ArcaMax

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

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

Jumpstart your day with this creamy, rich, and nutrient-packed smoothie. It's a delightful blend of heart-healthy avocado and sweet banana.

Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1 ripe banana 1 cup almond milk 1 tbsp honey Ice cubesInstructions: Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.

Pour into a glass and ...Read more

CHICAGO — From most cookies dunked in milk at one time to most sweet corn kernels eaten in 3 minutes with a toothpick, the Chicago area has seen its fair share of attempts at setting niche food-related world records. The next comes in August, when Jeppson’s Malört hopes to gather hundreds of fans to set the world record for most people ...Read more

Experience the magic of the Middle East with this simple and tasty dip. Heavenly Hummus Dip is a journey into the rich culinary heritage of this enchanting region.

Ingredients Chickpeas Tahini Lemon juiceInstructions Blend the chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice until smooth.

Serve it with your favorite vegetables ...Read more

Experience a touch of sophistication with these elegant appetizers. Ravishing Roe Blinis are a testament to the allure of minimalism.

Ingredients Blinis Crème fraîche Roe (fish eggs)Instructions Spread crème fraîche on the blinis.

Top each with a spoonful of roe.

Each bite is a lavish exploration of ...Read more

These grilled chicken kebabs are sweet and hot thanks to hot honey, juicy chunks of pineapple and the grill itself, which caramelizes the bell peppers, onion and chicken pieces to smoky perfection. Because the glaze (and the pineapple) are sweet, the kebabs may burn if left in one spot for too long. Be sure to move them from any hot spots on the...Read more

Chilled soups are light, flavorful, refreshing and Seriously Simple to prepare. They can be made well in advance to allow them to chill properly. This means that you can prepare your soup early in the day (when it’s cooler in the kitchen) or even the day before, a real boon to the summer cook. And best of all, these soups cool us off when the ...Read more

At the local ice cream shop, my 4-year-old granddaughter asked her mother to read the names of every flavor posted. Two-dozen descriptions later, the 4-year-old ordered vanilla. She declared it perfect. Smart child.

Why anyone would classify vanilla as basic, I’ll never understand. It truly is one of the most complex flavors and aromas in the...Read more