July, 2009

You’ll adore this casserole of fresh lamb, smoked ham, sausage, mixed vegetables, and large, white Italian kidney beans. Serve with fresh crusty bread. If you cook the lamb shank in water, boil it until it’s falling off the bone

Garbanzo ‘s, green beans, chunks of sweet potato and tomato are combined in chicken broth seasoned with thyme, basil and paprika in this soup which can easily be altered to suit a vegetarian diet.

Wasabi Salmon Burgers Bring out the flavors of salmon with a Japanese-inspired infusion of ginger, sesame oil and wasabi.

brought to you by epicurious.com and NutritionData.com Calories 158; Total Fat 5g; Carbohydrates 10g No need to sacrifice nutrition for convenience: Pre-shredded vegetables and store-bought sauces (soy and hoisin) make for a quick meal that tastes great and is good for you. On the side, broccoli and carrots team up in an Asian slaw that’s rich in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting compounds.

My mom’s unusual salad has been popular with friends and family for many years. This salad calls for a lot of ingredients but is worth the effort. If possible, use pickle juice instead of the vinegar.

Penne pasta has great company in this robust salad that is hearty enough to serve as an entree. Tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, sweet onion and black olives are tossed with the pasta and an herbed oil and lemon juice dressing.

Onions and bell peppers enrich a lightly seasoned tomato sauce. But wait, there’s more. Simmer sauteed pork chops in the sauce for a homey, comforting meal.

Vanilla yogurt adds a different, healthy twist and tang to this light, delicious potato salad.

A citrus and spiced dry tea mix that can be given as gifts.

Its flavor-enhancing power is salt’s greatest culinary asset. Try this slowly cooked (4 to 5 hours) roast and see for yourself.