At the end of the week, I often find myself with a draw full of fresh vegetables. It’s usually because I shop at Whole Foods and the array of bright, shiny veggies suck me in and punish my budget. Recently, I’ve been relying on a fail-proof recipe that allows me to empty out my vegetable drawer in one full swoop. This recipe for roasted vegetables and orzo works well with most vegetables. I usually use red onion, summer squash, red pepper and cherry tomatoes.  • A summer squash, chopped • 1/2 red onion chopped • 1 red pepper chopped • Small plastic container of cherry tomatoes • Olive oil • 2…

You can never have enough recipes for hors d'oeuvres and appetizers. But aren't you sick of crudités and chips and salsa? I have a dip recipe that will become a staple for your future gatherings, I promise. Every time I make it, which is often, at least two guests ask for the recipe. It’s versatile, easy and healthy. It works just as well at a Super Bowl party as it does before an elegant dinner party. I must give credit to my cousin Jacki who passed along this little gem. Here is what you will need: • Large tub of Hummus• One large tomato• Two to three English cucumbers• Small can of chick …

My husband’s birthday is around the corner and, unlike me, who likes to be wined and dined in Boston, he wants to celebrate with a home-cooked meal. Therefore, I am tasked with coming up with an inventive, memorable and delicious dish every year that doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day neglecting my toddler. It means forgoing the usual run-of-the-mill chicken and searching for a lean meat or seafood dish. The meal I come back to time and time again for a special occasion – my father’s birthday, Christmas Eve with my in-laws – is Ina Garten’s shrimp scampi. It’s always a hit and takes 20 …