Christian Science Monitor | Stir It Up!

Unbelievable gluten-free coconut brownies

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:13:49 +0000

For those who believe 'healthy' and 'dessert' cannot uttered in the same sentence, try gluten-free brownies! You'll taste plenty of sugar and chocolate – without using flour.

Moroccan chicken salad

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:50:39 +0000

Chicken salad works great for almost any occasion, especially dinner on a hot day. Spice up your chicken salad with Greek yogurt, Moroccan flavors, herbs, apricots, and carrots.

National Eat Your Vegetables Day

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:17:35 +0000

As the growing season swings into full gear, head to your local farmers' market or even the produce section of the grocery store and load up on fresh vegetables to participate in National Eat Your Vegetables Day.

Too hot to cook? Almost no-cook harvest red rice salad

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:00:04 +0000

Ditch the wok this summer and try a rice salad tossed with fresh raw veggies. With just one pot of rice and a quick vinaigrette you can have a light lunch, a quick side, or a vegetarian dinner.

Caramelized bananas and Nutella crepes

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:04 +0000

Try this delicious filling of bananas and Nutella with your favorite crepe recipe.

Grilled blackberry-jalapeno ribs

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:40:08 +0000

Sweet and spicy, these ribs are suddenly a summer staple in my family's cookbook.

Cookbook Review: The Little Paris Kitchen and raspberry and almond tartlets (+video)

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:42:17 +0000

Sometimes French food takes precision and patience, but in 'The Little Paris Kitchen' BBC star Rachel Khoo balances classic recipes with simplicity to make French cuisine achievable every day.

Easy indoor slider burgers with spicy special sauce

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:34:46 +0000

Perfect for rainy summer days, apartment living, party appetizers, kids, or really any occasion, these made-in-the-oven sliders are easy way to feed a crowd.

Vidalia onion shortcake

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Laura Edwins) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 23:10:07 +0000

Skip the cornbread or the biscuits, and try this shortcake instead. The base of the cake is soft like a biscuit with a creamy buttermilk, sour cream, onion custard top.

Cooking a pot of beans

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 20:00:04 +0000

Bean are as comforting as they are simple. And sometimes that's the best kind of meal you can prepare for your family.

The perfect oatmeal cookie

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 08:00:03 +0000

Chewy and moist and yet still crispy around the edges. This may just be the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.

National Doughnut Day: Who has the free doughnuts? (+video)

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Ben Frederick) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:45:41 +0000

Grab your slippers, pull on your stretchy pants, and set aside your high dietary standards. June 7 is National Doughnut Day.

Strawberry mint vinaigrette

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:27:24 +0000

Strawberries and mint combine to make a seasonal and refreshing dressing that can be used to sweeten spinach-based salads or enhance a fruit salad.

Indian chickpeas and mango lassis

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:06:47 +0000

This savory chickpea dish was part of an Indian buffet at a party, but could work nicely as a side dish. Put the finishing touch on an Indian-themed dinner with these mango yogurt smoothies, or whip them up for an afternoon snack.

Slow cooker chocolate lava cake

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:47:51 +0000

A decadent homemade dessert doesn't have to be complicated. Try this chocolate lava cake baked in a slow cooker. Be sure to have plenty of ice cream on hand to top the cake, and plenty of friends to help eat it!

Meatless Monday: Mediterranean zucchini and white beans

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:00:04 +0000

Mediterranean recipes from sun-drenched regions make for light and refreshing summertime meals.

Grilled pork tenderloin stuffed with mushrooms and pear

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 06:00:03 +0000

A butterflied pork tenderloin is stuffed with sautéed mushrooms, pear, shallots and sage, then grilled both indirectly and directly.

Confetti cookies

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 06:00:03 +0000

Make a party with these cookies that pack in colors and lots of extra flavors.

The original fusion food: Sicilian

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Fri, 31 May 2013 17:00:04 +0000

Don't confuse the culinary traditions of Sicily with those associated with the rich red sauces of 'Italian food.' A new cookbook from the editors of Phaidon Press reveals Arab and Greek influences found on the sun-soaked Mediterranean island at the tip of Italy's boot.

Indian-spiced meatballs with cucumber mint raita

techstaff@csmonitor.com (Kendra Nordin) — Thu, 30 May 2013 21:02:52 +0000

At a 'Temple Run'-themed birthday party these Indian-spiced meatballs were a hit with the younger guests, and grown-ups, too. Raita is a refreshing yogurt dip, because who doesn't love to dip?