Articles by Dara Michalski

Couscous with grilled scallions, chickpeas and Moroccan sauce

There's nothing quicker than whipping up a batch of couscous, but it can be notoriously bland. This vegetarian meal is anything but bland, with a Moroccan-inspired sauce of orange and cumin, and smoky grilled scallions.

Linguini with mushrooms and a mascarpone cheese sauce

There's no need to pull out the heavy cream for this dish. Mix mascarpone cheese (an Italian-style cream cheese) with sauteed mushrooms and tender linguini for a luxuriously creamy pasta dish.

Grilled chicken with rhubarb chutney

If you think rhubarb is just for dessert, think again. When cooked down and sweetened up, it can be made into a savory sauce for grilled chicken or fish.

Healthy potato salad with radishes & vinaigrette

Pack some sandwiches and this springtime potato salad with radishes and a light vinaigrette, and head to the park for a summertime picnic.

Polenta with wild mushroom ragout

If you think polenta is only for restaurant meals, think again. This easy side dish can easily be whipped up at home. Topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and herbs, it becomes a to-die-for vegetarian meal.

Broiled teriyaki salmon

This is the recipe that will make your family fall in love with salmon. The sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce appeal to all ages. Simply brush the easy homemade sauce over the salmon and pop it under the broiler.

Grilled cheese sandwiches with sun-dried tomato pesto

Serve this grown-up grilled cheese sandwich for lunch or dinner, paired with a side salad. Aged cheddar cheese and sun-dried tomato pesto elevates this from a standard grilled sandwich to something memorable.

Pasta primavera with asparagus and spring peas

Usher in spring with this light, fresh pasta. Asparagus and spring peas are sautéed just until tender and tossed with a light sauce made of olive oil, white wine and Parmesan cheese.

White bean ragout on toast

Imagine the aroma of beans simmering in tomatoes, garlic and herbs. Then imagine that ragout ladled over a thick piece of crusty bread, ready to be enjoyed alongside a glass of red wine.

Easter ham with orange and brown sugar glaze

A simple ham gets dressed up for Easter with an orange and brown sugar glaze. Cook it until the glaze is caramelized, bubbling and dripping down the side of savory ham.

Southwestern chopped salad with shredded chicken and black beans

With cold weather turning to warm spring days, lighter meals are on everyone’s minds. This Southwestern-inspired salad is filled with lean protein, such as shredded chicken and black beans, and tossed with a creamy yogurt cilantro dressing.

Irish stew with lamb, potatoes and carrots

Crack open a Guinness, lay out the gold coins and dig into this hearty Irish stew on St. Patrick's Day.

Creamy potato leek soup

Lighten up this classic soup and let the natural flavor of sautéed leeks, cooked potatoes and fresh herbs shine through.

Shrimp étouffée for Mardi Gras

Adorn yourself with colored beads and serve up this spicy classic Cajun recipe for shrimp étouffée for your Mardi Gras celebration.

Caramelized onion, pancetta & chard tart

The deep, rich flavor of caramelized onions and salty pancetta make a positively addictive topping for this easy puff pastry tart, while Swiss chard adds a pop of color.

Creamy wild mushroom risotto for two

Toast your loved one with this creamy, luxurious dish for two and a glass (or two) of red wine. Use a mixture of wild mushrooms for fantastic flavor and texture.

Chinese beef & bok choy noodles

Serve a traditional noodle dish, symbolizing longevity, for Chinese New Year. This version is filled with flavorful beef and healthy bok choy.

Mediterranean chicken naan pizza with pesto & fresh mozzarella

Make pizza night easy by topping store-bought naan bread with pre-made pesto, shredded rotisserie chicken, roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella cheese.

Roasted shrimp with tomatoes & feta cheese

Shrimp are roasted in olive oil and garlic, then simmered in tomato sauce and feta cheese for a taste of Greek flavors. Serve this over a plate of spaghetti or rice for a complete meal.

Spicy shrimp pita sandwich with yogurt dressing

Quickly cooked shrimp is tossed with a spicy, tangy yogurt dressing and avocado, then tucked inside of pitas for an easy, healthy meal.