Having a few quick dinner recipes in your back pocket is always a good thing. But even better are the recipes that don't use multiple bowls and pans, allowing you to cut down on prep time and dishes. This is why I love a good skillet recipe. More

One of the remarkable things about this savory potato and leek galette is that it looks fancy, yet the ingredients are simple and inexpensive. The potatoes are plain old russets, the fat is olive oil instead of butter, and even though it's gluten-free and vegan, the galette is pleasantly starchy and creamy — a perfect cross between comfort food and an elegant, company-worthy dish. More

When I die, I hope they carve these words on my headstone: She always found a way to add more vegetables. (It will be an enormous headstone, naturally.) I'm always looking for a way to add more vegetables to recipes, not only for health reasons, but also because I'm lazy. Why make a grain dish and a vegetable dish for dinner when I can combine them both into one bowl? Especially if that bowl is filled with creamy butternut squash studded with chewy nubs of barley and crunchy toasted pecans.

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Polenta is one of those dishes that is so wonderfully satisfying on cold winter days, but it takes some time standing at the stovetop and stirring vigorously every 10 minutes to get that nice creamy texture. But did you know there's a way to enjoy a delicious polenta without the constant stirring? More

I have a chocolate crush. I'm rolling in the deep with it. It's even a touch embarrassing — like the times when I'm the only person at the table who orders dessert. Oh, but St. Valentine's day. That's a day I can indulge in without judgement. A day I can fill with chocolate, a day I can plan an all-chocolate dinner meal. And it's not as sweet as you may think. More

Is duck breast a meal you ever make at home? No? Why? Is it too unfamiliar? Is it associated with fancy restaurant meals — too intimidating to make in your own kitchen? Let me help dispel those fears and say that duck breast is a delicious, special meal to make at home. If you'd like to try something a little different this weekday Valentine's, why not try duck?

Read on for my go-to duck recipe, and step by step photos of cooking duck breast. More

Like a good chili or chicken noodle soup, homemade beef stew is one of those dishes that is just good to have in your back pocket. It's a dish that will serve you well through long winters and family visits and other small moments of need. Making one isn't hard and will surely nourish you through several meals. Here's my tried-and-true method for making a very good beef stew.

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Whether you're staying cozy at home after this weekend's winter storm or planning a simple homemade Valentine's Day dinner this year, we're thinking you could use a few quick, but classy, meals this week. Like this Baked Fish, Spinach, and Tomatoes, which requires just handful of ingredients but makes a very elegant meal for two. But if you're in the mood for something creamy, go for Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara or Blackened Chicken with Creamy Angel Hair Pasta. Lots of options here for upping the fancy-factor on your weeknight meal.

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I have a few friends who own a macaroni and cheese restaurant in Oakland, CA called Homeroom. Now that I live in Seattle, I miss it dearly. While everything is delicious there, what stays with me is the memory of how creamy and delicious their vegan mac and cheese was. I couldn't believe it was dairy-free! I've been looking to duplicate the recipe at home and started searching online for some tips and tricks on achieving a creamy, cheesy dish without ... the cream. Or cheese. More

If you are in a dinner rut, Jaden Hair is not going to let that last for long. Her book is packed with recipes that are not only of the quick and easy variety, but that are also healthy and full of fresh ingredients. Chinese take-out, begone! More