Tender pork simmered in a tangy green chili sauce with tomatillos. Spicy, bright, and perfect with tortillas or rice.

A medley of ten beans slow-simmered with spices and veggies. Protein-rich, hearty, and full of rustic charm.

Transcend good ol' raisins and peanuts. And if you want to try a trail less traveled, here's a handy formula: 2 cups nuts, 1 cup crunch (seeds or grains or cereal), 1 cup dried fruit, 1 cup surprise, such as cacao nibs, candied ginger, or edible gold flakes.

Tender chicken baked or slow-cooked with a creamy, savory sauce. True to its name—simple, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

The tomato sandwich is, in my opinion, both under and over-appreciated, depending on the camp you fall into. Some just don't appreciate the magic of a perfect tomato sandwich, while others, like me, think about it more often than is technically healthy. (I figure if fantasizing about tomato sandwiches is among the worst of my vices, I’m probably okay.) When tomato season is in full swing I tend to have a tomato sandwich for lunch at least three days a week.

During my senior year of college, I lived off campus with two of my best friends, and for the first time, we all completely signed off the campus meal plan. At the beginning of the year, I was given a copy of Joy of Cooking—I think by my mother, who has been responsible for some of my most formative kitchen gear. And thus began my first official foray into the kitchen. I often found myself drawn to the Quick Breads section, especially when there was an exam to study for or a final paper to write. This section contained a well-rounded selection of both savory and sweet breads, all without yeast—perfect for instant gratification on those late, late nights. My favorite was a tender, crumbly olive loaf flecked with rosemary that could be thrown together in mere minutes. The original recipe called for walnuts, which I omitted, opting instead to up the chopped olives a bit. I’m happy to say it’s just as good as I remembered. What's more, it keeps for a few days if it's wrapped well, and it makes excellent toast. —

An easy dish to prepare, this chicken piccata still makes a presentation elegant enough for company.

The classic, really good.

A rustic recipe featuring wild game—squirrel and liver—slow-cooked with herbs and veggies. Earthy, rich, and traditional.