Simple Recipes

There isn't much you can do to change bitter herbs, a roasted lamb shank, a roasted egg, and a green vegetable. But one -- charoset (sometimes spelled haroset or charoses) -- lets you roam, in a good way.

Strata is a savory cousin of bread pudding, using the same egg and milk base, but with cheese, vegetables and/or meat instead of sweets like raisins and chocolate.

My mortar-pounded nam priks are the best I've had and my pork rinds are like crack, meaning there are a few things I do well. That's because when it comes to matters of the kitchen, I keep it simple, and you should too.

"The first or top recommendation I have is visit a local farmers market. It's a joyful experience to buy direct from farmers and it's a sensual experience. You can experience and smell aromas, colors and flavors, and the food is so fresh it doesn't need much help."

What can I cook on a Tuesday night that everyone will like that doesn't involve an emergency run to the specialty grocer? Now that I've arrived safely in the land of Simple, I feel like I should pass on some tips.

Nasty. That's how so many people describe artichokes. But, in reality, artichokes are one of the glories of spring and fall.