Exotic Mushroom Pastitsio with a Sweet Blue Hubbard Squash Puree

If you've never had pastitsio before, its a Mediterranean style dish that usually includes bechamel and egg with pasta. Other ingredients, including vegetables and meats and poultry, can be added to customize the dish. It's usually quite heavy, although I'm sure also quite tasty. This one, however, swaps out some of the traditional ingredients to lighten it up. The egg that coats the pasta so nicely is still included, but instead of a heavy bechamel a light, fat-free milk sauce is made to substitute. I also add a generous serving of mushrooms, because, well, I love them!

To round out this vegetarian dinner, I also made some blue hubbard squash puree. I used to avoid blue hubbard due to its tremendous size, but since my local farmer's market started selling personal-sized hubbards I haven't been able to resist these delicious winter squash. Here, the naturally tender and sweet "meat" is combined with hearty brown sugar and some freshly ground black pepper for an amazing treat. Just be careful - once you start eating this squash you won't be able to stop.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $14.77

Fresh Tomato Soup with Gouda Toast

Although I can no longer deny that we've officially entered winter, heirloom tomatoes continue to appear at my farmer's market. They're juicy and delicious, perfect to eat fresh or to prepare into sauce. In this recipe I make use of these delights to make a fresh, tomato soup. While I've always been a fan of tomato soup, this recipe will even convert people who insist it's not for them. This is not the thick, creamy version you'll find at your local sandwich shop, but an intensely flavorful and light version that uses the freshest of ingredients.

I used gouda on my toast, but you can easily substitute another favorite cheese. Asiago or manchego would work wonderfully hear, as would many others. Just use what's in your fridge or go pick out your favorite cheese for this recipe. I served this soup alongside some pre-marinated miso salmon from Whole Foods. The flavors worked well together, but after tasting the soup I'd actually recommend it with something firmer, like swordfish, to truly achieve the best pairing.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $18.34

Delicata Squash and Gouda Souffle

I was wary of diving into the world of souffles, known for their difficulty, but this step by step process makes it relatively easy and the final, delectable product is worth every ounce of effort. This souffle combines light, naturally sweet delicata squash with some savory and slightly crunchy aged gouda for a delicious blending of flavors. The souffle comes out very light - an air-filled omelet almost - with hints of Thyme coming through to add perfection to every bite.

Since the souffle already required a lot of work and attention, I simply purchased some cajun catfish from Whole Foods and tossed it into a pan to round out the dinner. If you want to go a lighter route, however, simply serve the souffle with a light green salad or even a fruit salad. The egg in the souffle already provides a protein and in combination with the cheese makes this lighter-than-air dish surprisingly filling.

Difficulty: hard
Time: 2 hr 15 min
Cost: $16.99

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Phyllo Beet Wellingtons and Tilapia with Fresh Mediterranean Tomato Sauce

I'm new to beets. I hadn't really eaten them growing up, and so I also had never sought them out to make for myself. However, at a recent restaurant visit I had the most delicious beet gnocchi. I didn't even know such a thing existed, and was nervous ordering it, but it turned out to easily be the best dish on the menu. This success inspired me to try my hand at beets, and the phyllo beet wellington recipe below is a huge success. It takes a bit of effort, but it's well worth it.

To go with it, I served up some freshly sauteed tilapia topped with a fresh tomato sauce. It's not going to be a thick sauce, but a light, flavorful topping. Spring for some beautifully ripe heirloom tomatoes at your local farmer's market for the best taste. It's worth the extra cost; I promise you won't regret it.

Difficulty: medium-hard (because of phyllo dough!)
Time: 2 hr 15 min
Cost: $20.07

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Fresh Falafel and Honeyed Root Vegetables

I love falafel. When it's made well it's hot and crispy on the outside with a tender inside. It's flavorful and delicious, light in your mouth, and perfect in pita. You can heap on your favorite Middle Eastern dips and toppings, such as baba ghanouj, hummus, and more. However, it's deep fried and hardly healthy.

Here, I take the classic dish and lighten it up. No deep frying, but still some light pan frying to crisp the edges. I pair it with a tahini sauce as well as fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce. The vegetables add some nutrition in place of oily dips and the pan frying saves oodles of fat. Yet the basic taste is remained. What's not to love?

In addition, I whipped up some roasted root vegetables coated in a delicate honey sauce. The natural sweetness comes through and with the light honey tastes absolutely perfect.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 40 min
Cost: $11.17

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Italian Baked Cauliflower

Cauliflower hasn't always been a favorite of mine, but this dish makes me seriously reconsider that stance. It's full of flavor and truly hits the spot. The cauliflower dish combines Italian herbs, cheese, and fresh tomato sauce for a delightful and unusual blend. Make this for cauliflower fans, or those who are only so-so on the dish but have never experienced it cooked in this way.

I made this baked cauliflower with rosemary roasted potatoes and some Thai-flavored swordfish. However, if you're looking for a relatively light vegetarian meal, this could easily stand on its own.

Difficulty: easy
Cost: $18.21
Time: 20 min

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Creamy Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese

Would you believe that you can stuff macaroni and cheese with butternut squash but still end up with a wonderful, cheesy delight that will fool the most anti-vegetable people around? In fact, despite the fact that my fiance knew of the squash beforehand, he completely forgot by the time he dug in and had to be reminded. And, going full circle, it was my turn to completely forget a few days later.

Yet, while the squash may go unnoticed, it adds wonders to the macaroni and cheese. It takes the kid (and adult) classic favorite and lightens it up considerably. The addition of squash adds a creaminess that allows less cheese, but at the same time stuffs the noodle dish with vitamins. Perfect! And, if I forgot to mention it, it's delicious - absolutely amazing.

I made this with some macadamia tilapia, but really no other dish is needed. This easily stands alone - and already contains your vegetables!

