Individual Macaroni and Cheese with Panko Topping

This macaroni was simple, yummy and comforting! The recipe makes 2 servings, so you can stick one in the fridge and have it another day.

Chicken, Rice and Tomato Mini-Casserole

I made this casserole essentially because I had nothing else in the house but wanted something simple, easy, and warm. I also happened to have these nifty 1-cup casserole dishes I bought with a Christmas-gifted gift certificate to Archambault. This recipe makes 2 casseroles: one for now and one for another day. If you cook it after keeping it in the fridge, add about another 10 minutes to the lid-on cooking time.

Herbed Pork Medallions with Sweet-and-Sour Onions

This was honestly some of the best pork I've ever had -- and it was so easy to make, too! There's nothing particularly innovative about this, but it is delicious, and the onions are simple and satisfying as well. Give it a try: you won't be sorry!

Lime Pie in a Bowl

These don't look like much -- and probably would have been prettier if I made them in jars instead of custard bowls -- but they were pretty good. Light, refreshing, limey. A little light on the limey side for me, but still lime. The downside of waiting months to make this recipe was that I had a cold dessert in the middle of winter, and that canning season was over so I couldn't purchase small jars. This was supposed to make 6 serving in 3/4 cup jars, but I made 4 in 1 cup custard dishes.

Spicy Chicken and Orange-Ginger Stir-Fry

Okay, I admit it: I purchased a pre-made bottle of sauce rather han making my own. It was probably more expensive and less healthy. But it enticed me! It wasn't my fault!! I had a coupon!!! [insert more excuses here]!!!! I also had a recipe that called for it in a conveniently commercial calendar full of recipes calling for specific products. And, might I add, full of handy cupons for things I would normally be too cheap to buy. As it turned out, the meal was tasty and easy. Sometimes, it's okay to let the cupons win out. This makes 2 modest servings.

Bread With Coarse-Ground Pink Himalayan Salt

This is the first loaf of risen bread I have ever made, and I did it pretty much without knowing what I was doing. In other words, instinct and guesswork ruled the day! I'm not sure I did everything right, and the bread did bake for a frighteningly short period of time I thought, but in the end the crust was perfect (not burned!) and the inside was soft and fully-cooked. The bread was delicious! I chopped it in 4 pieces and served it with dinner. Because the bread is lean and has only 4 ingredients, I recommend using good water. Mine went through a Brita filter.

Spice-Rubbed Turkey Breast with Brown-Butter and Rosemary Carrots

This turkey was brilliantly colored and mildly flavored, and the carrots were simple but delicious. The turkey recipe makes four servings, and the carrots serve two. Leftovers ahoy!