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A standing rib roast, also known as prime rib, makes a spectacular holiday dinner. Cooked perfectly, the presentation certainly impresses. This fantastic cut of beef is tender, flavorful and relatively easy to carve. Holiday fare, for sure.

A whole beef rib roast has seven ribs, weighs 16 to 20 pounds and easily serves 15 hearty eaters. Some ...Read more

If I had to rank my favorite parts of being an adult, hosting friends for dinner is at the very top. Relaxing around the table with full plates and a glass of wine is one of my greatest joys. I’ve been brainstorming ideas for fast-yet-fancy foods that won’t tie me up in the kitchen, but will impress my guests. And these three-...Read more

There are those who only swear by chocolate desserts, but a bright citrus dessert wins out in my book any day. I love classic lemon bars, with their buttery homeandleisure/recipes/varietymenu/s-3514469">Read more

When I was little, I attended a Catholic grade school. I learned about St. Nicholas Day from the nuns. I brought my new-found knowledge home to my mom and she went right along with it.

I was really into gifts (still am), so when the nuns told me you were supposed to put your shoes by the front door and gifts would appear the next morning, I was...Read more

The holidays loom large. Parties, gift-shopping, school programs, recitals, family gatherings — there’s really no time to cook.

But there is! Here are three quick and easy recipes you can hustle to the table in 30 minutes or less. Relax, take a deep breath and know that dinner is served.

Crispy–Garlicky Sheet Pan Grilled Cheese

Serves 4...Read more

Move over, peppermint mocha — Dunkin’ is shaking up the holiday season with a spin on its winter classic.

The coffee giant’s latest release, Spiked Peppermint Mocha Iced Latte, combines the cozy comfort of its signature holiday flavor with a 6% alcohol by volume kick that’s sure to put some extra jingle in your bells.

The boozy ...Read more

I find these busy winter days call for a thick, comforting soup. This Black Bean Soup is the answer. It’s a vegetarian meal that’s easy and quick to make.

The soup has its roots in Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is made with dried black beans. I’ve shortened the time by using canned black beans while the addition of spices ...Read more

Eavesdrop in trendy wine bars, as I frequently do, and you hear drinkers dissing ever-popular pinot grigio as so bland and boring, lowbrow and déclassé that only those who don’t know any better would order a glass.

Or consider the image baggage of California zinfandel. One of my European friends repeats the trope that this all-American red ...Read more

Experience the bright warmth of a spring day with these Springtime Sunshine Lemon Bars. The tartness of the lemon curd and the sweet buttery crust create a harmonious balance that's as refreshing and invigorating as the first bloom of spring flowers.

Ingredients 1 cup of flour 1/2 cup of butter 1/4 cup of sugar 1 can of ...Read more

Commercial taco kits are convenient, but the seasoning packets taste dusty and flat and the shells are short on flavor and prone to cracking.

Frying your own shells results in great taste and texture, but the process is tedious and messy. Instead, we made tacos dorados, a Mexican preparation in which corn tortillas are stuffed with a beef ...Read more

Hints for Eating Mashed Potatoes on Holidays

When my husband and I are invited to Thanksgiving dinner he insists I bring mashed potatoes. He has to make sure there will be at least one bowl of mashed potatoes on the buffet. Borderline rude. I know, but he insists.

I want to give you low carb hints for eating mashed potatoes.

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Here’s a simple and quick way to cook salmon fillet. Just place it under a broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Tomatoes cook down to a thick sauce in about 5 minutes and add a colorful topping to the broiled salmon.

The spaghetti and zucchini are cooked together for the side dish.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Any type of pasta can be used instead of spaghetti. ...Read more