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $22.83

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Balsamic Asparagus

Asparagus has grown and grown on me recently, and this recipe does the vegetable proud. It allows the fresh spring taste of asparagus to come through sharply, but at the same time provides a kick and a sweetness that are delightful together. This recipe also comes together quite quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight after work when you don't have a lot of time or energy but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

I made this with some mango-coconut salmon from Whole Foods and perogies, but the taste is simple and versatile enough to really go with any meal. Post in the comments if you find a great combination or make any changes we should know about.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 20 min
Cost: $16.90

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Spicy-Sweet Kabocha and Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Kabocha squash is my new favorite. This sweet and spicy combination shows squash at its best - tossed in a variety of spices and sugar with a dash of soy and sesame oil. The combination is absolutely delicious and the squash is tender and amazing to the touch. I recommend making it immediately - and then many more times afterwards.

Along with the amazing squash, this meal featured some fantastic bread pudding. Bread pudding is always delicious, but here there is the extra delight of pumpkin. There's really nothing not to love here. The taste, the texture. it's perfect, and lightened up considerably so while not exactly full of health it does pack a wallop of vitamins A and C and at least it won't leave you feeling guilty. Finally, I paired these fall classics with some blackened albacore tuna for an all-around great meal.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $13.13

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Red Kuri Squash Gratin

Red Kuri squash was a new one to me when I found it at a farmer's market, but I've completely come to appreciate it. It is pumpkin colored, but smoother on the outside without the signature ridges of a pumpkin. It looks a bit like butternut squash when cut open, and is quite sweet. Like many other squashes, it is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins A and C and even contains beta-carotene.

I made a simple gratin with the red kuri squash that was absolutely delicious, but you could easily prepare this squash in many ways. It's smooth, creamy, and sweet texture makes it a delight in nearly any form. It also pairs with a lot of other dinner items. I made it with some cajun catfish to contrast the sweetness with a bit of spice, but you could go nearly any route.

Difficulty: easy
Cost: $21.04
Time: 1 hr

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Broccoli with a Cheddar and Beer Sauce

Who doesn't love the good ol' broccoli and cheese of one's youth? Here, I take that classic comfort dish and make a more adult version with some added depth and flavor. Instead of simply adding some American, muenster, or cheddar on top to melt, I whipped up a cheddar sauce, augmented by beer, and touched up with a bit of chives and lemon as well. The complexity adds a more unique twist to this childhood favorite, giving it new excitement and making it even more fun to enjoy than you remember. It even retains its signature creamy, cheesy goodness!

This dish is fast to make and favored even by picky eaters, so make it in a bind when you need dinner quickly or when you're having guests over and they do not have the same gourmet tastes that you do. I made it on a night filling the former category. I had some leftover fish in the fridge already, so I simply heated it up but made the meal more interesting by adding this dish and some perogies. Healthy, fast, and delicious!

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 15 min
Cost: $6.75

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Butternut Squash, Mushroom, and Swiss Chard Risotto

Risotto is always a delight. It's creamy texture, warmth, aroma, and comfort-food meets gourmet foodie vibe is always spot-on. It will be enjoyed by a gourmand as well as a picky eater, and it can pair with nearly any other items. Of course, much of its diversity comes from the various ingredients and textures that can be added to it at will, and in this case I chose to showcase some wonderfully fresh ingredients from my farmer's market. I added some butternut squash - sweet and creamy and chock-full of vitamins - some deliciously savory exotic mushrooms for the ever-elusive umami, and swiss chard that adds a layered texture and pours on the vitamins A, K, and C as well as dietary fiber, minerals, and protein.

Full of vegetables yet quite filling with the heavy rice, this dish can easily stand on its own with nothing else to adorn your table. However, in this case I served it along with some macadamia-crusted tilapia. The relatively simple protein allowed this risotto to truly shine without having to compete.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr
Cost: $16.27

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Honeyed Salmon

Rosh Hoshanah was more than a month ago, but this Honeyed Salmon is still delicious to enjoy any time of the year. Try it now, many times perhaps, and then keep it in your pocket when the Jewish New Year rolls around once again and you are excitedly looking for ways to incorporate honey into everything. Wait... you mean everyone doesn't get excited about honey and apples dominating all meals?

In true Rosh Hoshanah fashion, I made this entree with some delicious apple kugel and an apple and butternut squash soup with garam masala. As you can see, the holiday's themes extended throughout this entire meal but it paired traditional with unique twists on some other staples. It was absolutely delicious, and the year has been good so far, so I guess it did its job!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $23.38

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Peanut-y Tofu Triangles

(Sorry about the lack of a picture! Guess it slipped my mind again... But on to the post, regardless.)

I happen to love tofu. It can be baked, fried, sauteed, or even grilled. it can be made into a variety of tastes and textures. And, excitingly for such a versatile and healthy product, it's also quite inexpensive. As a fish-eater, I frequently pile up a lot of expensive proteins in my cart so it's nice to get a cheap alternative at times that always hits the spot while still satisfying my fiance's need to always include a protein at dinner.

Here, I prepared the tofu in a well-known triangle form, crusted with peanuts and pan-fried to be just a little bit crispy. Luckily, peanuts contain a lot of flavor so it doesn't take too many of these fat-filled treats to give great flavor. I served this along with garlic mashed potatoes and some roasted festival squash. The squash and the potatoes came from my local farmer's market, of course!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 45 min (nearly entirely tofu pressing time)
Cost: $11.50

Recipe and nutrition below the jump!

Curry Sweet Potatoes

As fall kicks into full gear, it's time to embrace root vegetables, all types of winter squash, and of course sweet potatoes. As they debuted at my farmer's market, in several varieties, I eagerly picked them up to add to dinner. However, of course I was also looking for a creative way to approach them, which led to the recipe below which adds curry spices and shallots for a delicious almost Asian-themed variation.

I paired the sweet potatoes with a pesto caesar salad, one of my continuing favorites, and actually an entree from my childhood - honey mustard and mushroom salmon. The flavors worked together perfectly for a delicious and relatively simple meal.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 25 min
Cost; $24.60

Corn, Asparagus, and Ginger Stir Fry

Well, unfortunately I forgot to take a picture, but even without it this stir fry is a must-make. Other than letting the tofu press, the recipe comes together super quickly for an easy, healthy weeknight meal that is sure to satisfy even non-tofu lovers. It's packed full of flavors and textures that will keep everyone happy. You can also easily switch around some of the vegetables - swapping your favorites in and out. This stir fry would taste great with mushrooms, bell pepper, or many other things added in.

