Q: Both my husband and I dislike mushrooms, mainly a texture issue. We also both enjoy lots of Asian food. However, many Asian recipes call for mushrooms. Is there anything I can substitute to get the same earthy flavor or to bulk up a simple soup?

Sent by Kathleen More

Q: My husband is vegetarian and I am not. I am actively aiming for a higher protein diet, so I frequently boost my protein by adding a bit of poultry to whatever vegetarian fare my husband is eating. It is easiest to cook most of my meat ahead of time on the weekends and freeze or refrigerate it. More

Once upon a time, quinoa was an obscure, humble ingredient from the Andes. A basic food staple for Peruvians and Bolivians, it occasionally appeared at hippy potlucks and week-long yoga retreats. But no more. This healthy, high-protein seed is now having its time in the spotlight, and some say the unintended consequences of this popularity aren't good for Bolivians and Peruvians who rely on this super healthy food as a part of their diet. In short, the world demand has driven the price so high that some can no longer afford it. More

Q: A small indepdendent grocery store recently started carrying kale sprouts. I only found one recipe for kale sprouts online and it came out really tasty. Anyone know of other recipes out there for kale sprouts?

Sent by K More

Q: I'm severely hypoglycemic and have found that the best snacks for me in an emergency are legumes. I like to carry some roasted chickpeas or peanuts with me just in case, but they're getting boring since I eat them so often now. More

Q: My mom has some issues with the acidity of tomato products. Are there any ingredients I can substitute for tomato paste and jarred tomato sauce in recipes? Thanks!

Sent by Alexandra More

Q: I hate all beans except green beans and edamame. My problem is the texture: the skin and chalky interior. I can do pureed beans in hummus, white bean dip, and black bean soup. But I would love to try all the wonderful bean dishes I see on Kitchn. I'd like the Kitchn readers to help me learn to love beans! More

Q: I love Costco. I love them to death. I also love dark meat poultry. So when I saw that Costco had pasture-raised chicken thighs for 99¢ per pound in freezable pouches, I bought two packages worth, which happens to be 20 pounds. More

Q: I am overrun with turnips from my CSA! I've tried mashing them into potatoes and braising/roasting them, but so far everything got a big ole thumbs down from my husband. Any other ways to use up my plethora of turnips?

Sent by Linda More

Q: My parents have recently shown an interest in eating healthier: more fruits and veggies, less sodium, fewer processed foods, etc. They have started to ask for advice and tips, but I have one big problem in sharing what I know: they refuse to cook with garlic! More