Quintessential Apple Pie ~ apples piled high in a butter and lard crust that’s crispy, flaky and tender, arguably the best part.

Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies ~ slightly crisp on the outside, a little chewy on the inside. Pour a glass of milk and you’re all set.

Quick and easy way to glaze salmon ~ maple syrup and coarse ground Dijon mustard, or use brown sugar instead. On the table in 30 minutes

Classic Shrimp Scampi ~ shrimp in butter, wine, garlic and lemon sauce. Toss with linguine or serve with warm crusty bread.

Classic French cuisine ~ chicken in mustard sauce with wine, bacon, onion and a little cream. Serve with lemon herb orzo.

Eggplant Parmesan ~ my favorite Italian comfort food. Layers of crispy eggplant, Parmesan, marinara, mozzarella and basil.

Classic Cioppino, the iconic San Francisco-style seafood stew made with tomatoes, wine, spices and herbs. Serve with warm, crusty sourdough.

Crispy Onion Parmesan Chicken, easy and delicious way to make boneless chicken breasts the whole family will love~ in 30 minutes.

Butterscotch Crunch Squares ~ layers of buttery crumbles, butterscotch/caramel sauce and ice cream. A dessert that disappears quickly.

My favorite one-pan chicken dish when a chill hits the air in fall. Chicken with white beans, onion, bacon, rosemary and stewed tomatoes.

Roasted tomatoes and poblano peppers on the grill make the best salsa for canning. Perfect way to use end of summer garden tomatoes.

Tortilla pie, comforting casserole full of gooey goodness ~ nice change of pace from tacos. Layers of tortillas, seasoned beef and cheese.

Easy coconut curry salmon, with lots of Southeast Asian flavors. Serve over rice stick noodles to slurp up all the coconut curry sauce.

If you don’t like okra, try it this classic Southern-style way. Buttermilk and cornmeal breading with Louisiana rémoulade sauce.

Creamy cajun pasta with blackened shrimp and andouille sausage. Spicy, full of flavor and a little decadent ~ you’ll lick the plate clean.