I served this as a stand alone meal, but you could easily pair it with something else if you prefer. Or, make this quick dish to supplement leftovers. It's versatile palette makes it easy to match.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 45 min (15 min after tofu pressing)
Cost: $7.27

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo and a Greek Artichoke and Spaghetti Squash Salad

That's right - this is shrimp fettuccine on a healthy food blog. And no, it's not a misnomer. Believe it or not, the dish that is embodied by cream and salt is lightened up considerably here for a delicious dish that still keeps the thick, creamy texture you love but uses fresh ingredients that carry a lot of taste, meaning you can get away with a bit of sauce that packs a wallop of flavor without drenching your pasta, and also makes use of the wonders of low-fat and fat-free ingredients. I cannot fathom how fat free half and half exists, but I do not ask questions about it!

Along with the pasta, I prepared a spaghetti squash and artichoke salad. It packs in a lot of fresh ingredients - full of vegetables - but also adds chickpeas for protein and a contrasting texture and just enough of a light vinaigrette to provide a delightful flavor finish that doesn't overpower the natural flavors of the ingredients. You could easily make this salad as the main entree or else pair it with a variety of other dishes.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 30 min (or 1 hr 30 min with time to cook squash)
Cost: $31.48

Garlicky Green Beans

I'm not a huge green bean fan in general, but I decided to branch out a bit and see if I could make them more fun. So I picked up crisp, fresh green beans at my local farmer's market and set to work with a simple, fast recipe that adds some flavor and fun without masking the natural taste. In this case, toasted garlic is the highlight of the show.

In addition to the green beans, I prepared some macadamia crusted tilapia and roasted potatoes - two simple dishes that always hit the spot. This versatile vegetable dish will pair well with nearly anything, though, so feel free to get creative or whip this up in a pinch.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $18.09

Mango Glazed Salmon with Black Forbidden Rice and Lemon Broccolini

I recently had the opportunity to spend an afternoon in Annapolis, MD, enjoying beautiful weather and browsing the many shops. Among the plethora of stores was a spice shop. The entire store was dedicated to spices, with giant vats of every spice imaginable and more. It was exciting to see the variety and enjoy the aromas. I soon found my attention caught by one corner, though, where in addition to spice the store had craft grains. I eagerly picked out a few to try, and one of them was black forbidden rice, leading to the recipe below.

Black forbidden rice is a Chinese rice that is believed to have received its name from its history - when only emperors were allowed to eat this rice (making it forbidden to commoners) since it was rare and full of nutrients. Today, it's found in health stores and specialty shops, but not your average supermarket. It doesn't taste particularly different from other types of rice, but its dark black color that becomes a royal purple when cooked makes it striking in any prepared dish.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $24.60

Zucchini-Potato Pancakes

Latkes are amazing, but also amazingly bad for you. There is not a lot of redeeming value about deep-frying potato and topping it with salt. So here, I took the basic concept of a latke but changed a few key pieces. The potato became potato AND zucchini, adding taste and nutritional value all at once. The deep frying became pan frying, taking out the majority of the oil and therefore the fatty calories. And the salt was severely reduced due to added flavor of zucchini and lots of black pepper. Yum!

I made the zuchini-potato pancakes along with some pesto turbot, one of my favorites. However, this side is versatile enough to pair with nearly any main course. I made it with a fresh cherry tomato salsa, which was juicy and delicious, but you can easily substitute another topping if you prefer.

Recipe and nutrition after the jump!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 40 min
Cost: $27.03

Avocado Mixed Greens Salad

There is very little in life more delicious than avocado. They are amazing in every form and in every dish, and this is no exception. Here the creamy avocado combines with crisp greens and a lemony olive oil dressing for tastiness in every bite.

I served the salad with cajun catfish and tomato bruschetta - two of my other favorites. The meal was quite simple and fast to put together, but absolutely delicious. Make this when you don't have a lot of time or energy, but still want a healthy, homemade meal.

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Difficulty: easy
Time:
Cost: $32.89

Mushroom and Fontal Polenta

This recipe continues my quest into trying different polenta dishes. This is only my second time cooking the corn meal starch, but it goes quite well. The savory, smooth polenta pairs perfectly with mild yet rich fontal and absolutely delicious mushrooms. You can easily substitute another cheese if you prefer, but I think the fontal works wonderfully. It's creamy and mild, but still has just enough of a bite to make it tantalizing.

I served the polenta with some grilled cajun swordfish and caramelized brussels sprouts for a delightful meal. However, this fontal polenta dish is so versatile that you can easily pair it with any number of other dishes. Let us know in the comments if you find something particularly delicious!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 30 min
Cost: $38.33

Smoked Trout, Apple, and Pecan Salad

Ready for a delicious, nutritious meal? Then you've come to the right place! This entree salad combines fresh trout, smoked to perfection, crisp apples, creamy pecan chips, and juicy lettuce. The flavors and textures work wonderfully together for a delicious mouthful in every bite. This meal is perfect for late summer or early fall - whenever you can get some high quality ingredients.

I chose to go old school, serving this salad with crispy tater tots. They might be a kid's favorite, they were certainly a favorite of mine, but I have yet to grow out of that fad! Fried and full of salt, they're only a special treat these days, but when I have them they always hit the spot.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 40 min
Cost: $9.60

Recipe and nutrition below the jump!

Fresh Melon Gazpacho

As Labor Day swings by, it's time to fill up on summer favorites before the leaves begin to turn. I took advantage of that idea here, as well as some beautiful, fresh melon from my local farmer's market, to make a tasty melon gazpacho. It's light and refreshing with a cooling aftertaste that perfectly fits the season.

I served this soup with some homemade fish tacos, but it is versatile enough to really go with anything. It could complement fish, meat, or a vegetarian entree. You could also serve it with salad for a tasty and refreshing lunch. Let me know in the comments what combination you think works best!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 min prep, 1-2 hrs chill time
Cost: $29.50

Nutrition and recipe after the jump!

Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Yogurt

After tasting this at my local farmer's market, I knew I had to come home and duplicate it immediately. After a couple variations, I whipped up a big batch for my lunches for the week, carting a quarter each day to work. Normally I like to work this way since I get bored of one meal rather quickly, but I easily could have made a month's worth without ever getting tired of it.

As usual, much of this recipe depends on having good quality ingredients. Make sure you get fresh, local eggplant. I used the fairy tale version that is light purple and a bit striped, but really any species of eggplant will work just fine as long as it's fresh and tasty! Also make sure you're purchasing a good quality olive oil. This makes all the difference in most recipes, but in a recipe as simple as this one it's especially important. This doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune, though. I actually really enjoy the fanciest version of Whole Food's 365 brand cold-pressed olive oil. It's affordable without sacrificing flavor and quality.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 30 min (plus setting time for tahini yogurt)
Cost: $9.80

Nutrition and recipe below the jump!

Broccoli Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of those delightful treats that somehow ends up completely saturated with oils and salts when it's really not needed. The ingredients - crispy rice, vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat - are more than enough to stand on their own. So my version below is based on that assumption. I use just enough oil to cook the rice and veggies for a stir-fry texture and reduce the sodium wherever possible.

Perhaps not the most traditional accompaniment to fried rice, but I served this with some crab-stuff sole from Wegman's. It was tasty, but honestly not as good as I expected. Serve this rice with a protein of your own choosing, or else just eat it on its own for a very satisfying vegetarian dinner.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 30 min
Cost: $25.05

Nutrition and recipe after the jump!

Grilled Caprese-Zucchini Sandwiches

I love caprese sandwiches - and salads, for that matter, too. There is something so delectable about this simple combination but you need the freshest ingredients to truly make these sandwiches shine. Here, I purchased some freshly baked baguette, still toasty warm, from my farmer's market along with delicious, ripe heirloom tomatoes, crisp zucchini, and a huge bundle of freshly picked basil. I had to head to whole foods for creamy, buffalo mozzarella but splurged on the high quality version of the cheese. Finally, I picked out high quality olive oil. It's important not to skip on any ingredient here for the best result. It might cost a little more, but it's highly worth it.

Since I was planning on grilling these sandwiches, I also grabbed some sweet corn at the farmer's market as well. Grilling corn in the summer always tastes better than corn made in my kitchen, so I figured it's sweetness and freshness would be the perfect complement to these sandwiches.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 20 min
Cost: $11.25

Recipe and nutrition below the jump!

Citrus Grilled Zucchini and Squash

This week was all about whipping up simple and fast meals while still packing in nutrition and utilizing farmer's market vegetables and fruit. With work, extra classes, and more, I wanted to stay healthy and homemade without spending hours cooking. With that in mind, I picked up some pre-cajuned catfish at Whole Foods, one of my favorite fish dishes ever, and then chose local and organic potatoes, zucchini, and summer squash from the farmer's market. This didn't mean simply the basic yellow summer squash, but also zephyr (multicolored) and pattypan among others. The potatoes were tossed with olive oil and cajun spices and roasted, leaving me with a pile of squash.

I decided to take advantage of the new grill on my roofdeck and cook these vegetables in true summer fashion. As you'll see below, I marinated them first and then simply let the grill do the rest. Their fresh, natural flavor came through strongly, making them the perfect final addition to this easy meal.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 20 min (plus marinating time, which should be several hours up to overnight)
Cost: $14.64

Avocado Soup with Chipotle Shrimp

Never had avocado soup before? Well, to be honest, neither had I. I'm a huge fan of this fatty fruit, but I wasn't entirely sure how it would taste in a soup, or, perhaps more importantly, how this could possibly turn into an even half-healthy option. The trick, however, is to not picture a thick soup of smoothie consistency. Instead, the avocado is lightened considerably by vegetable broth, allowing volume without calories and giving a more typically expected consistency. It's still delicious, and the heat of the chipotle shrimp pairs perfectly with the cool, chilled soup.

To go along with the soup, I whipped up some tofu pad thai. It remains a favorite of mine at Thai restaurants, and is surprisingly easy to duplicate at home. Check out my past post on the recipe and you'll see how quickly it comes together. It's also far less salty (and possibly oily) than the version you'd get at your favorite local Thai restaurant.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 15 min hands on time (2-3 hrs with chilling time)
Cost: $15.28

Pesto Gnocchi with Shrimp and Asparagus

I love gnocchi. When it's done well - light and fluffy with an unbeatable texture - it's nearly impossible to say no to it. This recipe comes together very quickly, utilizing my newest find, vacuum-packed gnocchi, and then tosses it with fresh rock shrimp, asparagus, and pesto for a delicious dish. You could also easily leave out the shrimp or toss in other veggies to make it vegetarian. I'm thinking fresh, sweet cherry tomatoes from your local farmer's market would make a perfect addition here.

Along with the gnocchi, I prepared an arugula salad with fresh, grilled vidalia onions and sweet tomatoes tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. Check out the salad section above to find this recipe from a previous post. This salad is simple but truly delicious when in-season ingredients are used. It's hard to beat summer tomatoes, hot off the vine, and they continue to shine in every dish.

Difficulty: easy
Cost: $27.95
Time: 20 min

Sweet Citrus Salmon

This salmon dish is simple to make yet combines a plethora of flavors.  The spice rub is interesting, adding a bit of complexity to what otherwise would be a run-of-the-mill recipe.  A touch of chili powder cuts the sweetness of the sugar, lemon rind adds an acidic note and a splash of freshness, and the Indian spices impart a hint of curry.  It's absolutely delicious, providing an easy, fast dinner that is still unique.

