Now and then a new idea hits me–and by new I mean a new way to do a favorite thing. I had a couple dozen clams, and some leftover pasta . While I was headed for Clams Casino, instead here’s what happened: roughly chop some leftover pasta (mine was already tossed in butter, lemon and parsley)…. View Article

I’m home from the book tour and already it feels like I never left. Swinging right back into home and work life–cooking is the thing I love in both places. Last night, we made some Pork Chops and Grits from some ingredients I bought in Virginia. Tonight I’m cooking a gift given to me on… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Chicken Milanese is one of our family’s favorite dishes, especially CQ (who’s on the show today). Butterflying the chicken breast before breading and frying helps to keep the chicken tender and juicy—it makes all the difference. Round out the meal with simple and healthy spinach with lemon and homestyle spaghetti pomodoro. Get… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: I’m creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home.  Herbed butter, spread on a cut baguette and popped in the oven is great on its own but also makes a great dipper for leftover sauce from my simple but delicious shrimp scampi. To add some green to the dinner table, I go for a favorite… View Article

TODAY on MHTV:  I love making Stuffed Shells; it’s a dish that can easily be made ahead of time and can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion. When I prepare them I make two trays; one to go in the oven for dinner that night and one to go in the freezer… View Article

Today on MHTV: I love Italian food for it’s simple ingredients and delicious flavors that take minimal effort; it’s one of my favorite cuisines to cook in the kitchen, so today is my take on a “taste of Italy”. Fresh tuna steak with capers and onions gets tossed with frisee and served over chiocciole, a… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Keep hungry family members in check with a quick-cook appetizer of Grilled Calamari while you work on the main course: Spaghetti Amatraciana. For dessert, a smooth Italian custard, zabaglione, spooned over raspberries is absolutely heavenly. More from the show. Get the recipes from this episode: Grilled Calamari Spaghetti Amatraciana Zabaglione Get the recipes from… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Some days you’ve just got to make do with what’s on hand. Today, I’m turning ordinary pantry items into dishes that sing. I’m seasoning black beans with garlic and cumin, preparing a tomato and chickpea sauce for pasta, and giving popcorn a pop with chili powder and lime. Finally, I’m whipping up… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: When there’s “nothing in the house to eat,” I turn to my pantry. With some pantry staples, meals can be put on the table in minutes, no take out or grocery shopping needed — and that’s what this meal is all about. A few cans of tuna and tomatoes make this excellent… View Article

TODAY on MHTV @ 11:30 am ET: Growing up, my Italian family cooked a lot. There’s so many dishes I love, but I have a few that are hands-down my favorites. Linguine with clams, garlic, and chile is pretty close to the top of the list, then fish fillets with rosemary and olives aren’t far… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Keep hungry family members in check with a quick-cook appetizer of grilled calamari while you work on the main course: spaghetti amatraciana. For dessert, a smooth Italian custard, zabaglione, spooned over raspberries is absolutely heavenly. More from the show. Get the recipes from this episode: Grilled Calamari Spaghetti Amatraciana Zabaglione Get the… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Whenever we have movie night, we always abandon sitting at the table for feasting on the couch. I oven-roast marinated hot cherry peppers stuffed with fresh herbs and cheese, and serve them with crusty bread for the ultimate finger food. Then, I punch up an ordinary pesto sauce by swapping out the… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Simple pasta dishes are a great way to incorporate fresh spring produce into your meals, plus they’re quick and easy to put together. I take campanelle (tiny, fluted pasta) and toss it with a no-cook tomato and basil sauce with some fresh peas. Then shrimp scampi over small pasta shells is even… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Even though I love to cook for others, every once in a while I want to make something that’s just for me. When I was a kid my mom used to prepare stracciatella soup for me and it’s still one of my favorite comfort foods. Eggs and Parmesan cheese are whisked into… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Don’t let it get you down if you feel like there’s nothing in the house—this is the best time to experiment with new recipes. Penne is mixed with a rich sauce of sautéed cabbage, bacon and currants and a savory twist on couers a la crème using 3 cheeses is served with… View Article

TODAY on MHTV @ 11:30 a.m. ET: Growing up we had a family friend who made the BEST baked chicken. The combo of the flavors and texture was so good, I eventually riffed on it and came up with my own version. A tangy homemade marinade with oregano, red pepper and garlic adds lots of… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: After a long day, sometimes all you need is a big bowl of comfort food. Since I’m trying to go meatless at least once a week, this mushroom pasta with its cheesy, creamy sauce is exactly what I’m lookin’ for. A light side of pomodoro salad drizzled with olive oil doesn’t need… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: With the exception of a couple items I picked up from the grocery store,  this meal is coming straight from my pantry. Thanks to a couple cans of whole tomatoes, a few spices and a stash of pasta, I’m making bucatini tossed with fiery, homemade puttanesca sauce. Plus, a twist on my… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: There’s a few things I always like to keep in the pantry like pasta, oils and dried herbs, to name a few. If you’ve got pasta, try it with tuna and tomato—it’s Calder’s favorite when there’s “nothing to eat”—it comes together in minutes. A quick and simple side salad gets lots of… View Article

TODAY on MHTV: Keeping your cupboard stocked with a few staples will spare you from having to take a trip to the grocery store after a busy day. My son Calder’s go-to dish when there’s “nothing in the house” is tuna tomato pasta. Serve it with a simple side salad of tomato, avocado, and basil… View Article