ArcaMax

Young or old, it’s the rare diner who is not in the mood for meatballs.

A versatile dish that spans many cultures and can be made with beef, pork, chicken or even plant-based ingredients, meatballs are great as a standalone dish on top of rice or noodles, tucked into a pita or stuffed into a roll as a sub.

The only problem is that if they’...Read more

I love the light, savory sauces used in Vietnamese-style stir-fries. They’re a refreshing change from the heavier, thicker sauces often found in other versions.

For this quick meal, I use thinly sliced pork tenderloin and delicate dried rice noodles. The noodles and broccoli are briefly cooked together in boiling water for just three minutes...Read more

Relish the deep hues of sundown with Sundown Splendor Stuffed Bell Peppers. The combination of savory meat and rice stuffed into colorful bell peppers is as delightful and striking as a beautiful sundown.

Ingredients 4 bell peppers 1/2 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) 1 cup cooked rice 1/4 cup grated cheddar ...Read more

Welcome the morning with a burst of flavor and energy. Sunshine Scramble is the embodiment of a radiant morning, scrambled to perfection in a pan.

Ingredients Eggs Cheddar cheese SaltInstructions Scramble the eggs in a pan until they're nearly cooked.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese and salt to taste.

Continue to...Read more

Experience the harmony of the daylight with Daylight Duet Pancakes and Syrup. This classic combination of fluffy pancakes drenched in sweet syrup sings a duet as harmonious as the daylight.

Ingredients 1 cup pancake mix 3/4 cup water Butter for the pan Maple syrup for serving Fresh berries for garnishInstructions ...Read more

These delightful German doughnuts are a sweet treat that can be whipped up in a jiffy!Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough Jam of your choice Powdered sugar for dustingInstructions: Flatten each biscuit and spoon a little jam in the center.

Fold the dough over the jam and seal the edges.

Fry until ...Read more

Begin your day with a soothing Japanese classic. Mesmerizing Miso Soup with Tofu is a humble, yet satisfying way to welcome the morning.

Ingredients Miso paste Tofu SeaweedInstructions Dissolve miso paste in hot water.

Add diced tofu and seaweed and let the flavors meld together.

This soup is a warm and ...Read more

CHICAGO -- The Obama Presidential Center has soft-launched a comfort food restaurant and a casual cafe on the South Side of Chicago. Tafari’s Kitchen and the unnamed cafe will officially open to the public in the Jackson Park neighborhood on June 19. The restaurant will feature the Obama Family Chili, Mrs. Robinson’s Red Rice and The Obama ...Read more

Experience the harmony of the daybreak with Daybreak Duet French Toast. This classic dish of bread soaked in sweet egg mixture and fried to golden perfection sings a duet as harmonious as the break of day.

Ingredients 4 slices of bread 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon cinnamon Maple syrup for servingInstructions Beat the...Read more

This quick and easy hoisin tofu stir-fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu, cubed 2 cups mixed vegetables 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons vegetable oilInstructions: Heat oil in a pan and add tofu, frying until golden.

Add vegetables and stir...Read more

These tuna salad lettuce wraps are a fun anti-inflammatory lunch idea. Tuna provides protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the addition of Greek-style yogurt in the dressing amps up the protein. These wraps are packed with chopped apple, onion and celery to provide a welcome crunch.

Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Serves 4

Active Time: 20 minutes

...Read more

Chickpea popularity continues to grow as a delicious and nutritious plant-based source of dietary fiber, protein, and several other nutrients, as well as a host of health promoting plant compounds.

The folklore

The beloved chickpea is integral to globally inspired dishes, such as hummus, falafel and dal. Native to the Middle ...Read more

As I write my 1,000th column, I am reminded of the most wonderful bites/tastes I have experienced. This recipe for gougères is the perfect one to celebrate, and it was included in a fun new book — “Retro Recipes” by Bobby Hicks — that landed on my desk recently.

Imagine other dishes like vinegar pie, tomato aspic, biscuits, chicken ...Read more

I admit that I long avoided the Instant Pot’s yogurt function. (I made yogurt with my stovetop and oven, old-fashioned style.) But curiosity — and weeks of following threads in Instant Pot communities on Facebook — got ...Read more

Skirt steak is hands-down my favorite cut of steak to grill. It cooks quickly over high heat, has amazing beefy flavor, and gets beautifully charred on the outside while staying juicy inside. I like to slice it ...Read more

It’s the rare diner who doesn’t love the occasional Chinese takeout.

It’s convenient, has extensive menu choices and, because it’s often intended to be shared, can be more affordable for a couple or family than traditional sit-down restaurants. Order enough, and there’s also the thrill of leftovers.

Yet given the laundry list of ...Read more

I decided to give my usual Maryland-style crab cakes a fresh twist by incorporating a vibrant new flavor. A touch of pesto blended into the mayonnaise adds a bright note that complements the sweetness of the crab without overpowering it. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil, the cakes feel light, fragrant and perfect for warm weather.

I ...Read more

This quick and hearty dish of refried beans is a staple of Mexican cuisine. Full of flavor and done in no time, it's the perfect side or filling for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Ingredients: 1 can pinto beans 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste Olive oilInstructions: Sauté the chopped ...Read more

Experience the calming lullaby of a lunar night with these bright and tangy lemon bars. As soothing and refreshing as the moon's glow, this dessert is a bite of lunar magic on Earth.

Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup lemon curdInstructions Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)...Read more