Along with the salmon, I made some roasted potatoes - fresh from the farmer's market of course - and some watermelon gazpacho.  That refreshing, cold soup continues to be a household favorite in the summer months.  It soothes and brightens, leaving you happier simply for having eaten it.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 min
Cost: $17.25

Creole Pan-Fried Shrimp with Cucumber-Fennel-Tomato Salad and Peach-Blueberry Cobbler

You know a meal is good when the featured piece is a freshly made fruit cobbler. With peaches and blueberries in season, bursting with juices and flavor at the farmer's market, I couldn't resist this great summer classic. I've made peach and raspberry cobblers before but decided to mix it up here, crafting a peach and blueberry version with a thick, delicious topping. It's sure to impress and while not quite good for you, certainly it's not all that bad in this version, either!

Of course, I couldn't ONLY have dessert for dinner, although I tried to convince my boyfriend of just that. So I added in a salad, utilizing more fresh farmer's market produce, combining tomatoes, fennel, and cucumber. I hadn't actually used fresh fennel in a recipe before, so I found it quite interesting. It's a bit crispy with a licorice taste - definitely different than anything I've had before. Finally, I made some pan-fried shrimp. They're a healthier version of crispy, deep-fried creole shrimp, and definitely hit the spot for a delicious dinner.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $27.52

Smoked Paprika Tilapia with Parmesan Polenta

This meal is simple yet combines many delicious flavors while putting the focus on ease of preparation. If you haven't used smoked paprika before, its an entirely different beast than the regular paprika you purchase at the grocery store. It's still relatively easy to fine, but make sure to search out the Spanish smoked variety. It really smells strongly of a rich, smokey flavor so it's hard to mistake! In this case, it's the main ingredient on the fish and lends it a tantalizing, savory taste so it's definitely necessary here.

Along with the fish, I made some simple polenta, left in its almost mashed-potato like form rather than trying to crisp it up into the polenta cakes you see more often at restaurants. (For those of you not familiar with polenta, it's a cornmeal grain originating in Europe but commonly used in this country in the South.) I also prepared a fresh caprese salad, utilizing delicious farmer's market ingredients that are impossible to beat!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 20 min
Cost: $26.11

Herbed Lemon Rockfish with Asparagus and Balsamic Tomato Saute and Orzo with Sweet Yellow Tomato Cruda

Simple yet fancy, easy yet full of flavor and fresh ingredients. This meal is a bit of a contrast at first, but works out beautifully. Each piece of this meal- the fish, the orzo, the asparagus -comes together very quickly. In fact, the longest any single one of those would take is just 20 minutes. However, if you have just one set of hands and are the only one chopping, prepping, and popping in and out of ovens and on and off of stoves, it'll take longer in all. If you go that route, as I did, I suggest you chop and prep everything first so once you start cooking you can move quickly. Otherwise you risk one dish getting cold as the others cook!

But not only is this meal relatively simple, it's fantastic. With fresh tomatoes in season, the asparagus-tomato dish and the orzo with the yellow tomato cruda are absolutely bursting with flavor. Make sure to purchase fresh, ripe, farmer's market tomatoes for the best results. These two dishes also both include balsamic vinegar, lending complementing tastes to one another without duplicating too many flavors.

The fish then rounds out all of it perfectly. With such flavorful side dishes, full of both sweet (tomatoes) and a bit of salt (cheese) the fish is the final, essential touch. It's rich on herbs and olive oil, giving savory, Mediterranean flavors, that supports without overpowering or being overpowered. Make this meal to impress - and you surely will.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 45 min
Cost: $15.24

Homemade Sushi

This is actually nowhere near as hard as it looks. With a couple pieces of equipment and a few ingredients, you can easily begin making your own sushi as well in no time at all! You'll need to purchase the rolling mat- a bamboo mat used to roll up the sushi into a roll. This is the only necessary piece of equipment but my bamboo mats came with a wooden paddle/spoon as well that was helpful for making the rice.

I've listed what I used in my sushi below - enough to make 10 rolls or about 80 pieces. However, one of the great things about making sushi is that the possibilities are pretty much endless. I stuck to some common ingredients, but don't let creativity stop you. While I wouldn't recommend using raw fish at home unless you for some reason have access to sushi grade fish, everything else is fair game. Stick to the common ones, as I did below, or get creative. Try using other cooked fishes or even meats - there is no reason you can't have chicken, beef, or turkey sushi. Use other vegetables, like eggplant, zucchini, and tomato. Model them after common combinations, such as a mozzarella, tomato, and basil roll. Or, bend the boundaries even further and make dessert sushi. Use a sweet rice and make nutella and banana sushi! There is no limit to what you can do - but make sure to tell us about your attempts in the comments below so that we can all benefit from your creativity.

Difficulty: easy (as soon as you get the rolling technique)
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $33.46

Turbot Fish Curry and an Apricot-Toasted Chickpea Salad

Beans are not a natural favorite of mine, but I've been making an attempt to branch out and experiment a bit more with them to take advantage of their health value! Part of this means turning to dry beans. My little use of beans has always mainly included canned beans - which come soggy and in a weird sauce-like coating. Dried beans just somehow seem fresher and more exciting to me. Just make sure that you allow enough time to cook them - this usually includes at least an hour of simmering or soaking and could take several hours. It's low-maintenance, so just set it up and let it go but this still means it takes some advance planning!

For this meal, I combined the fresh, summer tastes of juicy, sweet apricot and crunchy, toasted chickpeas with a rich, Turbot curry. I'm a huge Turbot fan and it did not disappoint here, flaking nicely and combining with the richness yet lightness of the sauce for a perfect meal.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 45 min
Cost: $29.72

Asparagus and Cashew Mahimahi with Caramelized Garlic and Parmesan Gnocchi with Broccolini

Have you ever tried the vacuum-packed gnocchi before? I hadn't, before this recipe, and let me tell you that you are in a for a treat! I'm a huge gnocchi fan and aficionado, getting picky about the "fluffiness" and density of my gnocchi. Those dense, heavy blobs that sit in your stomach are just no good at all, nor are the sticky messes. The vacuum packed gnocchi, however, at least the brand I used, are neither. They're quick and easy to make and absolutely delicious. They're also not full of added salt, which is nice.

