People often speak about fad diets the way they speak about exes: intensely, specifically, intimately. Atkins, Dukan, Paleo, baby food. None last, though lasting is promised, and all feed a cycle of shame for the dieter, who can never seem to make it work.

According to a recent study led by researchers from King's College London, Massachusetts ...Read more

Fresh herbs, poultry and a little vermouth are all you need for this simple French dish that is full of flavor. Use a skillet that just fits the chicken in one layer. If it is too large, the sauce will evaporate.

Helpful Hints:

-- Make sure the dried tarragon leaves are still green, not gray or brown.

-- Sliced fresh onions can be found in ...Read more

A coating of cumin flavors firm-textured, slightly sweet snapper in this simple Latin meal. I had some leftover and found that the fish was delicious served at room temperature the next day. Make extra, if you have time for another quick meal or lunch.

Arroz con Jitomate, or tomato rice, a typical Mexican rice dish, traditionally made with ...Read more

This is a light, quick supper, perfect for a busy weekday meal. Frittata Primavera or "spring style" is an Italian omelet filled with fresh vegetables. The secret is to cook it slowly for 10 minutes so that it becomes thick, more like a quiche than an omelet.

Use fresh basil and good quality fresh Parmesan cheese for the best results for this ...Read more

Lamb coated with a Middle-Eastern sauce of garlic, ground cumin, cucumber and yogurt is an easy, quick dinner. Look for lamb cut from the leg or for kabobs.

Helpful Hints:

-- Minced garlic can be found in jars in the produce or condiment sections of the supermarket.

-- If lamb cut from the leg isn't available, ask the butcher for a quick-...Read more

This dinner is a tasty blend of Pacific Rim flavors. Lemongrass is the secret to the flavor in this hot and spicy beef. It adds a tang like that of lemon or lime and is one of the most important spices used in Thai cooking. It looks a little like a scallion with long, thin, green-gray leaves and a lighter bulb at the tip. Grated lemon rind can ...Read more