This is an easy dish that lends itself to making in advance and freezing. The lemon and raisins add a sweet and tangy touch.

Helpful Hints:

— To clean leeks, cut them in half lengthwise and each half lengthwise again. Rinse under cold water.

— You can use dry white wine instead of vermouth.

Countdown:

— Prepare ingredients.

— Brown...Read more

Walnuts form a crunchy coating that contrasts with the juicy chicken. Hot pepper jelly lends a surprise punch. For the salad, just toss ripe tomatoes cut into cubes with rinsed, canned great northern beans and Italian dressing.

Helpful Hints:

— Chop the nuts in a food processor.

— You can use any type of hot pepper jam or jelly.

— You ...Read more

Scallions, thyme, allspice and (most important of all) scotch bonnet are the essential ingredients in jerk cooking. Jerking is a long process of spicing and cooking meat and fish over an open fire. We can enjoy jerk flavors without the long preparation and cooking times using prepared jerk seasoning.

Rice and peas are an important part of ...Read more

Chicken in a rich onion, mushroom and balsamic vinegar sauce served over sautéed corn and peas is a dinner that takes only minutes to make. It was created by celebrity chef Jacques Pepin for his television show and book “Fast Food My Way.”

In an interview, I asked him what a French chef was doing using ketchup. He said a rich tomato sauce ...Read more

Cioppino is a 20-minute meal. Italian immigrants are credited with bringing this soup filled with a variety of seafood and vegetables to San Francisco.

Helpful Hints:

— You can substitute any type of firm non-oily white fish.

— You can substitute several drops of hot pepper sauce for red pepper flakes.

Countdown:

— Prepare ingredients...Read more

Steak Chasseur — hunter-style steak — with potatoes, mushrooms, onions and wine, makes a hearty meal.

Helpful Hints:

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

— The steak timing is for 1/2-inch-thick steak. If you have a thicker steak, cut it in half horizontally or extend the cooking time.

Countdown:

— ...Read more

Chicken, potatoes and leeks lightly coated in a stout (a dark strong beer) and mustard sauce blend perfectly for this meal. Stout is brewed from roasted malt or roasted barley, and hops. It has a distinct toast flavor, which is a favorite of the Irish.

Helpful Hints:

— Dijon mustard can be used instead of coarse-grain mustard.

— Any type ...Read more