Though it might be spring already, there are still times when I'm in the mood for comfort food. That doesn't mean I want a heavy plate of food, just some simple, satisfying fare that seems imbued with the wisdom of the ages, like Salad With Pimiento Cheese Toasts, Shrimp and Grits, and Sweet Potato Pie. More

One question I hear all the time is, "Do you have any suggestions for a dinner for two? I'd like to make dinner for my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife." These simple, delicious, two-serving recipes for lemon-marinated halibut, spinach with pine nuts and raisins, and individual blueberry cheesecakes should fit the bill. More

Crappy tacos are one of those food items that I just don't love, not even in the it's-so-bad-it's-good kind of way, but I have always liked the idea of taco night. Who doesn't like tacos and/or a mini-fiesta? I decided that there had to be a way to enjoy this kitschy American tradition in a way that was both tasty and fun. In my opinion, this menu of grilled chicken tacos with pumpkin seed sauce, chili roasted pepper salad, and cara cara cocktails strikes that balance. And fine, you can bring a bag of Tostitos if you want. More

Academy Award nominee Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a fun and inspiring movie that would be great at a dinner party, especially if preceded by this easy, Indian-themed menu of raita, pickled onions, shrimp with ginger and peas, and a fruit plate for dessert. More

It may seem counter-intuitive, but in the middle of snowy weather the best places to look for menu inspiration are those that don't really get winter at all. Take Morocco. The geography of this country is a hybrid of dazzling coasts and arid deserts. As a result, Moroccan cooks know how to make the most of limited produce as well as how to cook up some awesome seafood. Try a Moroccan-inspired meal with these recipes for Blood Orange and Cured Black Olive Salad, Beet Salad with Cinnamon, and Grilled Colossal Shrimp with Charmoula. More

I'm telling you, free up your calendar and invite some friends over to watch The Bachelor. Open some bottles of Sonoma wine that the wine-making bachelor Ben didn't make. Feel your jaw drop as the ladies manipulate, cry, and skinny dip their way to a coveted rose. You'll leave feeling like smartest, most grounded person on the planet. More

Hanukkah is a fun holiday. There are games (dreidel) with better-than-cash prizes (chocolate coins), and a free pass for indulging in fried foods. Though a really good, freshly fried doughnut is undoubtedly a treat, my favorite Hanukkah food is and will always be the humble latke. So on this menu I serve latkes with apple ginger chutney as the main course, with a few delicious bookends: cauliflower soup with crispy shallots and orange olive oil cake with candied walnuts. More

The best party nibbles are a bit salty, pair well with drinks, and are easy to eat while standing, mingling, and juggling eggnog. Here are three of my favorites: Spicy Cocktail Meatballs, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets, and Mushroom Gruyère Pinwheels. What do you like to serve? More

What ever happened to the lunch hour? What ever happened to taking a break in the middle of the day to pause and refuel? Grabbing a turkey sandwich at your local deli and eating at your desk doesn't count as lunch, and reheating last night's dinner in the office microwave (after cleaning up someone else's tomato soup mess) should really be considered working. So take back your lunch hour. Martinis optional. More

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is grab some friends and spend a leisurely day sitting outside in a biergarten. With endless beer, brats, and board games, I could make my visits a weekly habit—if it weren't so hard to get a seat. With too many crowds, the obvious move was to bring the biergarten home. And so can you, with this menu of light and tasty German food and, of course, some large pitchers of good brew. More