In addition to the simple yet delicious gnocchi recipe, I also served up some fresh fish market mahimahi complete with cashews, onions, and asparagus. The meal has some asian flavors, but is truly a composite of a number of things rather than representing any one culture or style. It takes advantage of fresh asparagus still available at my local farmer's market for a delicious meal that packs in the veggie-goodness.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 40 min
Cost: $16.37

Rockfish with Cilantro-Onion Salad and Spring Vegetable Risotto

Don't be fooled by this entree. It might sound simple, but somehow it turns out simply amazing. Ah-may-zing. When you scoop up a bite, with a touch of avocado yogurt, tasty rockfish, fresh cilantro, and crispy onion, it just works absolutely perfectly. It hits the perfect combination between fancy and simple, incorporating unusual with common and ending in a relatively simple meal to make that is incredibly impressive - both in presentation and in taste. I wholeheartedly suggest you make this one right away!

To go with the rockfish, I prepared some spring risotto as well. Risotto is always a good idea! This one packs the rice-dish chock full of veggies, including asparagus and edamame among others. Then some cheese adds a savory, creamy blend that adds some richness sparingly. A perfect spring dish.

Note: If you do not live in the DC area, you're probably confused by rockfish. It's local here, but is just a member of the striped bass family. Feel free to substitute bass, or another firm, darker fish, if you're from another region.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr
Cost: $26.23

Raspberry and Chocolate Tiramisu

Yum! But, first, a caveat. I've made real tiramisu and it's delicious and amazing and fully worth the efforts. It's also terrible for you and DOES take a lot of effort. This is not that. This is a poor man's take on tiramisu that can be made quickly and doesn't utterly destroy your arteries, but wow, it sure does a decent approximation at a fraction of the calories and time involved. It's not identical, but it does retain a number of key features and leaves you delighted with dessert. (Or dinner? I'm not judging!)

Whip this together to impress company and serve it with after-dinner drinks or else make it for a dinner party and surprise your guests with dessert. It'll be a great addition or end to any food occasion.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 20 min
Cost: $14.07

Tofu and Broccoli Udon Noodle Salad

When a meat-loving diner consumes a tofu dinner without once asking about more protein, you know that it's a good meal. This tofu and broccoli Japanese-style noodle salad has absolutely nothing to prove. It's absolutely delicious. This meal can be served warm or cold depending on your tastes and combines just-crisp broccolini with crispy tofu, filling udon noodles, and a ton of bursting flavor. Although flavor-filled, I made mine mild but it can easily be a spicy delight as well.

Along with the noodle salad, I prepared some fresh Cambodian spring rolls - one of my favorites. You can find this healthy appetizer in the 'appetizer' section above or else get creative and make your own meal combination. Let us know in the comments below if you really come up with something special!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 1 hr
Cost: $13.06

ENTIRELY from scratch pizza - dough, sauce, and cheese

That's right - this pizza is ENTIRELY from scratch. Homemade dough, homemade sauce, and homemade mozzarella cheese. We started with flour, milk, and tomatoes. Unfortunately we can't take credit for growing, harvesting, or milking our way to those ingredients, but this is about as garden-to-table that two apartment city dwellers can get! And it was worth it. While this took an incredible amount of time, it yielded food that tasted fresh and that tasted better due to the satisfaction of making all of it from start to finish.

Keep in mind that you do not have to make every single piece from scratch. Making homemade dough or homemade sauce can make a huge difference by itself - not every single piece is always needed. Figure out what time you have available and do what you can. If you can only do one piece, I'd recommended the sauce. While the mozzarella was fun to make since we had never done it before, it actually wasn't quite as tasty as some of the mozzarella you buy (this could be simply because it was our first effort, though!) And while fresh dough IS better, it's not miles and miles better. But the sauce? Well, just taste it and find out.

Difficulty: medium-hard
Time: 4.5 hrs
Cost: $28.71 (5 individual size pizzas, 4 corn on the cob)

(Vegetarian) Moussaka

Well, I hope you really like eggplant! Moussaka is an Arabic world, and there are many, many forms of moussaka, but the most common is the Greek variety. It's an eggplant based dish with tomato, ground meat, and a bechamel sauce. Of course, being one of those funny non-meat eaters, I've chosen to make a vegetarian version of this classic - and at the same time, make it a bit healthier! It still features eggplant and tomato, but with a leaner bechamel and bulgur in the place of meat.

And, of course, bulgur is a cereal or wheat grain. It comes in a few forms and is most commonly found in middle eastern food, making it an appropriate stand-in for meat in this classically Greek dish. It actually has a similar texture and color but will taste more like quinoa or a cous cous.

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr 40 min
Cost: $13.20

Vegetable Paella

That's right - this is a vegetable paella. No seafood, no chorizo, no meat of any kind. It might not be the most traditional Spanish dish in this form, but it still keeps some essentials - rice, saffron, olive oil - and fills the rest of the dish with flavorful Mediterranean vegetables. However, if you truly do not want to go the vegetarian route, you can always follow the recipe below but toss in your favorite protein to go with it.

I made some macadamia crusted tilapia on the side, which is reflected in the cost below, but really this meal would go with anything or stand on its own. Paella can easily be the entree, and most usually is, actually, but it can also pair well with a co-entree like a nice fillet of fish.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 45 min
Cost: $16.35

Grape Relish Grilled Salmon with Stuffed Zucchini and Lemon Squares

Surprisingly, or perhaps it really shouldn't be, grilled salmon pairs very well with grapes. I have to admit I wouldn't have thought of the combination on my own, but after seeing it listed in a recipe I was curious to test it out and see how it tasted. Turns out, it tastes quite yummy! The crisp, spring grapes complement the rich texture of the salmon, imparting a sweetness without overwhelming the natural taste of the fish. It's light and refreshing while providing a unique and delicious main dish.

To go with the salmon, I used some fresh farmer's market zucchini, stuffed with some artichokes and a bit of panko and cheese for a perfect combination. It's healthy and filling all at once. And, of course, it led up to the dessert: lemon squares. One of the ultimate summer delights, I lightened up the recipe (although it's still a far cry from being healthy) so that you can eat a square without too much guilt. And lemon really is one of the perfect summer treats.

