57 ideal recipes

A farmers market celebration of artichokes, fava beans, asparagus, peas, leeks, turnips, and carrots gently stewed with lemon, garlic, and butter. Each vegetable cooked to its own ideal doneness.

Bread machine cranberry applesauce bread with a soft, fruity crumb. Cranberry sauce with apples replaces water for a naturally sweet loaf that's ideal for holiday brunch or breakfast toast.

Peanut butter noodles toss cooked linguine with a quick peanut sauce of soy, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of vinegar. Cold or room temperature, ideal for lunchboxes and picnics. Ready in 15 minutes.

An ideal fruit salad or dessert for Winter, because the tropical fruits are available year-round and ripen naturally. The riper and more fragrant the fruit, the better the salad.

Light sandwich rye for the bread machine with caraway seeds, bread flour, and rye flour. A mellow deli-style loaf with tight crumb and a soft crust, ideal for reubens and grilled cheese.

Shredded cabbage, carrots, peppers, and cucumbers marinate overnight in a tangy-sweet vinegar dressing. This crunchy health salad gets better as it sits, making it ideal for potlucks and meal prep.

Chilled blueberry buttermilk soup with orange zest and fresh juice, served icy cold with an orange slice and berry garnish. A refreshing Scandinavian-inspired starter or light dessert that's ideal for hot summer days.

This traditional Cajun gumbo, inspired by Queen Ida’s Louisiana roots, combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a dark, flavorful roux for a soul-warming dish. The holy trinity of onion, celery, and parsley, along with bold seasonings, creates a complex, spicy broth that’s perfect served over rice. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this gumbo is a labor of love that rewards with deep, authentic flavors.

Bircher muesli was first developed by a Swiss physician, Maximilian Bircher-Benner as part of the therapy he prescribed for his patients. Often called simply ‘overnight oats’ Bircher muesli is an ideal breakfast food – it can be assembled the night before, left in the fridge overnight and enjoyed in the morning – there is no cooking required. It's also a perfect combination of plant-based protein, slow-release wholegrain carbohydrates, and essential fats. The version below calls for pears and coconut, but alternative combinations are provided in the notes.