Pesto Pasta Salad
I call this a pasta because I enjoyed it cold, having made it with leftover flank steak from last night. I had a huge bunch of cilantro in the fridge (my favorite herb, ever!) so I decided to make a bright, lemony pesto with it. Whether you eat this warm or cold, it's definitely a winner!

Summer Steak Salad
This salad represents so many things that I loved about Piedmontese food. From the creamiest, most decadent Gorgonzola to the ripest apricot picked straight off the tree, juicy cherries at their peak and veal so tender we ate it raw (not rare, raw!), there are layers of flavor in this salad that take me right back to beautiful Italy.

Chez Moi Steak & Strawberry Salad
...because I don't have to go to a pricey steakhouse to eat something this good. Believe it or not, this dish comes together in 10 minutes. In the time the steak cooks, you can assemble the salad - homemade dressing, and all! 

Game Day Chili 
Happy Super Bowl Sunday, football fans! With a little inspiration from my friends at Goya*, I gave my 5-Star Chili recipe a Cuban twist - picadillo meets chili in this hearty, sweet and spicy chili that will have your guests cheering for you. 

Mom's Lasagna Made Easy
...and a bit healthier. My fabulous mom [gladly] gave up cooking when I took over the kitchen. I was more than happy to do all the cooking, but still craved her weekly rotation of dinners: homemade chicken tenders, breaded steaks, spinach gratin, mashed potatoes, fried plantains, and her lasagna.

D.I.Y. Take Out: Spicy Crispy Beef
You can make this yourself in less time than it would take to have it delivered. Plus, less fat, less sodium, less sugar and no weird additives.

5-Star Chili
This is the real thing: a hearty, beefy, spicy chili anyone can make. I used lean ground beef (93/7) but you can make this with ground turkey or chicken breast if you prefer. Regardless, it's perfect for the cool weather ahead. 

Lean & Mean BBQ Meatloaf
Indulge without really indulging. Because blue cheese and barbecue sauce are a match made in heaven, I'm able to use few ingredients and still yield maximum flavor!