexican cuisine.

11/24/05 - Hawaiian Recipes. Barry Conway recently taught a cooking class at Martin's Supermarket in West Seneca and Amherst. He passed along these recipes that were featured in class.

11/17/05 - Thanksgiving Sides. If you're looking for something a little different to have with your turkey this year, take a look at this week's recipes. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/10/05 - Chuck Roast Recipes. Comfort Food. These recipes have a different twist for an old standby.