Roast a block of feta and the first time you taste it, you'll wonder, Why did I waste so much of my life eating baked brie? Spreadably soft, with a tangy, salty, rich flavor, baked feta is easy to make and almost impossible to resist. Adding a sweet compote of dried figs simmered with honey and fresh thyme rounds out the flavors and turns a humble starter into a knock-out appetizer that is pretty enough for any party.

I have absolutely zero interest in football, so for me, the annual gathering of friends on Super Bowl Sunday is all about the food. The spread always includes a few of the grubby, nostalgic snacks we grew up with — cheesy queso dip, I'm looking at you — as well as some fresher, lighter snacks that often incorporate flavors from one of the many international cuisines that surround us here in Los Angeles. You're looking at my contribution this year: a Korean take on the usual pulled-meat slider, a juicy sandwich loaded with gingery, chile-spiked shredded chicken and tender kale braised with garlicky kimchi.

With Super Bowl Sunday, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day, and the Oscars, February happens to be one of my very favorite food months. It's just a shame it comes right after a month of many folks' diet and exercise resolutions. If I could give you only one festive (and Super Bowl-appropriate) recipe this month that is absolutely, positively worth a few extra hours in the gym, this crazy-good, decadent crawfish dip would be it. More

Last week we talked about why cabbage is awesome. Here's one more way to enjoy this underappreciated winter vegetable: as crispy, oven-baked chips!

Q: I am taking a trip to Florida with my extended family, and as the trip coincides with the Super Bowl, we were planning a little family party. One of my sister-in-laws is essentially an egg-eating, no-soy vegan. What would be some good soy-free, vegan appetizers and mains for a Super Bowl party? More

When we first posted about kale chips back in 2008, they were still somewhat of a novelty. Now you can purchase kale chips in bags at your gas station's mini-mart — or at least you can here in California! But those pre-made chips can be really expensive and the quality isn't always that high. Besides, it's really easy to make your own, so we thought we would revisit our old kale chip recipe with a complete step-by-step guide and some new tips we've learned. More

Sometimes great recipes happen by accident, like this insta-classic black-eyed pea dip. This past weekend, I was planning on doing laundry and lounging around the house, but my fiancé seemed to have other plans. More

There is entertaining, and there is entertaining. I hosted a formal cocktail party this past weekend for over 40 of my friends, with my event proving to be the latter. The dress code called for "sparkly attire", and I donned my mother's black velvet vintage couture dress, paired with big hair and lots of costume baubles! In keeping with a retro theme, I pulled out all of the stops, including a traditional Southern menu served in my mom's best silver. Here's a look at one of the hit recipes of the night — a cocktail meatball that needs no improvement. More

Q: I'm looking to cook Christmas dinner for my parents for the first time this year. They're very traditional in what they like to eat and my mother is also gluten-free. Can you recommend some traditional but interesting gluten-free recipes for sides and appetizers? More