Rice/2 recipes

Tender chicken breast strips and red potatoes simmer in a light garlic broth brightened with lemon zest, fresh cilantro, and a Parmesan finish. Ready in 35 minutes.

Frijoles Borrachos simmer dried pinto beans with beer, bacon, jalapenos, tomato sauce, cumin, and oregano until thick and tender. Authentic Mexican drunken beans from scratch.

Good wintertime meal. Serve with crusty French baguette to sop up the gravy.

Eggplant Italiano sauteed with mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes, then baked under melted mozzarella until bubbly and golden. A hearty Italian vegetable casserole.

Basque-style eggplant casserole with egg-dipped fried slices layered under a slow-simmered tomato sauce with peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, topped with Parmesan and melted Swiss cheese.

Oven Swiss steak braised in beef gravy and diced tomatoes, topped with parsley-thyme mashed potatoes piped on and baked golden. A complete one-dish dinner with a shepherd's pie finish.

Cod baked in a foil packet over sautéed red peppers, black olives, and garlic with a hint of allspice. Open at the table for a burst of Mediterranean aroma. Single-serving and ready in 45 minutes.

Lean chicken tetrazzini using melted cottage cheese instead of cream sauce, with spaghetti, mushrooms, dry sherry, and a Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Lower fat, full flavor.

Cheddar braids are rich, egg-heavy yeast bread studded with sharp cheddar, brushed with egg wash, and topped with celery seeds. A stunning braided loaf with a brioche-like crumb.

Eggplant and tomato casserole baked under a parmesan crust, loaded with mushrooms, peppers, garlic, and a briny hit of capers. A rustic Mediterranean vegetable bake that works as a main or a hearty side.

Lighter clam chowder made entirely in the microwave with leeks, potatoes, sweet corn, and low-fat milk. No cream, no roux, ready in about 40 minutes.

Skinny deep dish taco pizza presses a crescent roll crust into the pan, then loads it with taco-seasoned ground turkey, green-chile tomatoes, and melted cheddar. A lighter, family-friendly taco-pizza mashup ready in about 30 minutes.

Whole wheat penne in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce with crispy pancetta, garlic, a kick of cayenne, and fresh basil. Your new favorite weeknight penne alla vodka.

Eggplant halves stuffed with a Cajun filling of onion, celery, bell pepper, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Baked until tender. Naturally plant-based.

Curried diced apple soup garnish made with Golden Delicious, curry powder, and saffron. Quick three-minute simmer to top creamy soups with a sweet-savory bite of warm spice.

Summer vegetable bowl with green beans, fresh corn on the cob, zucchini, baby onions, and bacon, all simmered together in a Dutch oven and finished with ripe tomato wedges. A peak-season harvest platter.