Recently, I decided to incorporate figs into my wine focaccia bread recipe, and it turned out to be a delicious success. In this recipe, figs are placed on top of the focaccia and lightly sprinkled with a pinch of sugar before baking. The result is a savory bread with sweet, slightly caramelized figs—a luscious mix of flavors that delights the palate.

Our Saturday ritual consists of a walk to our local farmers’ market, and coffee and breakfast at a favorite restaurant. I often find that the farmers’ market dictates our menu for the week, with the lush fruits and veggies in season inspiring me. This Tomato Shallot Confit with Whipped Ricotta is no exception.

How wonderful it is that nature provided us with spaghetti squash, an unprocessed, gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free option to pasta. I’m in Portugal, where I love all the organic fresh produce I find at our local farmers’ market. I took advantage of the abundance of squash to make an easy and healthy meal. Vegan Spaghetti Squash With Spinach Basil Sauce is a delightful combination that delivers a delicious and nutritious dish.

Indulging in the warmth of a comforting bowl of homemade Cream of Tomato Soup is so satisfying. Paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this Italian-style delight transforms into an American culinary classic. The ease of preparation and its hearty and delicious nature make this version a go-to dish in my kitchen.

Many of us have a sweet tooth, but we’re also aware that excessive sugar isn’t healthy. I believe in a balanced approach to life where desserts are occasional indulgences, not daily sustenance. Lately, I’ve been craving a sweet treat with fall flavors. One of my favorite autumn desserts is my Norwegian Apple Cake, but I also wanted a gluten-free, low-glycemic option in my repertoire. After some experimentation, I came up with this delicious Gluten-Free Spice Cake.

A delicious traditional Norwegian Apple Cake recipe from my mother’s homeland. The land of trolls, fjords, and apple cake.

A quick and easy Picante Pinto Bean Soup. It’s healthy and hearty, and can be served vegan, with cheese and sour cream, or over rice.

There’s nothing like starting the day with a plate of warm, spiced Chai Pancakes. These pancakes are not only delicious but also bring a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. They are perfect for a cozy breakfast, especially with the sweet sounds of a guitar playing in the background.

We were lucky to squeeze in a quick trip to Greece just before the lockdowns began. During our visit, we explored all the wonderful nooks and crannies of Athens and indulged in incredible Mediterranean food, including authentic marinated feta and creamy tzatziki. Bring a little of Greece home with these Marinated Feta and Tzatziki recipes.

This is a nutrient dense salad made with spicy arugula, sweet potato, quinoa (a complete vegan protein), and dried cranberries. I like to serve it on individual plates but you can also toss all of the ingredients into a large bowl and serve it family style.

Cranberry–Apple Chutney with its sweet, tart and slightly savory flavors, is delicious as a Thanksgiving side dish, heavenly in a cranberry-apple baked brie, tasty as a condiment served with any poultry dish, and a great addition to a turkey, chicken, or grilled cheese sandwich.