Fried chicken outstrips all other fast-food sales combined. I decided to bake this chicken in the oven and give it a crunchy crust without frying it. Placing the baking tray in the oven to preheat will cook the bottom side of the chicken without having to turn it.

Helpful Hints:

— You can substitute breadcrumbs for cracker crumbs.

— You ...Read more

Moussaka, a layered eggplant casserole, is traditional fare at every Greek taverna. The dish has hundreds of variations. Usually, slices of eggplant and sometimes potatoes are sautéed and layered with a spiced ground meat.

Helpful Hints:

— You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of feta cheese.

— You can find minced garlic in the ...Read more

Known in Greece as fassoulada, this hearty, thick soup is a popular dish there. Navy beans, onion, tomatoes and garlic make up the basis of the soup.

Helpful Hint:

— You can find minced garlic in the produce section of the market.

Countdown:

— Prepare ingredients.

— Make soup.

Shopping List:

1 package frozen chopped onion, 1 can no-...Read more

Cooked celery has a nutty flavor. In this dish the celery is gently braised in a lemon-flavored broth with fresh linguine. The celery and pasta create a flavorful bed for fresh snapper in this 20-minute meal.

Helpful Hints:

— You can use walnuts, almonds or pecans instead of pistachio nuts.

— Use a casserole that can go from stovetop to ...Read more

Green pepper, celery and onions are essential ingredients of Creole and Cajun cooking. Add pasta sauce, hot peppers and chicken and you’ve got a quick and easy Chicken Creole.

Helpful Hints:

— Buy good quality low-sodium, canned or packaged chopped tomatoes. I find the ones in the shelf-stable cartons have a real tomato flavor.

— You ...Read more

Succulent beef cooked in a tomato sauce flavored with onion, green pepper and paprika is the basis for this Goulash. The preparation for this dish is quick and easy. There’s no chopping or cutting.

Helpful Hints:

— The secret to a good goulash is good Hungarian paprika. True Hungarian paprika may be hot or mild and can be found in most ...Read more

Pot pies are always a warm and welcoming treat. Plump shrimp, vegetables and a crunchy walnut and breadcrumb crust make this one a breeze.

Helpful Hints:

— You can use any type of sliced mushrooms.

— If your dried tarragon is over 6 months old or looks gray, it’s time for a new bottle.

Countdown:

— Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

— ...Read more