Simple Cooking

A combination of nut butter, dried fruit, and lots of seeds makes these chewy homemade granola bars downright irresistible. For a crispier bar, toast them in the oven after baking.

We love this cross between steak and cocktail sauce so much, we had to create our own version. The ketchup base has a well-balanced combination of molasses, Worcestershire, vinegar, and horseradish that makes it perfect for surf or turf!

Combining favorite fall fruits and spices with sparkling cider, rum, and wine gives sangria a refreshing new spin.

This thick, savory sauce is inspired by Papa John's breadstick-dipping sauce. But this one is made with real butter, so it tastes even more delicious.

Using frozen puff pastry is the shortcut that makes this tart a new summer weeknight favorite recipe.

This makes an extra quart of cooked beans. Save (or freeze) for another batch of escarole, or serve them simply warmed in their broth.

You know what goes with pretty much everything? Crispy, creamy, perfectly roasted potatoes. The secret: Steam before you roast.

Nothing feels more decadent than giant shells of pasta filled with creamy mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta.

Never have button mushrooms been more delicious than in this veg-packed spicy dip recipe, also ideal as a sandwich spread or finisher for simply prepared vegetables.

This simple berry-studded cake recipe is a real keeper.

Okay, this is actually a cheesecake, but it's so creamy and light that you won't care what it's called, you'll just ask for more.

Bake your plums in an anise-tinged, pancake-like batter for a simple dessert that’s airy, silky, and just sweet enough.

Spiced with cumin and coriander and sweetened with golden raisins, this hearty, tangy chicken stew couldn’t be simpler to throw together.

Vanilla-infused brown butter adds nuttiness to tender pears beneath a crisp almond topping.

This smooth custard in a flaky shell with a crackling burnt-sugar top was one of the most popular desserts at Michael's in Santa Monica.

When I was a kid growing up in the Midwest, my friends and I would always pick up big packages of bratwurst to grill while watching sporting events. I wanted to re-create the sausage of my youth, and I think these bratwurst come pretty close. This is a simple, classic sausage; serve it on a crunchy roll with mustard and sauerkraut.

We call this one a picnic dinner since everything can be eaten with your hands. It's easy to pack up and take to the park if you want, but it also works great on the family table.

Packed with cherry tomatoes and tender broccolini, this one-pan dinner has a nice buttery sauce. Serve it with some crusty bread for mopping.

Serve all the toppings for this exceptionally fast flatbread dinner in separate bowls so each family member can build their dinner plate just like they like it.

A combination of pistachios and chickpeas adds filling protein and rich flavor in this update on the classic summer tart.