Sweet, nutty, and perfectly caramelized, roasted kabocha squash is one of the simplest—and most delicious—ways to enjoy this Japanese pumpkin. With its naturally creamy texture and edible skin, kabocha needs little more than olive oil, salt, and pepper to shine. Serve it as a side dish, add it to grain bowls or salads, or enjoy...Read More

This Harvest Delicata Squash and Apple Sauté combines sweet squash, crisp apples, and savory aromatics for a colorful taste of fall. Lightly sautéed with onion, celery, garlic, and marjoram, it’s a quick, wholesome side dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for pairing with roasted chicken, pork, or holiday meals.Read More

This Wine-Braised Cabbage with Apples and Chestnuts is a cozy, elegant celebration of fall flavors. Tender cabbage is slowly simmered in white wine with apples, onions, and herbs for a balance of sweetness and depth, while chestnuts add rich, earthy warmth. Perfect as a hearty side dish or served with sausages and potatoes for a...Read More

Baked acorn squash is one of fall’s simplest pleasures, and this version takes it up a notch with a bright, buttery glaze. Freshly baked until tender, the squash is finished with a luscious sauce of orange juice, honey, butter, and warm spices. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant—perfect as a holiday...Read More

This Butternut Squash Gratin is golden, bubbling, and full of cozy fall flavor. Roasted squash melds with herbs, garlic, and a crisp topping of cheese, breadcrumbs, or parsley for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Simple yet elegant, it’s a comforting side dish that shines at both holiday feasts and weeknight dinners.Read More

This dish was inspired by a memorable meal I enjoyed in New Mexico on my honeymoon. The flavors of roasted chiles, garlic, and cream left such an impression that I had to recreate it at home. My wife loved it so much, I reverse-engineered the recipe — and it has since become a special-occasion favorite....Read More

This smoky, spicy twist on classic potatoes au gratin comes from Chef Ted Walter of Passionfish in Pacific Grove, California. Layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce flavored with garlic, tomato, chipotle, and smoked paprika, then finished with melted cheddar cheese. The result is a comforting, deeply flavorful side dish...Read More

Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that spark strong opinions—but when prepared well, they can be absolutely delicious. Blanching is one of the simplest, most useful techniques to bring out their best flavor and texture. Done correctly, it keeps the sprouts vibrantly green, tender without being mushy, and ready for everything from caramelized side...Read More

This creamy Spinach Gratin is a family favorite — rich, savory, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Made with spinach, onions, and two cheeses, it’s versatile enough to serve as a comforting holiday side dish or as a flavorful filling for homemade ravioli. Easy to prepare and always crowd-pleasing, it’s a delicious way to...Read More

Don’t be intimidated by the length of this recipe for tomato liquor—it’s actually a very simple process, just described in detail so you can get it right the first time. I call this “liquor” because it’s almost a distillation of pure tomato flavor. It has countless uses: boosting pasta sauces or soups made with lackluster...Read More