Cornbread with Brown Rice

I've made several different types of cornbread over the years, but my basic yet classic preparation of cornbread always seems to remain a favorite with my husband and best friend Basil. There is nothing to it really expect the exceptional flavor of cornmeal with a tiny bit of sweetener which isn't even needed. I switched things up this time around though and included some cooked brown rice for added nutrition and substance. The nutty flavor of the rice was especially appealing and complementary to the grainy cornmeal.

This bread is excellent just smothered with butter or as an accompaniment to any meal, especially ones featuring soups and stews. Simplicity is bliss in this instance.

Sindhi Curried Spinach and Vegetables

I adore spinach and this lusciously creamed green dish turned out to be a incredibly versatile one. Similar to the North Indian malai sak I made several years ago, this dish from the Sindh region of Pakistan is much heartier with more vegetables — potatoes, carrots, eggplant and peppers — as well as a more complex flavor. I put together this tasty curry to go along with coconut rice, but as I had lots left over, I served it the next day with scrambled eggs and later on as a chutney with samosas. This dish is perhaps not particularly photogenic, but I assure you, it's fabulous, especially considering the multiple ways you can serve this spicy vegetable-packed curry.

A Complimentary Video from a Fan of Lisa's Kitchen

What a surprise and treat to wake up to. A fan took the trouble of making a short video featuring Lisa's Kitchen. Thank you! Now I have a theme song.

Greek Salad with Hummus Dressing

I adore Greek salad. Loads of crisp vegetables combined with plump olives and creamy Feta cheese all dressed up with an olive oil and vinegar dressing never fails to please. This time around, I was inspired by Joanne's rather unconventional take on this classic and adorned the whole beautiful bowl with a hummus-based dressing. Pleased by the success of my Greek salad with avocado, I made avocado hummus to begin with and then turned it into a thick and creamy dressing for the salad. It's fun to change things up from time to time and this made for one nourishing and satisfying meal, served up with classic buttermilk biscuits.

This is not the first time I have played around with hummus with excellent results. I still crave my homemade hummus pizza. The uses of hummus are as wide and vast as the imagination of the cook

Lentil-Quinoa Falafel with Coconut-Fenugreek Sauce

Considering how much food I share here on my space, it might come as a surprise to some readers that my appetite is not always the best. I suppose that is one of the reasons I take such care to make good food with a kick to stimulate hunger.

Also, again perhaps because of my petite appetite, I adore little bites, such as falafels which were on the menu again recently. These are not your most traditional falafels as chickpeas don't show up here, but French lentils, quinoa and soft goat cheese surely make for a unique, creamy falafel with a wonderful nutty and peppery flavor. These baked falafels are crisp, though they almost literally melt in your mouth. To make the dinner more filling as I was sharing with friends, I served them up in pita pockets, and with a dill pickle on the side and served with a divine coconut and fenugreek sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, you really don't need anything else except perhaps a side salad.

Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas (Aloo Matar Tikki)

One of the most enjoyable aspects of ordering take out or dining in Indian restaurants is the savory appetizers that begin the meal. Samosa, pakoras and bhajis are among my favorites. Because these little delights are somewhat time consuming, I don't often find the time to make them at home, but I assure you, it's well worth the effort, and for the most part, such savories are not difficult to prepare and serve up. There is nothing like reproducing some of India's finest offerings in your own kitchen.

Cranberry Bean, Barley and Fennel Soup

I happened across something the other day at my local grocery store that I'd never seen before … fresh beans in their pods! It's really rather odd that I've only ever cooked with dried beans, since beans form such an important part of my diet, but I'd never been able to find them before at any grocer or market despite the fact that Ontario grows plenty of beans … although apparently mostly white pea beans.

Portobello Mushrooms in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

I've made this recipe three times now. First, because these are a mushroom lover's dream — spice blackened meaty portobellos smothered in a zesty, creamy mushroom and fenugreek leaf sauce. I also wanted to test the recipe a few times to get it right and my first attempts at photos were not up to par because of poor lighting. This set of photos I think relays a better idea of the dish.

Skinny Masala Biscuits

Savory quick breads are one of my specialties and I think I have a new favorite. Considering how much I enjoy all things Indian, it's not surprising these ones pack a bit of heat. Not quite a cracker and not exactly a biscuit, these savory spicy delights are just the ideal accompaniment to go along with your favorite curry or if you please, a snack all on their own. They are that good with all of the glorious seasoning and spice. I even enjoyed them for breakfast. They have a somewhat flaky texture with a bit of a crunch. You can roll them a bit thinner if you want them a bit crispier.

Zesty Green Pea and Jalapeño Pesto Pasta

If you're looking for a simple and tasty way to take advantage of the last offerings of the fresh garden pea harvest, this pasta dish is loaded with flavor from a zesty and lemony pesto made from peas, plenty of fresh herbs, lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and a jalapeño for a nice little added kick. Fresh garden peas are also tossed in with the pasta to present a beautiful and colorful plate with that wonderful burst of sweet green pea goodness popping in your mouth. It's a great way to enjoy the end of the summer, and best of all, it takes little time for preparation and cooking, and is delicious served either hot off the stove or cold as a salad.

Herbed Sour Cream and Yogurt Mini Biscuits

If you are looking for a rich buttery biscuit, then look no further than these cute little sour cream and Greek yogurt biscuits made in a mini muffin tin. Light and fluffy, they are not for those on a diet however. I suggest making them when you are sharing dinner with family or friends because I speak from experience when I say the temptation to eat more than two is awfully hard to resist.