Difficulty: easy-medium
Time: 2 hr
Cost: $15.63

Grilled Fig, Onion, and Tomato Salad

(Yes, I forgot the picture, forgive me...)

The Mediterranean knows how to do many things right, and figs are just one more example of their amazing food prowess. These delightful treats are sticky and sweet, reminiscent of dessert, but blend perfectly in savory dishes as well for a main meal dish rather than just a sweet post-dinner treat. Here, I combine them with vidalia onions, also grilled, and some fresh tomatoes, ripe and delicious at the peak of their season. The flavors are all sweet and savory at the same time, with varying textures that combine for a delightful treat.

I made this salad alongside some fresh swordfish, tossed onto the new grills on my roof deck. I simply marinated them in some white wine and garlic and then grilled them - leaving them with slight char marks on the outside from the grill but juicy and tender in the middle. The Mediterranean is definitely not a bad place to mimic when it comes to food.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $19

Avocado Tuna Melts with Sauteed Spinach and Raisins

That's right - this post is all about a tuna melt. It's a humble sandwich, a favorite of kids, but it remains near and dear to my heart. Unfortunately, when you get one out, it is often soaked in mayonnaise, stuffed with salt, and just unnecessarily unhealthy without adding true flavor. This one isn't perfect in the health department, but it's a far cry from the norm. I lighten up the tuna, focusing on using high quality tuna (yes, still from a can) that carries its own weight and doesn't need a lot of dressing up. I add tomatoes and avocado, in abundance, because hey, I love them. Finally, I select nice, fresh French bread and a lower fat cheese that's not heavy on salt. And in the end, the tuna melt exactly hits the spot.

To go with the sandwiches, I sauteed some spinach but added some sweetness through raisins. Toss in a couple other contrasting flavors, and you're set. This side is simple to prepare, keeping this entire meal easy to make, but adds some important nutrients without sucking up too many more calories.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 25 min
Cost: $14.08

Spiced Salmon with Mushroom-Chive-Cheese Quesadilla and Grilled Zucchini and Red Onion

Cheese? Check. Fresh vegetables? Check. Spice mix? Check. Mushrooms? Check. With those ingredients, I'm getting excited without even knowing what the final product will be! And did I mention the cheese is melted?

I continued my foray into exotic cheeses, blending them in a quesadilla with a variety of exotic mushrooms and some fresh chives for a delicious, savory treat. These were served along with grilled fresh zucchini and onion, tossed in a delightful, light sauce that provides just the right amount of flavor for these summer vegetables. Finally, there's the salmon. Fresh, fish market fillets, coated with a rich array of spices that provide a lot of flavor (and not sodium.) This meal is simple to put together yet healthy and delicious!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 30 min
Cost: $12.65

Triple Mushroom-Tofu Stir Fry with Fresh Cambodian Summer Rolls

Mushrooms are delicious. This is what I have to say about this meal. I happen to love some well-cooked tofu, adore vegetable stir-fry, and get very excited by fresh summer rolls, but it's really the mushrooms that always bring meals into my heart. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved these fungi, and this recipe show cases the delight of a variety of fresh mushrooms perfectly. And, as an extra bonus, it was so flavorful that it won over a non-tofu eater to admit that eating tofu as the protein of a meal just isn't so bad. Now if I could just convince him that vegetables are enough, too....

The recipe is presented below as I made it, but keep in mind that with meals such as these, creativity is welcome and encouraged. You can use vegetables you have on hand and add or take away or substitute at well. Just keep the mushrooms! The same holds true of the fresh summer rolls. I included shrimp, some fresh herbs, and some veggies but you can mix it up here as well. As always, if you come up with something good please share it in the comment so we can all try it next time!

Difficulty: medium
Time: 1 hr
Cost: $27.34

Truffled Roasted Potatoes

A simple recipe for today! It's time to pull out the trusty favorite - roasted potatoes. They're delicious, about as healthy as potatoes can get, and simple to prepare. Sure, they take a little bit of time to roast but while they're roasting you can be off doing other things around the house. These are a low maintenance food! And, in this recipe, they're also jazzed up a bit. Rather than simply roasting plain potatoes, or potatoes with a touch of pepper or garlic, I give them a subtle truffle taste. Truffle oil is expensive, but it's also incredibly flavorful, meaning you only need a little to make a difference. That holds true here. Just a dab of this delicacy infuses the potatoes with an unusual, earth-y but delightful taste, that will leave you craving more.

I paired these potatoes with some cajun catfish, one of my favorite standbys, and some freshly sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic. The entire meal came together in under an hour, kept my wallet from getting too light, and still served its purpose in a delicious and healthy homemade meal.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 45 min
Cost: $17.57

Three Cheese Apple Onion Panini

Alright, so this might not be the fanciest or most complicated meal I've ever made, but its delicious nevertheless. What is truly better than melted cheeses, toasted bread, and fresh vegetables? In my mind, not a whole lot!

So for this dinner, I made a gourmet cheese and vegetable panini... or, if you will, an upscale grilled cheese. This all started when I visited a fromagerie, sampling a variety of cheeses. They were of course delicious (well, most of them) and I came home laden with a few new varieties. They were originally meant as a snack item, but after the farmer's market opened outside my building for the season, I realized that they would also be wonderfully utilized in a simple panini that highlighted the cheeses while adding some complementing flavors! So you'll find below a three-cheese panini with fresh apples and spring onions. The apples are sweet and pair perfectly with the raisin challah (also from the farmer's market) I used for the bread, and then the spring onions cut the sweetness perfectly without overshadowing the other flavors. Delicious!

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 min
Cost: $12.66

Turbot Souvlaki and Artichokes with a Duo of Dipping Sauces

I know I'm a biased audience and I tend to rave about many foods, but this meal seriously ranks near the top. I LOVED these souvlakis, as did my chief taste-tester (aka Matt.) The fish was perfect for the summer. I always love Turbot and here it did not disappoint, coming out light and flavorful with its natural buttery-texture providing that amazing melt-in-your-mouth experience. The fresh tzatziki was refreshing, as it always is, and the the crunch of the onion, crispness of the lettuce, and juiciness of the tomato rounded it all out. i went back for seconds and thirds, and didn't even feel guilty about it since this came out as a quite healthy dish! (Note: the dish was super healthy until I added the pita, even though i searched for a healthy pita. If you are really ambitious and make your own this would truly lighten up the meal even more!)

