Simmer

"On my days off from the restaurant, I cook for my wife at home. We tend to eat light, and I cook with foods that are in season since I've never been one for complicated dishes. It's just not my style. I'd rather have sliced tomatoes with a good olive oil or pasta with vegetables than something fussy." Broccoli rabe is also called rapini.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Pork Tenderloin with Cider Jus .

Mirin, miso paste, and hot chili oil are all available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets. Serve with: Steamed, salted edamame, and cold soba noodles with a peanut dressing.

Robyn Fuoco of Mainly Café and Bakery, Philadelphia, PA, writes: "Although I don't have any formal culinary training, I've spent my entire career working as a chef. You could say the restaurant business just runs in the family. My grandfather had his own restaurant, my husband is a chef, and I'm co-owner of the Mainly Café and Bakery, where I also happen to be the pastry chef. After I've spent all day baking — and tasting — sweets, it's good to go home and make "real food" to eat. Because I'm busy, I like dinnertime to be organized. My secret is keeping the pantry well stocked with basics like olive oil, kosher salt, and a variety of pastas and beans."

Loren uses a mortar and pestle to pound the ingredients for her pestolike sauce, but we found it much easier to blend them in a food processor.

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

(Hot Scandanavian Christmas Punch)

For an extra kick, add a dash of vodka to this refreshing drink.

A base used for making Margaritas