To go with the souvlaki, I couldn't resist turning to another spring favorite of mine: artichokes. I LOVE artichokes. Since I was a kid, I've loved pulling off the leaves and experiencing the fun of eating them. As an adult, that childhood joy has carried over, with a greater appreciation for the actual flavors as well. Here I made a duo of dipping sauces - one a honey mustard style and one a Thai peanut style. Both were good and I enjoyed the contrast, but if you're looking for less work, go with the Thai one. It's unfortunately a little more unhealthy with the peanut butter (although better in sodium than the honey mustard dip), but it's flavorful enough that you only need a smidgin. And it's really that good.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 50 min
Cost: $24.82

Mango Salsa Mahimahi with Arugula-Shallot-Ricotta Basil Ravioli in a Chunky Tomato Sauce

The ravioli board and the pasta maker have come out to play once again. This time, I experimented for the first time with a flavored dough. Rather than simply making whole wheat pasta as I did previously, I blended up some basil and incorporated it into the dough. It turned out quite green - lending a pretty splash of color to the table for this spring meal, and imparted a subtle hint of basil with each bite. It actually imparted less taste than I expected, and I think I'd experiment next time to get more of a basil flavor, but it still changed the meal some and was a worthwhile experiment.

To go with my freshly homemade ravioli, I also grilled up some mahimahi and garnished it with a refreshing mango salsa. Yum! Mango is one of the quintessential fruits for me, imparting delicious flavor, a juicy crunch, and an exciting burst with each bite. What more could you ask for from a fruit? It also paired excellently with the mahimahi, making every bite a treat.

Difficulty: medium-hard
Time: 2 hrs 15 min
Cost: $18.45

Israeli Avocado Salad, Blackened Brisket, Leek Croquettes, Almond-Coconut Torte with Chocolate-Orange Liqueur

Better late than never, right? I think it has taken me just as long to get around to writing this post as it took to make the original meal! But now, at last, I present you with the post detailing, step by step, the entire massive meal I created for my 2011 seder, the 4th I have hosted. The essentials were still here, like brisket and kugel, but some featured twists and other recipes were new. I mean, what's the fun in cooking the same thing year after year?

Due to the unique nature of this post, things are set up a little differently. I didn't both with a cost since I was cooking for 12 and therefore spent a small fortune. I also do not give a total time for the whole meal. Instead, each recipe still gets a time estimate (and nutrition!) and I note how many servings I made compared to how many a normal person might want to make. As always, if you have any questions just stick them in the comments and I'll get back to you right away.

Finally, here is the full menu I made for my seder. Items in italics I had made previously and are posted elsewhere on this blog while those without are detailed below!

Date Charoset, Matzah Ball Soup, Israeli Avocado Salad, Sweet Citrus Tilapia, Blackened Brisket, Leek Croquettes, Potato Kugel, Apple Noodle Kugel, and an Almond-Coconut Torte with Chocolate-Orange Liqueur.

Shrimp Summer Salad with a Potato-Leek-Garlic Soup

Summer! Farmer's markets are back, and I for one am super excited about this new development. With a local market literally outside of my front door, how can I not be?? I get fresh, local, organic produce every week - and more. Not only does my market feature fruits and vegetables but i can also buy cheese, meats (if I wanted to eat them) and eggs there. If you live anywhere close to your own farmer's market I suggest you start getting out there on a regular basis. It's good for the environment, often cheaper than going to a store, and delicious. There is nothing to beat the taste of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, or homemade cheeses.

To celebrate the summer, I prepared a delicious salad as my entree for this meal. I whipped up some delicious shrimp, seasoned with the always versatile paprika, and then tossed the protein with fresh greens, avocado, tomatoes, and corn. A light, healthy dressing finished it of for a delicious meal that would be perfect on a roof deck or back patio with a crisp white wine.

Then, as a bonus, I served it with homemade soup. Due to mounds of leftover kugel, I've been using potatoes in interesting ways since my seder. Here, I re-purpose the grated potatoes of the kugel to prepare a potato-garlic-leek soup that is delicious and even rather simple to make.

Difficulty: medium-easy
Time: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $25.36

Asparagus with Raisins and Pine Nuts

I have to admit, asparagus is new to my list of veggies. While I'll dine on pretty much anything that's not meat, asparagus was one of the few vegetables I disliked for most of my life. So whether my tastes have changed or I've simply finally moved beyond the horror I felt as a young child when I confused the words asparagus and esophagus (yes, my parents are doctors, esophagus was in my vocabulary at a very young age) asparagus is now enjoyable to me. Since it is an excellent source of iron, vitamin C, and protein, this newly found like is even better.

Asparagus is in season in the spring, right now, so buy it up and make it in a variety of ways. It's good simply grilled with a touch of olive oil and some always-delicious freshly-ground black pepper, but in this recipe I sauteed it with some onions and raisins. The flavors melded together very well and I loved the slight sweet flavor that the raisins provided without making the dish overly sweet. I served the asparagus with some cous cous and fresh swordfish grilled with white wine and garlic.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $27.30 (for entire meal)

Freshly Smoked Trout

My indoor, stove-top smoker got another work-out tonight as I smoked fish in it for the very first time. It was delicious, but definitely unique. Not only did the smoker impart a smoky taste to the fish, but it also subtly changed the texture. It wasn't oily the way lox is, but was clearly different than the texture you'd get from baking, grilling, or sauteing the fish. The uniqueness provides an interesting flavor (literally and figuratively) to the meal.

To go with the freshly smoked fish, I also made my newly favorite recipe, Butternut Squash Ravioli. The trout was easy and the ravioli far more involved, balancing out the difficulty of the meal and providing many contrasting but complementary flavors.

Difficulty: easy (trout)
Time: 30 min
Cost: $18.24 (as always, for the whole meal, including ravioli)